How to Plant a Living Christmas Tree

Co-authored by Matt Bowman

Last Updated: October 9, 2021 References

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Choosing a live Christmas tree over a cut one can be a rewarding, environmentally friendly decision. Not only do you get to enjoy a beloved holiday tradition, but you can replant the tree when you’re done and enjoy it for years to come.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Caring for Your Tree Indoors

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Check the root ball for damage. Move the tree gently side to side and be sure the root ball moves with the trunk as you do this. The base of the trunk should not move around inside the root ball, which is indicative of damaged roots.^{[1]
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Research source} If this is the case, you should not attempt to plant your tree because it is unlikely to survive.
- The only way to replant a Christmas tree is to purchase one that still has a root ball. You can't replant a cut Christmas tree.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Matt Bowman
  Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Limit the amount of time your tree is indoors. Buy your living Christmas tree as close to Christmas as possible, and plant as soon as possible afterwards. The longer your tree stays inside, the more it’s exposed to drying conditions that will weaken it.
- You'll have the best chance of success if you plant it within 6 weeks of bringing the tree home.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Matt Bowman
  Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Consider lightly decorating the tree, rather than covering it with lights and ornaments, to minimize the wear and tear before you move the tree to its outdoor location.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Matt Bowman
  Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
Near a window is best so it can still receive light and cool air, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Avoid putting it near a heating vent, fireplace, or stove.
Daily watering is necessary to keeping your tree healthy. Try putting ice cubes on top of the root ball daily to achieve a more gradual and steady watering as they melt.^{[5]
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5
Move your tree to a sheltered outdoor space. Allow your tree to acclimate back to the cold after spending 1-2 weeks inside your warm home. Place it outside, in a cool sheltered spot like a front or back porch and leave it there for about a week.^{[6]
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- Continue watering it daily during this time.
6
Choose an open, sunny planting spot. Research the type of tree you have and its growth potential. Make sure it won’t outgrow the spot you choose for it. Look for a sunny spot that’s several feet from your house or any fencing since roots and limbs could eventually cause problems for these structures.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Christmas trees tend to thrive best at higher altitudes, and they may not be as suited to an urban area.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Matt Bowman
  Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Digging the Hole

In colder climates, the ground will freeze if you wait until Christmas to dig the hole, so plan ahead and do this in the fall.^{[9]
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Research source} If you’ve waited too long to dig and the ground is already frozen, try pouring boiling water onto the spot and then digging.
Using a shovel, dig a hole twice as wide as the size of the root ball to give the roots a chance to spread.^{[10]
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Research source} But don’t go any deeper than the height of the root ball, since you don’t want it too far below the soil level. Having it slightly higher than the soil around it will help with drainage.^{[11]
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Don’t dispose of any of the dirt you dig out of the hole. You’ll be using this later to fill the hole back in. It can be left outside under a tarp or placed in a garage or shed.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Planting Your Tree

The root ball of your tree may have been wrapped in burlap or plastic, so be sure nothing remains wrapped around it when you’re ready to plant.^{[12]
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This may require two people depending on the size of your tree. Try to get it as close to centered as possible inside the hole you dug. Hold it upright so it doesn’t fall over before you can fill in the hole.
Shovel the soil you dug out of the hole back into the empty spaces around the root ball of the tree. Tamp the soil gently, but don’t pack it in tightly.^{[13]
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Moisten the soil around the tree with a hose or watering can. You do not need to use any sort of fertilizer – just plain water will do.
Add a couple inches of mulch around the base of the tree as an insulating layer.^{[14]
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Research source} You can also gather old leaves and place them on top of the soil for a similar effect.
Observe the tree for the rest of the winter season. If your winter conditions are dry, occasionally water the tree to keep moisture near the roots. Once the spring growing season begins, water the tree regularly if you aren’t getting a lot of rain.^{[15]
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Research source}
Place one or two stakes around your tree – away from the roots but still within the mulched area. Tie the tree to the stakes using a flexible material like canvas straps. The stakes can be removed after about a year.

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Expert Q&A

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Question

How long can I keep my Christmas tree inside if I want to plant it outside after Christmas?

Matt Bowman
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden
Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Matt Bowman

Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden

Expert Answer

The only way to keep a Christmas tree ready to be planted outside is to purchase a tree with a root ball, and keep it inside for no more than 6 weeks. However, success can still be spotty, just due to wear and tear from decorating the tree and then the process of planting it outside.

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Can I plant a Christmas tree near my house?

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Yes. Just make sure it's far enough from your house it won't destroy the foundation of your home.

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Will my tree survive if it's losing needles?

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Lots of trees do lose needles, but most survive.

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Tips

If you live in an apartment, or have no space to plant outdoors, you can buy a smaller sized living tree, plant it in a suitable container and keep it on the terrace, deck, or patio and bring it indoors for the following Christmas.

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