Proper Christmas Tree Care
1.) Make a fresh cut. Before you bring the tree into your home and place it in the stand, re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom just before putting it in the stand. Even if you just cut it on a choose and cut Farm, this re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water.
2.) Choose a spot away from heat sources. Heat sources like registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc. speed up evaporation and moisture loss of the tree.
3.) Water immediately. After making the fresh cut, place the tree in a stand of warm water. The stand you use should hold at least one gallon of fresh water.
4.) Add your packet of Christmas tree nutrient, such as “Tree Life”, to the water.
5.) Check the water level daily. Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and be unable to drink. Christmas trees are very thirsty! It is not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.
How to Water an Evergreen Tree
Watering is perhaps the most important thing about tree care. When evergreen trees are first planted you normally need to water them regularly for the first year. They need to be watered by rain or physically by you. Keep the process going once every week. The process should increase more through drought weather or if the tree is planted in sandy soil. It is important not to give evergreen trees too much water. Most evergreens need well drained soil and if you water the tree too much it can cause damage to its roots. Keep in mind that it is important to water the trees in the winter, until just before the ground freezes.
Mulching
To conserve moisture and promote water and air penetration, the back filled soil surrounding newly-planted trees can be covered with mulch consisting of material such as bark, wood chips or pine needles (although the acidity associated with pine needles is not suited for many plants). Mulch depth should be between 3 and 4 inches. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the tree. Do not cover the area surrounding the tree with plastic sheeting since air and water movement are prevented. Porous landscape fabric can be used since it freely allows water and air penetration.
Fertilizer
Since all soils have a history, it can be beneficial to get the soil analyzed properly for macronutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), micronutrients, pH, soil type, and drainage. Although many trees survive without fertilizer at the time of planting, the majority of plants suffer root loss and stress associated with movement between ideal nursery grown conditions and the final planting. To compensate for root loss during planting and to alleviate transplant shock, treat your trees with a root stimulator just after planting it.
1.) Make a fresh cut. Before you bring the tree into your home and place it in the stand, re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom just before putting it in the stand. Even if you just cut it on a choose and cut Farm, this re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water.
2.) Choose a spot away from heat sources. Heat sources like registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc. speed up evaporation and moisture loss of the tree.
3.) Water immediately. After making the fresh cut, place the tree in a stand of warm water. The stand you use should hold at least one gallon of fresh water.
4.) Add your packet of Christmas tree nutrient, such as “Tree Life”, to the water.
5.) Check the water level daily. Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and be unable to drink. Christmas trees are very thirsty! It is not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.
How to Water an Evergreen Tree
Watering is perhaps the most important thing about tree care. When evergreen trees are first planted you normally need to water them regularly for the first year. They need to be watered by rain or physically by you. Keep the process going once every week. The process should increase more through drought weather or if the tree is planted in sandy soil. It is important not to give evergreen trees too much water. Most evergreens need well drained soil and if you water the tree too much it can cause damage to its roots. Keep in mind that it is important to water the trees in the winter, until just before the ground freezes.
Mulching
To conserve moisture and promote water and air penetration, the back filled soil surrounding newly-planted trees can be covered with mulch consisting of material such as bark, wood chips or pine needles (although the acidity associated with pine needles is not suited for many plants). Mulch depth should be between 3 and 4 inches. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the tree. Do not cover the area surrounding the tree with plastic sheeting since air and water movement are prevented. Porous landscape fabric can be used since it freely allows water and air penetration.
Fertilizer
Since all soils have a history, it can be beneficial to get the soil analyzed properly for macronutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), micronutrients, pH, soil type, and drainage. Although many trees survive without fertilizer at the time of planting, the majority of plants suffer root loss and stress associated with movement between ideal nursery grown conditions and the final planting. To compensate for root loss during planting and to alleviate transplant shock, treat your trees with a root stimulator just after planting it.
