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One of the more enjoyable Christmas traditions is replanting a living Christmas tree as an ornamental after the holiday season. Living trees are usually purchased as "balled and burlapped," indicating that roots are left intact and bundled in burlap or other cloth-type material. Following use as Christmas trees, they are planted into the landscape. Many people have tried � and failed � to replant their Christmas trees in the backyard, but with some special attention given to species selection and great care taken with the tree�s treatment, the diligent gardener can take a tree from the living room to the backyard with success. The following instructions, from the very knowledgeable folks at the North Carolina State University Extension Service, provide the necessary steps to keeping your tree alive and thriving long after the Christmas season is over.The most popular species for living Christmas trees in the Carolinas are Fraser fir, white pine, and the Norway, white, and Colorado blue spruces. All of these trees are native to either the mountains or more northern regions of the United States, thus are not generally adapted to the lower elevations of the State. Christmas tree species that are more suitable to the remainder of North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are eastern red cedar, Leyland cypress, and Virginia pine. Fraser fir grows naturally in fertile soils at elevations of 4,500 feet and above. Fraser fir will not likely survive more than a few years if planted at lower elevations. Heavy clay soils also lead to difficulties in establishing Fraser fir. Best white pine growth in North Carolina may be expected between 1,200 to 3,000 feet in elevation on cooler, north-facing slopes, in coves, and along stream bottoms. White pine has a limited life expectancy if planted in the lower Piedmont and Coastal Plain, especially on clay soils. The spruces may survive many years when planted out of their natural range, but often lack normal vigor and growth. Norway spruce usually performs better than the other spruces when planted on marginal sites, but does best in cool, moist areas. Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, and eastern red cedar are all suitable for the Piedmont and Coastal Plain areas of North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. These species are adapted to a wide variety of sites and tolerate warmer climates. However, they require more shaping than the "mountain" species to retain their Christmas tree appearance. Unfortunately, trees replanted after holiday use often do not survive or grow well. Most problems can be traced to one of three major factors. First, a tree species is selected that is not adapted to the environment where the tree is planted. Second, too large a tree is purchased which then suffers a greater degree of transplant shock than do smaller trees. Third, prior to replanting, trees become too dry through the owner's failure to maintain adequate moisture around the roots. Trees to be replanted should not be larger than five to six feet in height to provide for a sufficient root ball and to facilitate handling. Once selected, trees must be properly maintained. For use during the Christmas season, trees should be placed in a cool spot in the house, away from heat or direct sunlight. Heat-generating electric lights should not be used for decorations. Reducing home thermostat settings a few degrees can also slow the rate of drying. Trees also have a better chance of survival if not left in the house for more than a week. The root ball of a living Christmas tree should be kept moist (but not soaked) when out of the ground. It often helps to spray a water mist on the needles, if that can be done without getting water on undesired areas or on electrical decorations. One technique for watering living trees while they are displayed indoors is to periodically distribute crushed ice over the top of the root ball. The root ball may also be wrapped with heavy plastic with the top open while the tree remains in the house. This technique allows for watering the tree without allowing water to reach the floor or table. Care should be taken not to over-water any tree. Before planting, the tree can be conditioned by placing it outside in a moderately cool area for a week or so. To plant, an area four to five times the size of the root ball should be tilled to a depth of 6 inches. A planting hole the same diameter and slightly shallower than the root ball is recommended. Natural burlap can be left around the roots, but treated burlap or nylon should be removed. After planting, two to three inches of mulch over the disturbed area is beneficial. The tree should be watered after planting, but fertilizer application is best done in the spring after the tree has started to grow. The above procedures are considered the minimum required to establish a living Christmas tree into the landscape. Other cultural practices are necessary if the planted tree is to thrive in its new environment. These practices include soil management (mulching, irrigation, fertilization, etc.), insect and disease identification, evaluation and control, and periodic shaping to maintain the "Christmas tree" look. A significant amount of dedication is required by the homeowner if a living Christmas tree is to be established and grown. However, individuals who are successful can point with pride at their efforts, which will always remind them of a past holiday season. (Images provided by Art's Nursery.)
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