Growing a Christmas tree is not only an enjoyable hobby, but it’s also an environmentally friendly way to save money on your Christmas gifts. Caring for a pot-grown Christmas tree can be a rewarding experience for you and your tree. You’ll have a healthier tree and know more about how to care for it than if you had bought one at the store.
With just a few simple steps, you can have your own pot-grown Christmas tree that will last for years. Let’s get started.
How to Plant and Care For a Christmas Tree
Here are a few tips and best practices to help you grow and care for your Christmas tree regardless of its specie.
1. Choose A Suitable Pot
The pot size will depend on how tall you want your tree to be. A good rule of thumb is to use a pot at least one inch larger in diameter than the root ball and make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom. For example, if your tree has a root ball that is 6 inches deep, then you should use a 7-inch deep pot.
If you use a container with drainage holes in the bottom, fill it with gravel or rocks first to help keep the soil from washing away when watering.
You may also consider using a decorative pot with small holes in the bottom so water can drain out but air doesn’t get sucked into them. Most sellers include the pot.
2. Choose A Suitable Christmas tree Species
There are many different types of Christmas trees, but not all are suitable for indoors. Some species do better than others when kept under lights in your home during the holidays.
When choosing which type to purchase, consider how much light they will receive and what temperature range they can tolerate. You should also consider how easy it is to keep the tree watered and whether you have room for multiple pots. The most popular Christmas tree species include, Fraser, Nordman and Spruce.
Fir trees are generally more accessible to keep alive than other species. They also retain their needles longer than any other type of Christmas tree. The drawback is that they tend not to have a powerful scent. Consider an evergreen like pine or cedar if you want a genuinely fragrant specimen.
3. Plant Your Tree Well
You can plant your tree any time. If you wait until after Christmas, chances are good that you won’t be able to find one at all.
Most nurseries stock up on their Christmas trees in late summer and early fall, so if there aren’t any left by mid-November, it’s probably too late.
Once you bring home your new tree, set it up in a bucket of water for a few days before planting it so that its roots have time to adjust to their new environment.
4. Moisture Is Key
Moisture is the most crucial factor in keeping your Christmas tree healthy. You should water it daily to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet.
If you live in a dry climate, your Christmas tree will need plenty of water. If you don’t have a stand that holds water, consider using a reservoir that automatically refills itself when the tree needs a drink.
You should also check the soil daily to ensure it stays moist but not soggy. The best way to check this is by sticking a finger into the dirt. You’ll also need to keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces or air conditioning vents. It doesn’t have enough moisture if your tree starts dropping needles and browning leaves.
5. Add Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a great way to keep your Christmas tree healthy and strong. Use a slow-release fertilizer, which comes in granular or liquid form.
You can find soil-based fertilizers at any garden store. You can also make your own organic fertilizer by mixing compost with organic material such as coffee grounds, tea leaves or eggshells.
A few handfuls of compost should be enough for a small tree. You can also buy compost from a local nursery. If you add fertilizer, make sure to water your tree regularly after applying it.
6. Pest Control
A Christmas tree is an inviting home for many insects and pests. You can keep them away by hanging a few strands of garlic cloves around the trunk and placing mothballs or cedar chips with the tree’s roots.
You also might want to consider spraying your tree with an insecticidal soap before adding water. If you’re using this method for the first time, test a small area of your tree for resistance. If you notice any discoloration or damage to the plant, don’t use this method again.
It’s always a good idea to check for pests before bringing your tree home. If you notice any signs of infestation, take it back immediately and find another one.
Why Choose A Pot Grown Christmas Tree?
Growing a living Christmas tree in a pot is a great way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. You can keep the tree alive for years with the proper care.
There are many reasons why it’s best to purchase a living tree rather than one that has been cut down. For example, trees that are grown locally use fewer resources during shipping and have less of an impact on the environment. Furthermore, every time you plant a tree, you contribute to Earth by giving back to nature.
There are also several advantages to choosing a pot grown tree over one planted in the ground. Pot grown Christmas trees can be placed anywhere in your home or yard.
Pot grown trees also last longer than their cut counterparts because they haven’t suffered damage from being cut down recently or left outside in cold temperatures before being brought inside your house.
Can You Keep A Pot-Grown Christmas Tree?
With the proper care, pot-grown Christmas trees can last for many years. However, it might become too large to fit in your home. If you want to keep a pot-grown tree for more than one Christmas, you should consider planting it in the ground. This will allow it to grow large enough to last for many years.
How Long Do Pot-Grown Christmas Trees Last?
The exact length of time depends on how you care for it. If your tree has been professionally cared for, it can last just as long as one grown in the ground. If you want to keep your tree for as long as possible, the most crucial thing is to keep the tree watered and outside. A dried-out tree will die faster than one that’s well hydrated. You must also keep it in an excellent, dark spot away from windowsills or heaters.
In Conclusion
While it may seem like a pain to deal with all of these things, it’s worth the effort. You’ll be able to enjoy your tree for many years to come, and everyone will love it! Christy Kavanagh is a distributor of pot-grown Christmas trees in Ireland. Contact here to make an enquiry.
