Enjoy your evergreen indoors for the holidays, then let it add beauty to your landscape for decades. Follow these tips to successfully make the transition.
Know your Zone: Give your landscape a tree that will survive the conditions where you live. First, know your Hardiness Zone, and make sure to choose a tree or shrub that is hardy in your Zone. If you live in Zone 5, for example, choose a tree with a hardiness rating of 5 or below.
Check the roots: Gently pull the tree out of its container and examine the roots before purchase. A few roots should be visible on the edge of the soil ball. The roots should not be densely circling the soil ball. A dense mat of circling roots indicate the tree has been in the pot too long and will not transplant into the landscape well.
Hose it: Once you’ve picked a tree and brought it home, leave it in a sheltered area such as under a covered porch or a larger tree canopy to help the tree adjust to a change in environment. Hose the tree down once and shake off any loose needles before bringing it indoors.
Containers: Leave the tree in the container you purchased it in. You don’t want to combine transplanting shock with taking the tree indoors. If the container isn’t all that pretty, drop it into a larger glazed ceramic pot or metal bucket for the holidays. If you pick one without a drainage hole, the container can also catch excess water.
Where to place your tree: Living trees are happiest with cool temperatures and bright, outdoor light. Bring your tree indoors for no longer than 10 day stretches and choose a sunny spot away from any heat vents. You can also place your tree outside your doorstep for a few days to give it a break from the heat and limited light indoors.
Decorations: For lighting, select lights that do not generate heat. LED lights are an excellent choice for lighting up a living Christmas tree. They are cool to the touch, and keep the tree from becoming overheated. Living Christmas trees can handle the usual assortment of ornaments, garland, and other decorations. However, it is best to keep from overloading the branches in excess. Too many decorations can bend and break the limbs.
Water regularly: Potted trees indoors will dry out more quickly than those in your garden. Water daily and top-dress the soil with some mulch to help prevent water loss through evaporation.
After Christmas: Don’t plan to plant your living tree right after the holiday in Zones 6 and lower. The tree is unlikely to survive the cold temperatures and drying winter winds. Instead, place it in an unheated garage or porch and water it regularly until it can be planted outside in early spring.
