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Thinking about making the switch from a fresh-cut tree to a potted Christmas tree? Buying or renting a living tree for the festive season is great; it can even improve the likelihood that your pine tree lasts until New Year's Eve.
That said, compared to cut trees, there are still some specific things to keep in mind for its health and vitality:
Benefits of Buying (or Renting) a Potted Tree
- A sustainable option for the eco-minded family
- Less likely to experience needle loss
- Low-maintenance alternative
- Great for small indoor spaces
- Replanting the tree in your yard can become a great tradition
What size pot do I need for living Christmas trees?
The pot should be 2-4 inches wider than the root ball and have drainage holes in the bottom.
A 5-6 foot tree might need a 15-20 gallon container. Remember that larger pots hold more soil moisture but become very heavy. A tree that large could weigh upwards of 100 pounds. Plan for help moving it or use a wheeled plant dolly.
5 Steps to Help Your Potted Christmas Tree Survive the Season
1. Transition the Tree Indoors
Any abrupt change in temperature can be harmful to living plants. A properly acclimated tree will have the best chance of remaining healthy throughout the holiday celebration.
In cold climates, let the potted tree acclimate to changes in temperature before you bring it inside. Keep it in your cool garage or sheltered spot for a day, and then transition it slowly into your home. You might want to let it sit in a three-season room or cool basement for another day to limit its shock going from the cold outdoors into your warm, dry home.
2. Choose the Right Location
- Find an indoor spot that has indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight isn't good for certain tree varieties. Natural light is also better than artificial light.
- The best spot is also a cool spot. AC and heating sources, like radiators, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and heating vents, can speed up the drying process of pine needles and branches. When placing your fresh tree, make sure it is in an area of your room that allows for proper air circulation.
3. Give it Plenty of Water
Trees in potting soil can dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground, especially when indoors in a warm, dry house. Just like a high-maintenance houseplant, you'll need to water it regularly. It will also be in a larger container (with a larger saucer), so don't be surprised that it will need a larger volume of water.
Make sure that the water really soaks the root ball, not just the top surface. Water it slowly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot.
Drainage holes in the pot are necessary to decrease chances of root rot. You want moist soil. When the top inch of the soil feels dry again a day or two later, add more water to keep the tree alive.
4. Transition the Tree Back Outdoors
A container-grown tree isn't a houseplant; it'll do much better if you move it outside after the holiday season.
Remember to acclimate the healthy tree back outdoors just as gradually as you did when you brought it indoors. This helps to avoid stress on the needles, branches, and root system. Leaving it in an unheated garage for a few days helps the transition.
You might choose at this point to remove the tree from its waterproof container and wrap it in a burlap sack to promote air circulation around the roots. You can also add a fresh layer of organic mulch at this time.
5. Hold Off Planting the Real Tree Until Springtime
Even in warmer climates, the roots of the pine tree may be in a state of winter dormancy (remember: the tree may have been shipped from anywhere in the country). Keep the tree outside in a shaded spot, and continue to keep the roots watered. You can pick its future planting location, but wait to plant it in late March or early April.
FAQ
How long can I keep a potted Christmas tree indoors?
Limit indoor time if possible... some experts would suggest no more than 7-10 days, but we have pushed it to four weeks.
The rationale? Living trees need cold temperatures to stay dormant during winter. Keeping them inside too long can trick them into breaking dormancy, which weakens the tree and reduces its chances of surviving when replanted.
Can I use the same potted tree for multiple years?
Sure can! But only if you plant it outdoors (or care for it in its potted state outdoors) after the holidays. The tree needs to spend most of the year in the ground or in an outdoor pot to stay healthy. Some families rotate between two or three potted trees, giving each one a year off between indoor seasons. And, what's even cooler is that potted Christmas tree rental services exist! They can handle this rotation for you if it's easier or if you don't have the space to store a large potted tree.
Will my potted Christmas tree survive after planting it in my yard?
Survival really depends on your climate zone and tree species. The first thing you need to do is which varieties grow well in your area before buying. Trees kept indoors for more than two weeks have lower survival rates.
If you're going to plant, do it in the springtime after the last frost, then water deeply through the summer, and add mulch around the base. Success rates improve significantly when you follow proper acclimation and planting procedures.
