Tips for looking after your real Christmas tree so it survives til Dec 2022?

MSE_ForumTeam3

Green fingered folk, what are your tips for keeping real potted trees alive so they last for the next Christmas?

Apodemus

Keeping it well watered through this Christmas would be my top tip!  

daivid

Keep it outside.

twopenny

I bought a very large plant pot tray, two thirds the size of the tree and filled it with clay pebbles and some water to keep its environment cooler and moister. Worked a treat and it lasted a couple of years.
The problem is the shock of putting them outdoors in the coldest part of the year after being in a warm house.
So if you can give it some shelter till spring that will help. Shady through summer.
Be sure it hasn't had its needles sprayed with that stuff that sticks the needles on.
I still have that big plastic tray 25yrs on. It's been really useful for all sorts and easy enough to store.

MSE_James

I bought a small tree in a pot from a supermarket.

As I live in a first floor flat with no outdoor space I have taken it to my Dad's as he has a small garden.

The care instructions say to "apply a little liquid feed from spring onwards" - any suggestions for suitable products very welcome! 

twopenny

Let it aclimatise for 3 weeks or so. Somewhere it's not hitt by every bit of weather.
Then check the bottom of the pot or lift it out to see if the roots are bidding for escape.
Re pot in a container an inch or so bigger.
For feeding I'd think that phostrogen, it's an old established general plant food powder you mix with water. Once now as there will be food in the new compost, depending on the weather there then leave till spring and, for a tree feed no more than once a month. Less wont hurt.
Keep out of direct sun.
I kept one going for 4yrs before I forgot and the heat got it.

getmore4less

There was a TV interview with rent a living tree place thought they said  they stick the pots back in the ground.

Here is an article on rent a tree...

https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a29695669/rent-christmas-tree-cotswold-fir/

jusferbrowsing

I dug a hole in a bed that gets sun early part of the day and is shaded after 11 am and planted the tree in its pot. In spring/summer months it was watered each evening with a couple of small watering can's worth of water directly into the pot. Daily watering I've found to be an absolute must as its pretty thirsty and even if it's rained the branches shelter the soil from becoming moist.

This tree is doing well and in its 4th year though with the fresh growth I'll probably have to consider changing the pot size this season.

I think its a Blue Spruce and has thicker needles than the normal variety. 

Good luck with keeping your tree going.