Dig in Now to Plant a Living Tree

Alaskan Cedar 'Soft Serve'
(Chamaecyparis nookatensis)
(Michigan State Univ/R Finnerman) 

Whether it’s your budget, commitment to the environment or desire to keep holiday memories alive, you’ve decided to forego a cut holiday tree for a living tree. What’s the difference between a cut tree and living tree? According to Rebecca Finneran, Michigan State University Extension, it’s “roots, of course.”

Living trees can be planted in your yard after the holidays and are available as container-grown plants or balled-and-burlapped plants. Although the decorations are stowed away, the growing tree is a living reminder of your holiday but planning and care are needed to keep those memories alive for many years.

Planning ahead is critical. Select a species that is well-suited to growing in your area. Mike Kusko, Franklin County Master Gardener, agrees that good choices for  South Central Pennsylvania are Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce.

Ball & Burlap
(Photo: Hampton Gardener-27East/A.Messinger)

Choose a manageable size - root balls are heavy –which usually means 3 to 4 feet. Remember that the indoor height of the tree will include the root ball and you will need to provide a container to allow for watering. Make sure that the tree will fit into your landscape. Most trees used as Christmas trees will eventually reach heights of 40 to 60 feet.

Have a holding area for the tree if you purchase it early.  Living trees can stay in the house for only a brief period. Longer periods in a home can lead to death of the tree.

Dig the hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide before the ground freezes and cover it up with mulch, leaves or straw. If you wait, you may need Goliath and a pickax to get it in the ground. Allow your tree to acclimate to outdoor temperatures gradually by placing it in an unheated garage or shed for several days before planting.

Dig the hole correctly.
(Photo: joegarden.com/ Joe Lamp'l)

Once inside, warm indoor temperatures can break the tree’s dormancy, signaling tender buds to grow. A subsequent late December planting will expose those newly unfolding buds to killing winter temperatures. This is another reason that the indoor stay is restricted to about 10-14 days. If you want to keep your tree in the house until the New Year, don’t plan on bringing it in until December 17.

The root ball must remain moist while in the house, using as much water as a fresh-cut tree. You may chose to put it in a bucket or container. It is best if that has drainage holes and a sauce beneath it. Check water levels daily. Don’t locate the tree near a heat source such as a fireplace or stove which will cause drying. Make sure lights are turned off when not needed. Take care not to damage the trunk bark or break branches.

Keep the tree well watered
(Photo:GrowingFamily.co.uk/ Catherine Hughes)

Allow your tree to acclimate to outdoor temperatures by moving it back to the holding area. On a mild day, place the tree into the hole. Remove the burlap. Backfill with excavated soil and tamp gently. Water deeply as this can help eliminate air pockets under the root ball. Finish the job by covering the top of the soil with a 3-inch layer of mulch or compost to insulate and protect the roots. If we have a mild winter with little snow cover, check your tree often to see if it needs watering.

CKagan, Master Gardener

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Buy one for yourself and consider getting a few more as the winter holidays approach – hostess gifts, housewarming and holiday presents.

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.