Winter Holiday News Article
Winter Holiday News Article
By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont
Do you feel a twinge of sadness when Christmas is over, and it's time to discard the tree? If you buy a live evergreen tree this year, rather than a cut or artificial one, you can plant it outdoors after the holidays to enjoy for years to come.
Trees are available at many nurseries throughout our North Country. Select one that is potted in a bushel basket or other large container or balled with burlap into a large, firm root ball.
Avoid any tree with foliage that is dried out, brittle, brown-tipped, or otherwise lacking good color.
Select a tree that is uniformly shaped on all sides without gaps or holes where branches are broken or missing. Check to see that the roots have been pruned at least twice, so the tree will survive the shock of losing a large part of its root system all in one year.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the container will add extra height and the soil ball, extra weight. So, you may want to go with a smaller tree than usual.
To transport your tree home, tie it securely to your vehicle. If possible, put it in your trunk or wrap it in a tarp or blanket to prevent wind damage. A windy ride down the road will dry out an evergreen tree, often causing the needles to turn brown and fall off.
Keep your tree outside in a shady spot out of direct wind or inside an unheated garage. Remember, the tree is in a dormant state. The trick to keeping it alive is not to break its dormancy. Water with a pail of water every two to three days.
If possible, prepare the planting hole before the ground freezes. When selecting a site, consider your overall landscape scheme and the fact that the tree will need room to grow.
Store the soil from the hole somewhere where it won't freeze. Fill the hole with leaves or hay to prevent freezing, then cover with a board to prevent accidents.
Indoors, choose a spot away from stoves, heating units, and drafts. To protect the floor, place a sheet of plastic or an upside down garbage lid under the tree. Or put the tree in a galvanized tub. Water daily, wetting the soil ball directly.
To keep your tree healthy, decorate only with small lights that will generate little heat. And don't leave the tree indoors for more than a week. Any longer, and the tree may begin to grow and can't be planted outside without severe injury.
Before you plant your tree outdoors, move it back into the garage or other sheltered area to acclimate it to outdoor temperatures. Continue to keep the soil ball moist.
Then, if you can, plant the tree during a mild period. Be sure to loosen the string around the burlap at the base of the trunk. You won't need to remove the burlap, however, as it will rot as the tree grows unless the string and burlap are the plastic-coated kind.
In late April, after all danger of frost has past, fertilize your tree with an all-purpose fertilizer. Treat it well, and it will serve as a reminder of this Christmas for years to come.
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