When you’re a kid, it’s easy to forget about the holidays. Tucked away in your cozy little home, you don’t have to deal with crowded stores or expensive gifts. But as an adult, it’s impossible not to notice that Christmas is just around the corner.
That’s why so many people are turning to home-grown trees for their holiday celebrations: they want something fresh and real without having to worry about traffic jams or long lines at the grocery store!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Tips on choosing the right Christmas tree for your backyard |
| Step-by-step guide on planting and caring for your Christmas tree |
| Importance of site selection and soil preparation for planting |
| Popular Christmas tree varieties for growing in your backyard |
| Maintenance and care tips for a healthy Christmas tree |
Start With A Young Plant
Start with a young tree. Before you pick up your Christmas tree at the store, it’s important to realize that they grow in various sizes.
While some older trees will be taller and have a wider trunk, others are more compact and have fewer needles on their branches. The best option for your backyard is the latter because they’re easier to care for and won’t need as much water or fertilizer.
You’ll also want to know how old your potential Christmas tree is before purchasing it so that you can get one that fits within your desired timeline for planting (see below).
If there’s no way around buying an older specimen say, if it’s all that’s left make sure to purchase something small enough so that its growth isn’t hindered by being planted too late in its life cycle!
How do I tell if my tree is young? You can tell if a pine has reached maturity by looking at its needles; while they may still be green in color with no signs of yellowing whatsoever (like those seen above), they’ll be longer than those found on younger specimens which tend to have smaller leaves overall due these same attributes when compared side-by-side against each other.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac provides an excellent guide on how to choose and grow Christmas trees. They explain the different types of trees and which ones are best suited for certain climates. This guide is a great starting point for anyone looking to grow their own Christmas tree.
Choose The Right Location
If you’re planning to plant a tree in your backyard, it’s important to choose the right location. The tree will need lots of sun and well-drained soil.
Also, avoid spots that are windswept or have a lot of shade. A good place to plant a tree is near your house: that way you can easily water it throughout the year and keep an eye on its progress!
Choosing the Right Location for Your Christmas Tree
Factors to Consider Description Sun Exposure Christmas trees typically require full sun for at least six hours a day. Choose a spot that’s unobstructed by buildings or trees. Soil Type Christmas trees grow best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soil. Drainage Good drainage is crucial for the health of your Christmas tree. Make sure the location you choose is not prone to flooding or water accumulation. Wind Exposure Plan for potential winter wind and weather, especially if you live in an area that experiences high winds or heavy snowfall. Space Christmas trees can grow up to 15 feet or more, so make sure you have enough room for the tree to reach its full height and width. This table lays out the important factors to consider when choosing the location for your Christmas tree, including sun exposure, soil type, drainage, wind exposure, and space. By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your tree has the best chance of thriving in your backyard.
Give It Plenty Of Water
The watering method depends on the type of tree you have,” says [your friend]. “If it’s potted, use a watering can with a long spout and water around the root ball. If it is planted in soil, water as deeply as possible.
Savvy Gardening has a comprehensive article on growing your own Christmas tree. The article covers everything from choosing the right variety of tree to planting and caring for it. This is a must-read guide for anyone who wants to grow their own tree.
Resist The Urge To Prune Your Tree For The First Couple Of Years
Resist the urge to prune your tree for the first couple of years. It’s tempting, because you want it to look nice and neat.
But if you cut off too much in the wrong place, it could kill your dear little spruce. Hold off on any major pruning until after its second year in your yard—and even then, proceed with caution: just make sure the branch won’t be compromised by its location or direction once it grows back together again before taking action!
When should you start pruning? In springtime! Pruning is best done while both temperatures and sunlight are high enough that new growth will easily appear from where you’ve removed a branch or two (and don’t forget about watering!).
To shape your Christmas tree into its final form as opposed to getting rid of dead branches/adjusting size/etc., aim for removing long branches (anything over 12 inches) and short ones (those less than 6).
Leave some stubs around so that new ones can grow there instead–that way nothing looks out of place when all is said and done! Finally, avoid pruning during dormant months like January-February–you’ll just end up damaging lower branches when they’re frozen solid anyway.
Be Careful When You’re Choosing Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a valuable tool for growing your tree, but it’s important to use it properly.
Fertilizer should be applied in spring, summer and fall at the base of the tree. You can find fertilizer mixes that are specific to Christmas trees or look for a general purpose mix that will work well for other plants as well.
If you don’t know what to get, ask an employee at your local nursery or garden center for advice.
When choosing fertilizer, be careful not to overdo it—too much fertilizer can cause root damage and even death by drowning roots in excess water!
Gardening Know How has an informative article on the different Christmas tree varieties. The article explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tree, and what kind of care they require. This guide is helpful for those who want to know more about Christmas tree varieties before choosing one.
Protect Young Trees From Wind And Snow
Protect young trees from wind and snow. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it’s important to protect your tree from the harsh winter weather. You can do this by using a tarp or snow fence to block wind and keep the tree standing upright.
If you don’t have a snow fence but still want some protection from the elements, try wrapping your tree with blankets or tarps just make sure it’s not too tight so that air can get through!
You can also use shovels to remove excessive amounts of snow from around the trunk of your Christmas tree as needed.
