A New Year without a tree is not quite the New Year, is it? But what if artificial trees don’t provide that festive feeling, and cutting down a tree feels wasteful? At Ecolandscape Studio, we offer the perfect solution: live evergreen trees in pots that can be preserved and planted after the holidays. While these trees may cost a bit more, their eco-friendliness and the option for reuse are priceless.
How to Choose a Tree in a Pot?
When purchasing a live tree in a container, it’s important not to make the mistake of buying a tree that is already dead. Many evergreen trees can appear healthy even after their life has come to an end. These trees can retain their shape for a month or more, even though they’ve already died. To avoid unpleasant surprises, careful selection is essential.
The tree should have firm, healthy branches and bright, glossy needles. Pay attention to the condition of the bark — any cracks or spots may indicate that the tree has experienced stress. Also, check the needles: they should not fall off with a light touch and should not feel sticky. Stickiness often suggests that the tree has been treated with substances to preserve the needles. Furthermore, the soil in the pot should be moist but not waterlogged, and the roots should be light-colored and fully wrapped around the root ball. If the roots are cut or darkened, the tree will not survive transplantation.
If you plan to plant the tree outdoors, it’s crucial to choose a variety suited to the climate of your region. It’s best to buy trees that have been grown locally. For example, a tree from nurseries in Kyiv or Lviv will have a higher chance of thriving in other parts of Ukraine.
When purchasing a tree online, make sure the seller provides guarantees on its quality. It’s best to opt for courier delivery to minimize the stress on the plant during transportation.
How to Care for Your Potted Christmas Tree?
Just like its larger relatives in the wild, a small evergreen tree in a pot doesn’t like heat and dryness. Moving from the nursery to the store and then to your home can be a significant stress for the tree. To minimize the negative effects and ensure the tree thrives, follow these tips:
For the first 2-3 days, keep the tree in a cool place, preferably at a temperature between 0°C and -5°C. This helps the tree adapt to its new environment. After that, move the tree to a cool, well-lit spot, away from heat sources and direct sunlight — an unheated balcony is ideal. This helps prevent overheating and dehydration. The soil should remain consistently moist. It’s best to water the tree by filling the saucer under the pot, so the roots aren’t exposed to excess moisture. Regularly mist the needles with cool, standing water to prevent them from drying out.
For a few days, you can bring the tree indoors and decorate it, but be sure to monitor both the soil and needle moisture. Avoid using electric lights, as they can overheat the tree, and you’ll need to regularly mist the needles.
After the holidays, return the tree to a cool, light place. To prevent the soil from freezing, cover the pot with insulating material like wood chips or agro-fabric. If the winter is mild but snowy, you can partially bury the tree in your garden and cover it with snow.
How to Transplant Your Christmas Tree?
Transplanting the tree into the ground is a process that requires careful planning. It’s best to plant the tree in the spring, as soon as the snow melts (in Ukraine, this is typically mid-March). Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot to give the roots enough space to grow. The location should be protected from strong winds but should receive plenty of sunlight.
When moving the tree, try to keep the root ball as intact as possible to avoid damaging the roots. After planting, water the tree with root-stimulating additives to help it establish itself more quickly.
In the first few months after planting, protect the tree from direct sunlight and strong winds, and continue to mist the needles. Avoid over-fertilizing during this period — just apply a specialized fertilizer for evergreens at the start of the growing season.
Recommendations from Ecolandscape Studio
As our founder and CEO, Martin Palma, has said: «A live tree in a pot is not only an environmentally friendly choice, but an investment in the future. With proper care, it will bring you joy for many years.» We are always ready to assist you not only in choosing a tree but also in caring for it after the holidays, ensuring it continues to grow and bring beauty to your landscape.
At Ecolandscape Studio, we believe that every element of your landscape deserves attention. Whether it’s a Christmas tree or any other part of your garden, we are here to help make it beautiful and healthy.
