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Tired of picking up pine needles every New Year? Living Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular for a number of reasons. Properly cared for they don’t shed their needles. They can be recycled into your landscape where they will grow for years. They don’t contribute to deforestation.
But they do present some unique challenges. If you would like a living tree this holiday season, here’s what you need to know.
Preparation: A living tree will need to be planted as soon as the holidays are over. If you live in a warm climate, you can prepare the hole the day you plant the tree. If you live in an area where the ground will be frozen after Christmas, you need to dig the hole in advance. Cover the extra dirt and the area around the hole with a six-inch layer of straw mulch to help keep the ground from freezing and cover the mulch with a tarp to keep it dry and free of snow.
Selection: Remember that your living tree will continue to grow. Don’t chose a tree that will be 50 feet tall for a foundation planting. Keep the mature size in mind when choosing a location. Also be sure to choose a species that will thrive in your area. Don’t pick a Nevada desert species for a New England landscape. When you’re looking at trees, pay attention to the condition of the needles. Don’t choose a tree with yellowing, brown or loose needles. Make sure the root-ball is firm and rounded.
Care: When you bring your tree home allow it to rest on an unheated porch or garage for a couple of days. This will help the tree make the transition to a heated area without shocking it. You’ll need to put the tree in the same place for a few days before you move it back outdoors. When you do bring the tree inside, keep it in as cool a place as possible and only light it when you are in the room. Keep the tree in a tub or barrel so you can keep its root-ball evenly moist while it is indoors, but never leave the roots in standing water. If you put sand or gravel in the bottom of the tub, you can be sure of adequate drainage.
Planting: Remember to let your tree rest in the garage for a couple of days before planting. When you’re ready to put the tree in the ground, plant it in a hole that is as deep as the root-ball and at least twice as wide. Remove any synthetic materials that may have been used to bind the roots or loosen natural containers like burlap and metal. Firm the soil as you back fill the hole and cover the newly planted root-ball with at least six inches of mulch. It’s especially important to mulch in colder areas and you can recycle the straw you used to cover the hole. Fertilize your tree in the spring and keep it well watered during its first year.
When you’re outdoors enjoying your tree next summer, don’t forget to scout a location for next year’s Christmas tree.
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