Living Christmas trees are the perfect, sustainable, and environmentally conscious way to celebrate the festive season. Bring them indoors for the holiday season before returning them to the garden, ready to be used again year after year!
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Living Christmas trees can be a range of different species of plants and all have their own unique conditions. As a general rule they'll all thrive when grown in the garden where they have room to spread their roots. If you want to use your living Christmas Tree indoors, make sure you use a large pot with plenty of space for your tree's roots.
Position
Living Christmas trees can handle full sun to part shade. If your tree is in a pot, watch out for that hot afternoon sun through summer which can dry out the soil.
Soil
When planted into the ground, your tree will prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container Mix. This mix contains water storage crystals, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plant is well watered, then gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulching around plants can help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk or base of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Replenish mulch each spring.
Pruning
Prune to remove any brown growth or to maintain shape.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my Christmas tree fresh longer?
Place your tree in water as soon as possible after cutting. Keep it well-watered daily, ensuring the stand has enough water to cover the base of the trunk.
Where should I place my Christmas tree?
Place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
How do I safely decorate my Christmas tree?
Use LED lights to reduce heat and energy consumption. Ensure ornaments are securely fastened, especially if you have pets or young children.
What should I do if my tree starts dropping needles?
Check the water level in the stand and add more if needed. Make sure the tree is not too close to a heat source and consider misting the branches with water.
How do I dispose of my Christmas tree after the holidays?
You can take your tree to a local recycling centre where it will be turned into mulch. Some areas also offer curbside pick-up for Christmas tree recycling.