I often chuckle each November (and now even in October) as I am berated with the daily Christmas advertisements, seemingly earlier and earlier each year. On my phone, on the TV, in the papers, on the radio stations, via email – literally everywhere. So here I am (my sincere apologies), talking about Christmas in November! Please find some forgiveness since this is an ideal time to bring up live trees as you weigh your options for this year’s Christmas tree.
Procuring a live Christmas tree over the holidays is an easy way to enjoy a beautiful tree indoors that can then be planted in your garden, allowing you to continue to admire that holiday treasure long term. I am not talking “cut” trees this time, although there is nothing wrong with those, but rather a real tree - potted up roots and all, ready to be cultivated after the holidays. There are literally endless options of conifers to utilize in this manner and following some simple practices will help them thrive both inside and then outdoors too.
There are a number of factors that will either help your live tree, or conversely cause it to struggle. Below are some points I consider worthy of some thought and planning as you make your live tree selection.
Timing/Acclimation: Allowing your tree to acclimate is crucial to success. Some of us prefer a cooler house, even in winter, while others may like a touch of the tropics instead. The outside temperature is also a huge factor. It is important to place your live tree in a non-heated location first for an adjustment period of at least two days (perhaps even up to 5 days), depending on the difference between current outdoor conditions and those at which you keep your house. This can be a garage, a covered porch, shed, the barn, anywhere that is a bit cooler than the house but warmer than outdoors. Then it can be brought indoors for 7 to 10 days at most, NOT for weeks on end! After that, back to that cooler location for 2 to 3 days IF it is freezing outdoors. If it is not currently freezing, I would take that tree right outside and it will be fine to plant immediately.
Location: Once indoors, you want to keep your specimen as cool as possible. I would never place one near a heating vent, or fireplace – just like a “cut” tree. Away from a sunny window is also the safest. You could even keep one kind of outside, on a patio or porch, where you can view it and enjoy it from indoors. Keeping it outside would eliminate the acclimation period I described above.
Lighting and Decorating: I would focus on LED lighting on live trees and avoid warmer types – again cool is the rule. Depending on which specie you are using, be careful with your ornament selection. Lighter weighted ones will always keep branches from sagging. Feel free to show some style and maybe even some old-school popcorn strands, fruit loops on a string or tinsel could be a fun, festive way to go. Now that brings back some childhood memories…
Watering: It is crucial to keep your tree well watered to avoid any desiccation. Water it when acclimating it and then keep checking it daily while it is inside. Sometimes some ice cubes placed on the soil surface every day or two is the way to go, creating your very own homemade drip irrigation system, to some extent. This also leads to an important point… no one wants stains on their hardwood floors, carpeting or furniture from watering indoors. Get a quality saucer under it to collect excess water and avoid the mess.
Container: Live trees will come in a plastic pot, just like all trees and shrubs. You can easily dress up this pot with a simple tree skirt or wrap, even something rustic chic like burlap and some ribbon can look sharp. I might suggest placing the entire tree pot into a nicer pot, something perhaps red or even metal, to both protect the floor and dress the tree up a bit. If a lighter weight/smaller tree is the choice, then it could even be placed on a stand, short table or something else to raise it up a bit.
Selection: There are endless options for conifers to use as an indoor living Christmas tree, offering you choices in color, texture, fragrance and eventual size outdoors. Selections like Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir and others will mature into giant, stately specimens in the garden. Other species or dwarf cultivars will stay much smaller once planted. It is up to you on how you show some style and what useful plant you choose to enjoy indoors and then plant outside in your garden, maturing to the size you specifically need. Funky weeping trees are perfectly acceptable, as are ones highlighted with some yellow or blue. You could even choose one like a Dr. Seuss Whoville tree, filled with funky character that would make Cindy Lou Who proud. Smaller miniature options can also work nicely as a table topper for an apartment or condo. The point is simply this, you do you and choose a cool conifer that will bring a smile to your face this Christmas, inside and then continued on as you see it outdoors for years to come.
As the holiday season approaches, consider adding a live tree to your holiday plans. By doing so you are investing in a garden companion that will be added to your landscape for additional years of enjoyment. A visit to your local garden center this time of year will allow you to view some excellent options and by keeping the tips above in mind, the coniferous creature of your choosing will continue to thrive outdoors after the holidays. The color, fragrance and texture of any live tree is sure to please, root ball and all. Take a peek around the landscape to find a spot where a new tree can be planted and then pick out a suitable specimen for that spot. Speak with a Certified Professional Horticulturist about your needs and allow them to help you pick the perfect tree for you. I know it is only November, but planning ahead will allow you to secure the best tree, get it home and begin the preparation for indoor use and then subsequent outdoor planting. I am hoping you are looking forward to the holiday season, a time that is filled with the wonders of love, peace, hope and sharing. Happy Holidays to all…
