Bringing the Outdoors In: Caring for Potted Christmas Trees This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time to embrace tradition, and what better way to celebrate than by incorporating a live, potted Christmas tree into your home decor? A potted or balled-and-burlapped (B&B) Christmas tree not only adds a festive touch but also offers the promise of a long-term addition to your outdoor landscape. By following some essential care tips, you can enjoy your tree indoors and then plant it outside to thrive for years to come.
Why Choose a Potted or Balled & Burlapped (B&B) Christmas Tree?
Live Christmas trees are a sustainable and rewarding choice. With proper care, they can continue to grow and provide beauty long after the holiday season. At Mahoney’s, we offer a beautiful selection of live trees including:
– Blue Spruce: Known for its striking silvery-blue needles and sturdy branches.
– Nordmann Fir: A popular choice for its soft, dark green needles and excellent needle retention.
– Alberta Spruce: A smaller, slow-growing variety perfect for compact spaces.
Sizes range from smaller Alberta Spruce in pots to larger 6 to 7-foot Blue Spruce specimens.
Alberta Spruce at Mahoney’s in Winchester, MA.
Care Guidelines for Your Potted or B&B Christmas Tree
To ensure your tree thrives both indoors and outdoors, follow these essential care tips:
Indoor Timeframe
– Limit the time your potted or B&B tree spends indoors to 8 to 10 days maximum. Extended exposure to warm indoor conditions can harm the tree’s health by disrupting its dormancy.
Outdoor Storage
– When not displayed indoors, store your tree in a cold outdoor environment to maintain its dormancy. Ensure the root ball or pot remains moist but not waterlogged.
Transitioning Outdoors
– After the holidays, transition your tree gradually back to outdoor conditions. Avoid moving it directly from a warm indoor space (e.g., 70°F) to freezing temperatures (e.g., 30°F at night). Place it in a sheltered, cooler location like a garage or unheated porch for a few days before moving it outdoors.
Planting Your Tree
Planting your tree in the ground after the holidays ensures its long-term survival. Keep these considerations in mind:
Plan Ahead
– If you plan to plant your tree, dig the planting hole in November or early December while the ground is still workable. Cover the hole with mulch or straw to prevent it from freezing.
Avoid Interrupting Dormancy
– Trees brought indoors and outdoors repeatedly can suffer from interrupted dormancy, which is often fatal. Limit this movement as much as possible.
A Sustainable Holiday Tradition
Choosing a live tree for Christmas is a beautiful way to celebrate the season sustainably. With thoughtful care and planning, your potted or B&B Christmas tree can transition from a festive centerpiece to a cherished part of your outdoor landscape. If you have questions or need assistance, visit us at any of our 7 locations, and our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help you make your holidays merry and bright!