How to Care for a Live Christmas Tree

Be sure to treat your live Christmas tree with comfort and joy

So, you want to go with a live Christmas Tree this year?  Excellent choice!  You’ll not only enjoy the holidays with a festive tree, but if you care for it properly, you can replant it in your yard, or donate it to a local park.  Many people enjoy potted trees instead of the cut varieties.  You can minimize waste (even recycling trees takes energy) and help the environment by adding a tree to the landscape, come January.

For a green Christmas tree, a live version is a top choice!

But you cannot simply buy a live tree and expect it to last through the holidays.  If you follow these tips to care for a live Christmas tree, however, you’ll improve your chances of having a healthy specimen at the end of your celebrations.

A live Christmas tree is a gift to last many years

In order to keep a live Christmas tree alive, you’ll first need to choose a species that does well indoors.  Several varieties of fir trees are good choices – my personal favorite is the White Fir, which looks particularly festive this time of year!  Select one that will fit well in your home or living space because you won’t be able to excessively trim it!  Of course, a living Christmas tree needs an appropriate container in which it can be watered frequently.

Plan ahead for your live tree.  It will need to be acclimated for a 3-4 days inside a garage, or another space which is warmer than outdoors, but not as warm as the inside of your home.  Also, you cannot expect your Christmas tree to live more than 7-10 days indoors, even with regular watering.  A live tree simply cannot be up for the entire month of December!

Live trees don’t enjoy the warmth of a fireplace, stove or heating vents.  They prefer cool LED lights, as well. Water wisely, without drowning your tree.  Experts suggest using ice cubes or snow to melt and provide a steady stream of water.  Otherwise, decorate and enjoy as you would any other Christmas tree!

After the holidays, you’ll need to allow a few days’ acclimation in your garage again, before replanting.  You may want to dig a hole 2-3 days before you plant the tree, making sure to pick a day when the ground is not frozen!  Follow general planting instructions for typical trees in your region.  Now, you’ll be able to enjoy your Christmas tree for many years to come!

Happy Holidays!