The holiday season is upon us, and amidst all the questions you might be fielding, one that often comes to mind is, can you replant a Christmas tree? Planting your own Christmas tree is not as daunting as it sounds; the basic rules involve choosing a sunny spot and ensuring the root ball is intact.
Quick Answer: Yes, you can replant a Christmas tree, but it depends on whether the root ball is still intact and the type of tree you're planting. Also, note that a freshly cut Christmas tree without roots cannot survive. The good news is, you can replant Christmas trees using containers or plant them in your garden.
If properly cared for, a real Christmas tree should last at least five weeks or longer. So, if you decorate in late November, your Christmas tree should survive the holiday season. Each year, many trees end up discarded, and knowing how expensive they can be each year is reason enough to consider replanting to save money.
Can You Replant a Christmas Tree?
Absolutely, you can replant a Christmas tree, but it requires a considerable effort and is only fruitful if the root system is still intact.
A freshly cut Christmas tree can be replanted to regrow, but for success, you must keep the tree indoors for no more than ten days and return it outside the moment it starts looking droopy and sad.
If you plan to bring the tree indoors again next year instead of investing in a new one, planting it in a pot or container and then moving it outdoors or burying it in the garden will be much easier. A live tree should not be kept indoors for more than 12 days and should be kept away from heat sources like fireplaces or heaters but ensure adequate watering.
The most apparent way to avoid the stress of finding a Christmas tree every year is to replant it, but the only thing to be mindful of is the longer your Christmas tree stays indoors, the less likely it is to establish itself once replanted outdoors.
How to Replant a Christmas Tree
To replant a Christmas tree, you first need to purchase a live Christmas tree with a root ball that's still intact. It should ideally be covered with a burlap sack to prevent any damage to the roots. The tree needs to be in a dormant state before you can plant it, so keep it in a cold, sheltered spot for one to two weeks. Here's how to replant a Christmas tree in your garden:
- Dig a pit at the right location, about 2 feet in diameter and 18 inches deep. Ensure it's two to three times larger than the tree's root ball.
- Add some tree soil to improve and enhance the tree's health and vitality.
- Remove the burlap and other coverings from the tree's root base.
- Be sure to water it well.
However, Christmas trees with root balls can also be planted in pots. You can plant them in pots for easy transition indoors, outdoors, and back indoors.
Tips to Keep Your Replanted Christmas Tree Vibrant and Fresh
Whether you're replanting a Christmas tree or buying a live one, maintenance is crucial for keeping it vibrant and fresh throughout the holiday season. As you begin dressing your tree for the holidays, the magic unfolds, and to keep it shining for a long time, you must learn how to care for it.
Here are some tried-and-true methods to keep your Christmas tree fresh and healthy:
- Choose a healthy, vibrant tree, preferably cut using the "choose and cut" method.
- Store indoors for 5 to 7 days. If you plan for it to survive outdoors after replanting, do not keep it indoors for more than four weeks.
- Keep it away from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, and wood-burning stoves.
- Check its water level daily.
- Opt for LED lights.
- Avoid placing the Christmas tree near air vents.
- Cut it down before the trunk dries up.
Finally, lavish your tree with a bit of TLC right from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replant a small Christmas tree? Yes, you can replant a small Christmas tree if the roots are still intact. Planning it around Thanksgiving before the ground freezes increases its chances of survival, ensuring a smooth transition between indoor, outdoor, and indoor settings.
Can potted Christmas trees survive? Potted Christmas trees are known for their high survival rate if cared for properly. They can be reused year after year and are best planted in pots, but their time indoors should not exceed 2 to 3 weeks.
Are potted Christmas trees good? Potted Christmas trees have a longer lifespan than those planted in gardens and look better and more valuable. However, regardless of the tree you choose, how you maintain it and keep it fresh is crucial.
Can you regrow a Christmas tree from branches? You can regrow a Christmas tree from branches, known as cuttings, but it's best to try with several stems as it's not a guaranteed success for all. The branches should be obtained shortly after cutting the tree, not days later.
Conclusion
If you decide to replant a Christmas tree, be prepared for the trade-off: you won't enjoy the tree indoors for an extended period compared to choosing a freshly cut one.
A replanted Christmas tree indoors will only last about a week and a half before it starts looking sad and droopy.
Additionally, consider digging a hole around Thanksgiving, as the chances of the ground freezing before Christmas increase. This also ensures a higher survival rate for your tree.
