QUESTION: Can you keep a Christmas tree alive all year? Is there a tree that I can plant afterwards? -Tom B.
ANSWER: Indeed, there are Christmas trees available which can be kept alive and planted in the yard after the holidays are over. If you want a living Christmas tree that will look beautiful all year long, look for a potted, living Christmas tree instead of a cut tree to decorate your home this year.
Potted, living Christmas trees come with the root ball still attached, which means the tree is still alive and can be planted in your yard after the holidays are over. However, keep in mind that the tree will be much heavier than your typical cut trees, and it can only be kept inside for about seven to ten days before it needs to be moved outdoors and planted in a more permanent location.
If you want to use a living tree this year, follow these simple steps to prepare for your new living tree to make the process much more convenient. First, do some research on which variety of christmas tree you want to use. Remember, this tree is gonna be on your property for centuries, so make sure you pick one that you really enjoy looking at. It’s also important to choose a tree type that is well-suited to the climate in your area. If you know that you are going to invest in a living tree in the upcoming holiday season, you have plenty of time to plan accordingly. Before the holiday season rolls around, while the ground is still nice and workable, go ahead and dig a hole for the tree to be moved into once the holidays are over.
Purchase your tree as close to Christmas as possible. Keep in mind that it is only going to be indoors for seven to ten days total, so bring it home just a few days before Christmas so that it’s in place during the appropriate time. If left inside for longer than 10 days, your tree will become used to the cozy, warm shelter, and will have trouble adjusting to life outdoors.
Once you get your living tree inside, spray it with an anti-desiccant spray to help it retain moisture. Place the tree in a waterproof container and keep one to two inches of water in the container or cover the soil with crushed ice whenever it starts to feel dry. Keep your tree away from heater vents or heating units and if possible, avoid decorating with lights, especially bright lights that transmit heat to the tree. If you must decorate with lights, opt for LED lights or a new type of light that uses low watt bulbs. After the holidays, give your tree a few days in a cool, shady area, like the garage, so that it can get reacclimated to cold weather again before it is replanted outside.
To the best of my recall, roots spread greatly for any evergreen, UNLESS you buy a miniature or dwarf variety. Check with the garden shop or other seller in case some root pruning is needed to keep it in bounds. Most times a regular live tree would want to be transplanted into the ground, then roots have room to grow and spread. Not what you want here. Good Luck. By the bye… fir or spruce would be the best option. All will drop needles as time goes on, pines are perhaps the most difficult to keep in check and have a seasonal wilt too.
I am only an amateur, so discuss with your supplier – if they do not know, then turn to the books!