As Christmas is coming, many households take beautifully decorated Christmas trees to their homes. But after Christmas holidays passes, the Christmas tree might be thrown away. Before tossing it to the curb, why not consider giving your tree a second time by replanting it in your yard or garden ? With proper care, your Christmas tree can be alive year after year. Let’s discuss when and how to replant the Christmas trees.
Choose a Good Christmas Tree
Not every cut Christmas tree can survive replanting. The best choices are trees with healthy root systems. Look for flexible branches and pliable needles – these signs mean it is still full of moisture. Avoid trees with dried sap at the cut base.
Small, thin trees under 5 feet tall have the best odds for replanting success. Their small root balls make transplantation easy. Larger trees suffer more transplant shock. Also, make sure to choose a variety suitable for your climate zone as well.
When to replant your Christmas tree ?
Time is critical. You’ll want to replant your tree as soon as possible after Christmas to minimize stress. Avoid letting the tree dry out before replanting. The key is getting the root ball back into moist soil quickly.
Prepare the Planting Area in Advance
Choose a permanent spot with amended soil to give your Christmas tree the best start. Select a site that matches the tree’s sun and moisture needs. Dig the planting hole at least 2 weeks in advance so the soil can settle.
Carefully Dig Up the Root Ball
Carefully dig around the base to extract the root ball completely intact. Gently loosen and shake off excess soil. Wrap the root ball in burlap or a trash bag for transportation. Keep the soil moist until it’s back in the ground.
Replant Properly to Avoid Shock
As a planting rule of thumb, the hole should be dug about the depth of the root ball and 1.5 to 2 times the diameter, plant the tree in the soil. Refill the hole with enriched soil and tamp it down gently to prevent air pockets. Stake the tree for stability while it establishes. Water generously for the first weeks.
Protect the tree root
Next, shovel in the saved backfill. Tamp it in well with the end of your shovel; if air gets in during winter, it will freeze-dry the roots.
Be sure to water well—really soak it down—and then mulch with the ground bark. The mulch helps avoid wide fluctuations in soil temperature and conserves moisture.
Provide Ongoing Care
Monitor soil moisture and water when needed. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture. Check for insect pests or diseases and address any found early. Be patient through transplant – it may take times for your Christmas tree to thrive.
A safety precaution
Covering the hole with a sturdy board to prevent the possibility of someone tripping or tumbling in.
Consider a Living Christmas Tree
If replanting a Christmas tree is complicated to you, consider buying a living potted or balled-and-burlapped Christmas tree instead. Another option is to choose a living Christmas tree that can be rented. Many organizations now offer rental services where you can lease a potted tree for the holiday season. They can be planted into the landscape immediately after the holidays. Choose a variety suited for outdoor growing in your climate.
Conclusion
With proper selection, care, and timing, your Christmas tree can survive replanting after the holidays. You’ll enjoy watching it grow over years, saving money on future trees.