Monday, November 11, 2013

Live Christmas Trees

Today we are going to talk about the Ball and Burlap (B&B) Christmas Tree which is a tree that still has its roots attached and wrapped in burlap. This type of Christmas Tree has lost a lot of favor over the years as so many people have paid a lot of money only to have the tree die. The main reason it dies is because most people forget that this is a large living plant and has special needs to keep it alive.


Will It Grow Here  

If you are considering a B&B Christmas Tree, it is because you want to plant in in your landscape. Most trees that are used for Christmas trees are northern trees.  Look around your neighborhood and more important the empty lots and see what is growing there. If you don't see trees that look like Christmas trees then you should probably not try a B&B.


What Happens After Christmas and How to Prepare

The next thing you need to think about when buying a Ball and Burlap Tree is where you are going to plant it when the holidays are over.  This is a decision that has to be made now because a hole has to be dug before the ground freezes.  Be sure to mark the hole so that no one steps into it. If it is up near the house this may be a good place to put your large blowup lawn ornament.  A tarp over the hole will help to keep the snow out and make it easier to clear it when it is time to plant.  There are many sites to go to for instructions on how to plant but the one I found with the most complete information is from the Delaware Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Even if you decide that you don't want to plant it until spring you will need to "heal" it in. This is placing a root ball in a shallow hole (burlap and all) and covering with a layer of soil and/or a lot of straw. The nice thing about this choice is that you don't have to decide now and any shallow hole will do.  How about in the back yard near the house?  Then you will not have to schlep a large tree through the snow and nearer the house should help to protect it. 


Containers?

Now, let's talk about what you are going to put the tree in.  You will need a big, I mean BIG tub.  I found a 16 3/4 gal galvanized tub at the Home Depot which is a pretty good size. It is also silvery and you may consider keeping it that color. If you want to paint and decorate, put that on the list of things to do now.  A muck bucket is a little smaller and can come is several colors. These are a little harder to find but they are plastic and will be easier to keep nice.    

Okay, we have a hole and we have a container for in the house.  Finally, it's time to talk tree. The most common Christmas Trees are the Balsam and Fraser Fir and the White Pine but if you are looking to add to your landscape, your choices are many. Talk to your local nursery for ideas.


Care of Your Tree

When you bring your Beautiful Christmas Tree home place it in the container you chose and put it in a sheltered location that is not heated.  You will still want it to get a little light so a covered patio would be a great location. It will need to stay there for at lease a couple days before you bring it into the house to acclimate itself to warmer temperatures and less light.  Be sure that the root ball does not dry out. Next, bring the tree into the house and be sure that it is not too close to a heat source.  There are two reasons for this. One is that the heat will make the tree dry out and more important you do not want the tree to completely break its dormant cycle.  If the tree is too warm for too long it will think that it is spring and there is a greater possibility for it to freeze when it goes back outside. Plan on keeping your tree in the house and decorated for a maximum of 5 days.  While it is in the house you will not have to fertilize but be sure to mist the root ball to keep it moist.  If your decorations will allow, go ahead and mist the tree also.  It will help to keep the tree cool.  

When you are finished enjoying the Christmas Tree put it back to the cool outdoor area for a few more days before you plant it in the landscape. Follow the directions you your nurseryman gave you to plant the tree and if the ground is not frozen yet be sure to water well.

Well, that's it.  The secret of having a live Christmas Tree is to remember that it is not an indoor plant.  Enjoy it and then put it back to where it belongs.  As we get closer to Christmas we will talk about keeping a cut tree alive.  If you have any questions, please be sure to email me at houseplantsos@gmail.com.  I would appreciate any comments.  Just add them below.

Sincerely,
k.k.jones



 



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