Protecting Your Christmas Tree from Wind and Snow
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrap the Base | Wrap the base of your tree with burlap to protect it from sunscald and wind. Secure it with twine or rope, making sure the burlap goes all the way to the ground. |
| Use a Tarp or Snow Fence | If you live in an area with heavy snow or high winds, use a tarp or snow fence to protect your tree. Place the tarp or snow fence on the windward side of the tree to block the wind and help keep the tree upright. |
| Mulch | Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your tree to help insulate the roots and protect them from the cold. Make sure the mulch is not touching the trunk. |
| Water | Water your tree regularly, especially during dry winter months. Even though it may be dormant, it still needs water to survive. |
| Prune | Prune any broken, diseased, or dead branches from your tree before winter to prevent them from breaking and damaging the tree during snow or wind storms. |
This table outlines the steps you can take to protect your Christmas tree from wind and snow. By wrapping the base, using a tarp or snow fence, mulching, watering, and pruning, you can help ensure that your tree survives the harsh winter weather in your area.
Choose A Tree That Will Grow Well In Your Climate
Finally, you need to choose a tree that will grow well in your climate. If you live in the Northeast, you’ll want to choose a coniferous (evergreen) tree like Scotch pine or Norway spruce. These trees are more likely to survive harsh weather without losing all their needles during winter months.
Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees like maples and oaks tend to be better suited for southern climates where they can lose their leaves and rest until spring arrives.
If you don’t know what your hardiness zone is, there’s no need to worry I’ve included a link below where you can easily find out! Just enter your zip code and it’ll tell which zones apply where you live.
Christmas Tree Market has an extensive guide on different types of real Christmas trees. The guide explains the various types of trees, their characteristics, and their pros and cons. This guide can be useful for people who want to know the different types of trees available in the market.
Keep Your Tree Looking Its Best
So you’ve taken the plunge and planted your Christmas tree in your backyard. Now what? Here are five tips to keep your tree looking its best:
Water, water, water. You may be tempted to turn off the hose once you see that your tree has finally taken root and begun growing but don’t! Watering a newly planted Christmas tree is critical for its survival and continued health.
Your plant should be watered every other day for two weeks after planting (and even longer if there are no signs of growth).
Once it begins to show signs of life small leaves or spindly branches sprouting out of the ground adjust your watering schedule accordingly until it reaches full size (about two years).
Feed me…feed me some more! A healthy Christmas tree will grow rapidly over the first year or so; however, they can become stunted if they lack proper nutrients like nitrogen and potassium during this time period.
This is especially important if you plan on keeping the plant indoors during December because it needs those elements in order to survive under low light conditions as well as cold temperatures outside during winter months when sunlight hours decrease significantly.
Don’t Damage The Roots When You Harvest It
When you harvest your tree, take care not to damage the roots. Don’t cut it too low, and don’t cut off any of the trunk. Make sure you don’t leave too many roots on the tree when you transplant it into your backyard or garden.
This will allow for good drainage, but also for a healthier root system as time goes on.
Better Homes and Gardens has an article on popular Christmas tree varieties and what makes them special. The guide delves into the origins, characteristics, and care requirements of each variety. This guide can be helpful to choose the right tree intending to buy one.
If You Don’t Want To Cut Down Your Own Tree, You Can Buy One From Someone Who Did!
If you don’t want to cut down your own tree, then you can buy one from someone who did! You can buy a real Christmas tree from a nursery, or perhaps even find one at your local farmer’s market. Or if the weather is too cold for outdoor sales, opt for buying an artificial one at the store.
If you don’t want a real tree and prefer the convenience of an artificial one that doesn’t need watering or caretaking, consider purchasing it from a local Christmas tree farm.
These farms will also have other holiday-themed items such as wreaths and garlands if that sounds more appealing than just buying an unlit decoration in December.
Christmas trees are often sold in stands when they’re not being displayed on top of houses during the holidays so if this sounds like something you might be interested in doing (and it does sound fun), know that there are many different types of stands available depending on how tall or wide your trunk needs to be supported by its base before being transported home without damage!
Conclusion
There are many ways to celebrate Christmas, and growing a real tree is one of them. If you’re interested in this tradition but don’t have time to plant a tree yourself, there are plenty of online retailers that sell potted trees ready for planting.
Just make sure they are labeled “live” before buying them!
Further Reading
For more information on growing Christmas trees, check out the following resources:
Tree Newal: A comprehensive guide on growing Christmas trees, including information on different varieties, planting, care, and maintenance.
Modern Farmer: An article on growing Christmas trees, including tips on choosing the right variety, planting, care, and harvesting.
Hobby Farms: An informative article on growing Christmas trees, including information on selecting the right site, preparing the soil, planting, and caring for the tree.
FAQs
What are some popular types of Christmas trees to grow?
Some popular types of Christmas trees to grow include the Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Blue Spruce.
How long does it take for a Christmas tree to grow?
It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 years for a Christmas tree to reach maturity and be ready for harvest.
When is the best time to plant a Christmas tree?
The best time to plant a Christmas tree is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the soil is workable.
How do I care for my Christmas tree after it’s been planted?
Caring for a planted Christmas tree involves regular watering, mulching, and pruning to maintain its shape.
How do I harvest my Christmas tree?
Harvesting a Christmas tree involves cutting it using a handsaw or chainsaw, and then transporting it to your home to be set up and decorated.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
