A Green Christmas: Buy A Live Evergreen And Plant It After The Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished traditions. For many families, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. While traditional cut trees bring their own charm, buying a live evergreen tree to use as a Christmas tree offers an eco-friendly alternative that not only enhances your holiday decor but also contributes to your landscape for years to come. It can also be a way of memorializing each holiday season. Consider the benefits of choosing a live evergreen, tips for selecting the right one, and how to successfully transition it from your living room to your yard.

The Benefits of Choosing a Live Evergreen

By choosing a live tree, you’re making an eco-friendly choice. Rather than cutting down a living tree and putting it on the curb as yard waste after the holidays, you’ll add a living tree to your yard, one that will beautify your landscaping and contribute to improving air quality and supporting local wildlife.

Having a live tree also adds a unique aspect to your holiday traditions. It encourages families to think about the lifecycle of the tree, fostering a deeper connection to nature and sustainability.

Finally, after the holidays, a live tree can serve as a lasting memory of your Christmas celebrations. Each year as it grows, it becomes a living reminder of family traditions and shared moments.

Choosing the Right Live Evergreen

When selecting a live evergreen for your Christmas tree, there are several factors to consider:

Species Selection: Various species of evergreens make excellent Christmas trees and have proven to grow well in the Midwest. Some popular choices include:

• Fraser Fir: Known for its lovely shape and fragrance, it has strong branches that hold ornaments well.
• Norway Spruce: This tree has a classic Christmas tree appearance but can drop its needles more quickly, so keep that in mind.
• Eastern White Pine: This tree is appreciated for its soft needles and beautiful, airy look.
• Colorado Blue Spruce: With its distinctive blue needles, this tree adds a unique touch to your holiday decor.

Size Considerations: Before purchasing, measure the space where you plan to place your tree. Remember that a live tree will continue to grow, so consider how much room it will need in your yard once planted.

Health of the Tree: Look for a tree that is healthy and vibrant. Check for:

• Fresh, green needles that are flexible and not brittle.
• No signs of disease, pests, or discoloration.
• A strong trunk and symmetrical shape.

Root Ball Preparation: Ensure that the tree is sold with an intact root ball, preferably wrapped in burlap or in a container. This will help the tree acclimate to its new environment once planted.

Preparing for the Holidays

Once you’ve selected your live evergreen, it’s time to prepare for its role as your Christmas tree.

• Acclimating the Tree: Before bringing your tree indoors, allow it to acclimate to room temperature. Place it in a cool area for a day or two. This will help prevent shock when transitioning to the warmer indoor environment.

• Watering: Ensure that your tree stays hydrated while indoors. Place it in a stand that holds water and check the water level daily. A live tree can consume a significant amount of water, especially in the first few days.
• Decorating: When it comes to decorating, opt for lightweight ornaments to avoid stressing the branches. LED lights are also a great choice, as they produce less heat and are energy efficient.
• Limit Indoor Time: To minimize stress on the tree, limit the time it spends indoors to about seven to ten days. The longer a live tree is kept inside, the more challenging it will be for it to adjust when moved back outside.

Transitioning to the Yard

After the holiday season, it’s time to plant your live evergreen in your yard. And while you may question whether it’s advisable to plant a tree during the winter, evergreens can in fact be planted year-round. While early spring is best, these are generally hardy species and can be planted in winter. Here are some steps to ensure a successful transition:

• Choosing the Right Location: Select a spot in your yard that offers adequate sunlight, good drainage, and ample space for growth. Consider how tall and wide the tree will become over the years.

• Preparing the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread out and establish themselves in the surrounding soil. It may be easier to dig the hole when temperatures are warmer, but if you do so, be certain to enclose the hole to prevent anyone from stumbling into it and being injured.
• Planting the Tree: Remove the tree from its container or burlap, being careful not to disturb the roots too much. Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets.
• Watering and Mulching: Water the newly planted tree thoroughly to help settle the soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Care After Planting: Continue to water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years as it establishes itself. Fertilizing in early spring can also encourage healthy growth.

Buying a live evergreen for Christmas is not just a festive choice; it’s an eco-friendly investment in your landscape and the environment. By selecting the right tree, preparing it properly for the holidays, and transitioning it successfully to your yard, you can create lasting memories while contributing to a greener future. This holiday season, embrace the joy of a living Christmas tree and enjoy the lasting legacy it brings to your home.

IS A LIVE EVERGREEN TREE RIGHT FOR YOU, YOUR HOME AND YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON? CONSULT WITH THE EXPERTS AT HANSEN’S TREE SERVICE TODAY!

Our certified arborists are experts at assessing which species of tree best meets a homeowner’s objectives and environment. Their extensive experience with hundreds of tree species can make a crucial difference when it comes to helping you decide which trees are right for you. Chances are that several species of evergreens would be an excellent choice for your next Christmas tree!

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!