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The Christmas tree is probably the most important seasonal
decoration in the house. It's carefully chosen, the precious
presents are placed beneath it and guests admire the many
decorations hanging from its branches.
But, some people don't like the idea of harvesting a tree
to throw away after the holiday season is over. This feeling
has lead to an increasing demand for a living Christmas tree.
By moving a tree in and out of the garden you are saving the
tree, you can enjoy it for years to come and the tree will
hold memories of many Christmas' past.
If this idea appeals to you, there are a few things you should
know. Moving a tree from the cold moist outdoors, to a warm,
dry indoors and then back out again is very stressful for
the tree. Many don't survive this treatment. To be successful
the tree should be conditioned by placing it in an unheated
garage or protected area next to the house for a few weeks
before you bring it inside.
The root ball must be kept in good condition. This necessitates
a container large enough to keep the roots moist and to stabilize
the tree. Too small a pot will cause the tree to topple, decline
or die. A potted living tree weights a lot and can become
difficult to move.
A live tree should stay indoors no longer than ten days.
Any longer and it will have a hard time surviving when moved
back outdoors. Keep it in as cool a location as possible.
Be sure to water the pot and mist both the root ball and the
tree. The use of lights dries out and stresses the needles
and should be avoided. When it is time to move the tree outside
again and plant it, make sure that you condition it again,
this time in reverse.
A tree can survive several years in a large pot or half barrel
as long as it is watered regularly and kept out of hot drying
sun and wind. Eventually, if it survives several years of
moving in and out it is going to grow into a huge forest tree
and you will need to find a suitable permanent location for
it.
An option I use living in a small house, is to plant a tree
outside where it can be seen from the living room. Every year
I decorate it with outdoor lights and ornaments. It is positioned
where it can grow for many years without being disturbed.
At some point though I know I will have to cut it down and
begin again with a small tree.
In defense of buying a cut tree: most trees are grown as
a renewable agricultural crop, like cut flowers or vegetables,
meant to be harvested and replanted. Tree farms provide jobs
and are located on marginal lands that will not support other
crops. Coniferous trees do not require the use of chemical
fertilizers or pesticides and provide a habitat for wildlife.
After Christmas they can be cut up or chipped to provide firewood,
mulch or compost or the trunk can be turned into a sturdy
garden stake or a bird feeder.
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