Year Round Care for your Living Christmas Tree

So the family decided to try something new and better for the environment with a living Christmas tree this past year, only you don’t know what to do now. Caring for and keeping a living Christmas tree alive is part of the choice to go green. So, you don’t want to allow it to die halfway through the year due to neglect or a lack of knowledge about what its needs are. Caring for your tree actually begins before you even bring it home. If you selected a tree based on what was readily available without any prior knowledge, rest assured that trees are very sturdy and capable of surviving a lot.

The following are tips for year round care for your living Christmas Tree

Pick What Grows Near You

Caring for your Christmas tree really does begin when you begin looking for the perfect tree to bring home. When you purchase a cut or fake tree you are always going to look for a tree that is full and the perfect fit for your home. In the case of a living tree, you need to remember that there are going to be imperfections but also that a tree that is native to the area will survive longer in the weather and growing conditions that it will find itself in after Christmas.

Pot for the Year

If your tree is already potted for the indoors, find it a short term home in a larger pot that you are going to be able to water, fertilize and allow room for roots to spread out in. Potting needs to be done before your tree fills in the current pot it is in. Most of the time the current pot will be small, due to it being placed in your home. Repot as soon as possible after the holiday is over, but in general, trees need to be potted every two to three years and it is best done in the spring.

Water and Fertilizer for Your Tree

Potted plants need extra care because they rely on you for all their water and food needs to be met. Watering needs to be done weekly and fertilizer and plant food should be added regularly during the normal growing season from spring till fall.

Take Your Tree Outdoors

From spring till fall your tree can be kept outdoors, but even before then it is a good idea to introduce your tree to the elements on clear days. Sun and fresh air are good for the health of your tree and you will see an improvement and help keep it alive till it can be planted in the ground or till the summer when you keep it outdoors full time.