How to Do a Live Christmas Tree (and Keep It Alive for Planting Later!)

If you love the idea of decorating for the holidays while giving back to the earth, a live Christmas tree—one with roots still intact—is a wonderful way to celebrate. Instead of tossing your tree after the season, you can plant it in your yard and enjoy it for years to come.

But keeping a live tree healthy through the holidays takes a little know-how. Here’s how to do it right so your Christmas tree thrives indoors and out.

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1. Choose the Right Tree

Start by picking a potted or balled-and-burlapped evergreen that’s suited for your local climate. Here in the San Luis Valley, hardy varieties like Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Blue Spruce perform well once planted outdoors.

When choosing, make sure the tree looks healthy—bright needles, moist soil, and no signs of stress.

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2. Apply Wilt Proof Before Bringing It Indoors

This step is crucial. Before you move your tree inside, apply Wilt Proof (available at North River Greenhouse Garden Center).

Wilt Proof is an anti-transpirant that helps the needles retain moisture. When you bring a live tree indoors, the warm, dry air can cause it to lose water quickly through its needles. Wilt Proof slows that process, reducing stress and preventing needle drop.

Tip: Apply Wilt Proof on a mild day when temperatures are above freezing, and let it dry completely before bringing the tree inside.

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3. Gradually Acclimate Your Tree

Your tree has been dormant outdoors in cold weather, so don’t shock it by moving it straight into your warm living room.

Here’s how to ease it in:

• First, move it to a protected, cool spot—like an unheated garage, enclosed porch, or mudroom—for 2–3 days.
• Then bring it inside to its final display spot. Keep it away from heating vents, fireplaces, and sunny windows that can dry it out.

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4. Keep It Cool and Moist Indoors

A live Christmas tree isn’t meant to stay inside long. The goal is to enjoy it, not to wake it up completely.

• Limit indoor time to no more than 7–10 days.
• Keep the root ball or pot consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Place a drip tray or saucer underneath if it’s potted to catch excess water.

You can also wrap the root ball in burlap and place it in a decorative container to make it look festive without drying out.

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5. Re-Acclimate It Before Going Back Outdoors

After the holidays, your tree has to transition back to cold temperatures without going into shock.

Here’s what to do:

• Move it back to a cool, sheltered space (like that same garage or porch) for a few days to a week.
• Once it’s used to the cooler temps again, move it outdoors.
• Place it in a protected, shady spot out of direct wind or harsh sun.
• Cover the root ball or pot with mulch or straw to keep it insulated through the rest of winter.

Don’t plant it right away if the ground is frozen—just keep it protected and watered periodically (when temperatures are above freezing).

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6. Plant It in Spring

When the soil thaws and temperatures stabilize, your live Christmas tree will be ready to find its permanent home.

• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
• Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball but no deeper.
• Gently remove any burlap or container, set the tree in the hole, and backfill with native soil.
• Water deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

With a little care, you’ll have a living reminder of your holiday season for years to come.

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Final Tips

• Avoid leaving the tree indoors for more than two weeks—it can break dormancy too far.
• Don’t fertilize until after it’s planted and actively growing again in spring.
• Label the tree with the year you planted it—it’s fun to watch your “Christmas trees past” grow!

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Stop by North River Greenhouse Garden Center for your live Christmas tree, Wilt Proof, tree wraps, and expert advice on choosing and caring for a live Christmas tree this holiday season.

Let’s make this year’s tree one that keeps on giving!

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