Growing Your Own Christmas Tree Can Be A Challenge, But It’s Worth The Effort

Christmas is coming up, and you can’t help but wonder if it would be cheaper to grow your own tree than buy one. You could get an artificial tree this year, or you could try grow your own Christmas tree yourself.

If you’re like most people, you likely buy your Christmas tree from the store. But is that really the best option for you? You can grow your own tree, and it’s not as hard as you might think. Here are some tips for growing a Christmas tree:

Choose the Right tree

So you’ve decided about growing a Christmas tree. Congratulations! Growing a Christmas tree is easy if you follow a few guidelines.

First, choose the right tree species for your climate and location. Not all trees are appropriate for all locations, so be sure to research which ones are the best fit for your area before you buy one.

Second, select the right size for your yard. A small tree will not provide as much visual interest as an oversized one, so keep that in mind when choosing a size. Also, don’t forget to factor in how much space you have to spare!

Decide on a Location

Choose a shady, dry spot. The drier the soil, the better. If possible, add some organic matter (like compost) to the top of the hole before you put in the tree/seeds.

Line the bottom of the hole with rocks or paving stones to protect your soil from erosion and encourage root growth.

Get Ready for Winter

Before you take any steps toward growing a tree, it’s important to prepare your soil and environment by winterizing them. This includes adding organic matter (such as compost), watering regularly, and protecting them from frost.

Once winter arrives, carefully dig out the root ball of the previous tree and plant your new one into fresh soil. Water well and protect from frost until leafed out in early spring.

Plant the tree

Seedlings or transplants must be planted outdoors during the dormant season, which is around early fall or late spring, according to Michigan State University.

Dig the same size hole that the seedling was planted in at the nursery or in its current container. If you don’t know the depth, look for a colour change on the trunk to determine where the surface level is.

Place the seedling in the hole and spread its tiny roots apart to avoid crowding. Close the hole and pack the soil tightly to keep any air out. If you are planting multiple trees, leave at least 7-8 feet between each one.

Caring for your tree

To get the most out of your Christmas tree, follow these tips:

• Pick the right tree. Most people opt for a live tree because they think it will look nicer, but synthetic trees are also available. If you’re purchasing a pre-cut tree, read the label to ensure that it was grown in a sustainable way.
• Water your tree properly. This is especially important if you live in a dry climate. A dry tree will not grow and may need to be replaced sooner than a well-watered one.

• Check for diseases and pests. Get rid of any sick or dead branches before they spread disease to your healthy ones. Look for Insects like aphids that can damage leaves and weaken trees. Also, watch out for Rot fungus, which can cause brown patches on the trunk or limbs and eventually kill the tree.
• Fertilize your tree yearly with a high-quality Arborist fertilizer. Be sure to read the label instructions carefully, as some fertilizers are designed specifically for fruit trees.
• Give your tree some love. Water your tree regularly (at least once per week) and fertilize it every other month with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in early summer and late fall, when growth slows down.