Christmas Decorating

Deck the Halls
Advent Wreaths
Christmas Tree
Outdoor Lighting

Caring for Your Live Christmas Tree

Water

Water the tree thoroughly and drain before placing the tree inside. It may be necessary to place a saucer or a couple of layers of plastic onto the floor where the container will sit. Alternatively, the container could be lined with plastic. Check the root ball for moisture every third day. Do not allow the root ball to dry out completely. To prevent further drying out of a life tree, keep it away from, or minimize exposure to extreme heat sources such as heat registers, fireplaces and Christmas tree light bulbs.

Indoor time

Leave a live Christmas tree indoors for the shortest possible time; we suggest from seven to ten days. This is to prevent the tree from prematurely putting on new growth which may weaken or damage it when it is placed outside in the cold. Your live tree can be displayed in a cedar planter, pot or fiber peat pot.

Planting after Christmas

Dig a large hole, fill it in with a mixture of 1/3 peat moss and 2/3 soil. Keep the root ball slightly above ground level. Do not break the root ball during handling. Do not remove the burlap from the root ball. Apply bonemeal in the hole. Set the root ball into the partially filled hole and back fill with the new soil mixture. Water while back filling to help the soil settle properly. Leave a shallow moat around the soil surface to keep the water in place. After a thorough watering, if no bonemeal was used, water in a solution of plant starter or transplanter.

Water and fertilizer

Water is necessary to keep the root ball moist; however, do not keep the soil saturated. Increase watering as dry weather comes on. Your Christmas tree can be container grown by keeping it moist during the summer months. We recommend feeding your tree with either a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote or with fish fertilizer.

Pest control

Spruce trees are particularly prone to insect attack from aphids or mites. As a preventive measure, start spraying with a recommended insecticide in February, following instructions. Frequent overhead watering during the summer months tends to discourage mites and possibly other pest problems.

This article has been provided by Mandeville Garden Centre & Floral Design.

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