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November 21, 2005
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| Tree-Care Tips |
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Choose a healthy tree with a moist root ball. Tree roots should be kept moist, but not wet. Placing the tree ball in a large tub or container will make it easier to move and water. |
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Acclimate the tree both before bringing it indoors and before returning it outdoors. The best place to acclimate your tree is in an unheated garage for one or two days before moving it. |
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Dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. The hole should be the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Cover the hole for safety and to keep out excess water. The soil removed from the hole should also be covered to protect it from the elements. |
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Keep the tree away from heat vents and hot appliances that could dry it out. The less time the tree spends indoors, the better chance it has for survival outdoors. |
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After planting, water heavily and put a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the tree. |
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PLANT HOLIDAY MEMORIES THIS YEAR
WITH A LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE
 COLUMBUS, OH - For many Ohioans, filling their home with the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree is a holiday favorite. This year, why not go a step further and celebrate the season with a live tree that can later be planted outdoors, to be watched and enjoyed for years to come.
But success in transplanting any tree requires advanced preparation and planning.
For starters, it is important to pick the right tree. Popular evergreens, including Scotch pine, eastern white pine, Fraser fir, blue spruce and Douglas fir make great Christmas trees and fit nicely in most outdoor landscapes. Be sure to consider if there will be enough room in the yard for the tree to reach maturity without infringing on a nearby structure or blocking a favorite view. A pine, spruce, or fir tree will eventually become a large tree, requiring substantial space. Choose the tree carefully, looking for a healthy green appearance without a lot of dry brown needles.
Live trees are normally sold balled and burlapped. Once home, finding the appropriate container to protect the tree’s roots and soil is essential. Find one that will allow at least one inch of peat moss, potting soil or compost around the ball to prevent drying out. If the tree was grown in a container, consider placing it in something more decorative, such as a redwood tub, wooden box or clay pot. All containers should drain well to allow regular watering of the tree.
Choosing a live Christmas tree this holiday not only creates a lasting memory, but also provides a wonderful habitat for wildlife once it is transported outdoors. Adding an evergreen to your landscape will attract a variety of wildlife because of the great year-round habitat it provides, especially for birds.
For more information about tree species and Christmas tree recycling, visit ohiodnr.com online.
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