Regardless of how many decorations we put or hang on our artificial Christmas Tree, they will never change the fact that it is not real. It will be broken, and you’ll have to buy a new one. The cycle continues.
Why opt for an artificial one when you can have your own live Christmas Tree? Yes, it is possible to have your own. Planting Christmas Trees is a thing, and you can do it, too. You’ll have your 6 ft Christmas tree in 5 to 12 years with the right tools, soil, and knowledge.
Introduction to Growing Christmas Trees
Planting Christmas Trees has many personal and environmental benefits. Having your own grown Christmas Tree for the holiday is just a different kind of joy. It is gratifying to know you exerted time and effort to develop it for a long time. A special day deserves a special tree.
Planting your Christmas Tree might even become a family tradition. If you have a high success rate, Christmas Tree planting could become your next business. Whatever your goal, the priority is to grow a tree for the following holidays.
Choosing the Right Tree Species
Choosing the suitable tree species to plant requires various considerations. How long does it take to grow? What’s the easiest to grow? Does this tree fit my backyard’s conditions? Will the tree you have in mind survive the climate?
The Christmas trees for planting are the following:
- Douglas Fir – Growers love this tree because it overgrows and can tolerate various soil conditions.
- White Pine – The White Pine is easy to plant and care for, especially in locations with acidic soil.
- Fraser Fir – The Fraser Fir is still relatively simple to plant and care for, though it might need a little more care with the soil’s acidity and moisture, particularly in colder locations.
- Scotch Pine – The Scotch Pine is a drought-tolerant and resistant plant with striking green needles.
- Norway Spruce – Norway Spruce is well-known for its hardiness and adaptation to different soil types.
- Blue Spruce – Blue Spruce is popular because of its beautiful blue-green hue and resistance to harsh weather, even with its spiky needles.
Necessary Tools and Materials
You’ll need the following tools and materials to plant your Christmas Trees:
- A shovel
- A watering can or a hose
- A pruner or shears
- Mulch
- Fertilizers
These things will help you plant your tree better and support its growth.
The shovel will be used to dig a comfortable home for your growing trees’ roots. You’ll need to water the trees too, using a hose or watering can, depending on which you find more convenient. The pruners or shears trim the branches to keep your trees tidy as they grow.
The Mulch is for an ideal temperature and supports your soil’s health. Lastly, the fertilizers aid in your trees’ growth.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Soil preparation for Christmas Trees is essential for healthy growth and fast maturing. As a grower, you want your soil perfect for the ideal or required condition of the tree you’re planting.
Testing Soil Quality
Testing soil quality involves checking pH levels, texture, and nutrient content. You can do this by taking a sample. This will allow you to determine what’s happening in the soil and whether it’s ideal for tree planting.
Amending the Soil
The soil testing results will tell you if there are issues you need to address. If the pH levels are the concern, you can always make some adjustments, like adding compost or manure. Fertilizers will also help.
Planting Your Christmas Tree
Planting your Christmas Tree requires you to create a particular spot for them—a place where they can thrive without problems.
Best Time to Plant
The best time to start planting Christmas Trees is in the fall or early spring to ensure that the trees have settled before the harshness of winter and summer. Considering when to plant Christmas trees is essential in ensuring their survival. Planting needs proper planning.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- First, prepare the soil and dig a hole perfect for your tree’s size.
- Make sure the tree is straight as you carefully plant it in the hole, then fill the surrounding with soil.
- Give your tree a healthy amount of water to assist your tree in adapting to its new surroundings.
Caring for Your Christmas Tree
Think of your trees as your children. By looking at this perspective, you will feel responsible for their health and growth. Caring for your Christmas trees is the most crucial step. Without proper care, they are bound to die. Stay consistent and committed to what you started.
Watering and Nutrients
Watering and providing your plants with enough nutrition will keep them alive and thriving. Like any other plant, your Christmas trees need water and nutrients to survive.
Without these, there’s no point in planting if you will let them die from dehydration and deficiency. Water the soil regularly and add fertilizers to support healthy growth and maturation.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning and shaping will significantly support your trees’ growth. Remove dead, overly long, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
Trimming the trees is caring for your plants. By shaping, you’ll reveal your Christmas trees’ pleasing silhouette and iconic triangle shape.
Protecting Your Tree from Pests and Diseases
Frequent inspection can protect your trees from pests and diseases. Look for signs such as dead branches, root rot, discoloration, needle loss, deformed growth, pests, weakness, or lesions.
Common Pests and Diseases
Our trees fight off diseases like needle cast and root rot and pests like spider mites, aphids, and adelgids, much like humans do when we have a cold or an infestation of bugs. These miscreants may weaken the trees.
Prevention and Treatment
- Providing proper care and frequent inspections
- Providing nutrients from fertilizers
- Regular watering
- Proper Pruning
- Getting rid of pests
Harvesting Your Christmas Tree
After a long wait, it’s finally time to harvest a tree! This is the most rewarding part of everything you went through to grow your own Christmas Tree.
When and How to Harvest
Knowing the proper harvest time will give you the most beautiful tree. The best time to do this is in late November and early December when the tree is in optimal condition.
- Prepare your tools
- Sharp saw
- Pruning shears
- Cut your tree. Aim for the base that is closest to the ground.
- Transfer the tree to your home.
- Prepare it for display. Trim any overly long branches to reveal their shape. Prepare for the tree stand!
- Provide water to keep the tree fresh and hydrated throughout the season.
Recycling Your Christmas Tree
Recycling your Christmas Tree is one of the benefits of growing your own. You can turn it into a mulch to give it back to nature after bringing joy and completing the spirit of Christmas into your home. As much as possible, avoid putting it to waste after the festivities.
By doing these, you’ll be able to have your own Christmas tree every season for years.
Final Thoughts
Growing your own Christmas Tree is challenging, but you’ll get the hang of it in a few weeks or months of caring for it. Remember, consistency is the key to growing healthy and beautiful trees.
Always remember why you started and always return to your goal. Eventually, you’ll find planting Christmas Trees fun and rewarding.
Please contact us at (310)276–9827 or info@mrgreentrees.com or more details about planting and growing your Christmas Tree!
Frequently Asked Questions
First, consider your climate and the space where you’ll plant your trees. If you have a specific species in mind, research whether they can thrive in your land’s and environment’s conditions. Choosing easier-to-grow Christmas Trees is recommended for first-time growers.
- Decide what tree to plant
- Prepare your tools
- Prepare the soil
- Dig the hole
- Place the tree
- Water the tree
