A Guide to Planting a Live Christmas Tree After the Season Is Over

Purchasing a live Christmas tree with a root ball is an innovative Christmas tradition to start. The tree is live, thus you do not have to be as concerned with the tree drying out, assuming you follow easy care techniques. After Christmas a tree planting party is always an exciting and fun event for the entire family. Your beautiful tree planted in your yard will bring continuous memories of the joyous Christmas season that the tree shared with your family. In addition, you will be providing not only a wildlife habitat, but also a tree that removes dust, pollen and carbon dioxide from the air.

Many commercial tree farms will have balled trees available in addition to cut trees. Look for a well shaped tree, just as you would if buying a cut tree. Keep in mind, however, that you will usually find shorter trees balled ready to buy. One downside to a balled tree is the weight. A well shaped 4 to 5 foot tall tree will weigh at least 100 pounds with the root system and soil wrapped in burlap. Plan on two people when you move the tree!

When you get your tree home, leave it in the garage or a porch for 2 or 3 days, to get the tree acclimated to a short term inside environment. Once inside, place the tree away from forced air heat registers or from radiators.

Place your tree with the root ball in a large galvanized washtub. You will want to have the tub already in place in your home before bringing in the tree. To protect your floor you may want to put an old throw rug where you will be setting the tub. Again, try not to place the tree next to heating ducts.

Stabilize the tree in the tub by using rocks or bricks pushed against the root ball. You will water your tree by putting water directly in the tub: be sure to keep water in the tub so the root ball stays moist.

If you live in the northern part of the country where the ground could be frozen after Christmas, you will want to dig a whole the size of your tree root ball before the first hard freeze. The hole should be as deep as the ball. Mark the spot with some warning tape so no one will accidently fall into the hole!

The trees grow fast and once planted require little maintenance. A friend planted one the very first year they moved into their new home. It is now taller then the house. The next year they planted their Christmas tree about 15 feet from the first one, and continued this cycle for several years. After 12 years they now a nice row of pine trees along the side of their home.