There is nothing like the smell of a real evergreen tree in your home for the holidays. But if
you don’t like the idea of cutting down a live tree year after year, you may want to try a
potted living tree as your holiday tree of choice. After the holiday is over you can replant the
tree, helping add a renewable resource to the environment.
This isn’t just an option for residents of rural areas. For those that
live in apartments or just don’t have a yard to replant it in, consider donating the potted
tree. Some companies in the Pacific Northwest even ‘rent’ potted live trees for the holidays —
they take care of everything from delivery to pick-up and replanting.
Whatever type of tree is selected, proper care must be taken in order to keep it healthy and
beautiful throughout the holiday season or longer, for some.
Potted Live Trees
If you are choosing a live tree, it will need extra care to keep it healthy enough to replant.
SavATree’s Tree Specialists suggest following these care tips:
If transporting the tree via the roof of a car, cover it with cloth or tarp. If left uncovered,
a lot of moisture can be lost when hit with high winds.
Let the tree acclimate to the warmer temperature before bringing it indoors. If possible, start
with the shed, then garage or screened in porch and finally inside.
Keep the root ball moist throughout and wrap in plastic or place in a pot that’s acceptable for
indoor use.
Do not remove burlap or any soil while in the house.
Keep it in a cool place away from vents, heaters, fireplaces and stoves. Consider lowering the
temperate of the room its kept in at night.
Don’t use tinsel or fake snow. Both are dangerous to wildlife.
The tree should not be kept indoors more than 10 days — less is better.
When its time to bring the tree outdoors again, slowly acclimate it to the cooler temperatures
as you did when bringing it in.
How to replant the live tree
For tips or advice, call one of SavATree’s Tree Service Specialists. For those DIY’ers, follow
these steps:
Find the perfect spot to replant. Know how large the tree can grow to avoid future problems.
Never plant under a utility wire.
Dig a hole 2 to 5 times wider than the root ball, and partially refill the hole with loose soil.
Place the tree in the hole, making sure that the trunk flare is above soil level. This is the
most common mistake made when planting a live tree; and if not done, can kill the tree.
Make sure to water — even in the winter (if the soil is not frozen).
During the first year in its new home, the tree will be fragile. Begin with supplement and
nutrient treatments such as ArborKelp® — a seaweed based biostimulant exclusively available
from SavATree. It’s formulated specifically for weak trees due to, among other causes,
transplanting.
The following spring, begin using fertilizer. Deep root fertilization, preferably with injection
technology, can help to ensure that the tree is getting the nutrients it needs. ArborKelp
treatments should be continued yearly for best results. Most of the trees on your property will
benefit from regular fertilization.
Consult with an arborist about applying an antidesiccant. This will seal in the tree’s moisture
thus minimizing sun and wind damage during the winter months.
Fresh-cut Trees
Not ready to take the plunge to a living tree just yet? That’s OK. Cut trees still produce some
positive environmental benefits. In addition to supporting local farmers and businesses, after
the holidays the tree can be mulched and used to around plants or chipped and used for
playground material, hiking trails, paths and walkways. They can be used for beachfront erosion
prevention, lake and river shoreline stabilization and fish and wildlife habitat.
More information
Read more about the importance and value of trees.
