|
|
How To Plant A Live Christmas
Tree
by Mark Everest
Buying a live Christmas tree is becoming more and more popular - as well
as being used indoors as a Christmas tree they can be planted outdoors
as a part of your landscape.
It is important to care for these trees correctly now or many people
will find that with spring thaws and warmer weather, their trees brown
quickly and die. By purchasing a healthy tree and caring for it
properly, you should be able to insure that your tree becomes a useful
part of your landscape.
You will have already got your tree but for future years consider these
points when you shop for a live Christmas tree:
1. Insist on healthy, recently dug or container-grown specimens.
2. Be aware of "bargain" trees. These trees may be leftovers from
earlier planting seasons and could be in poor shape by the time the
Christmas season arrives.
3. Avoid trees with very dry or hard soil (which may indicate they
weren't watered properly).
4. Avoid trees with brown or off-color needles and trees exhibiting a
large amount of needle drop.
5. Branches should be pliable and not snap very easily. Buds for the
coming season should be alive.
6. Consider digging your own tree if you can find a nursery selling
trees like this. Of course, in this situation, be sure you have
instructions on how to dig a tree properly. It may not be as easy as you
think.
Prior to next years "buying season" we will take a look at the various
different types of trees available and consider the best species to buy
for decoration and onward planting in your backyard.
So visit our "Home & Garden" (http://www.bookworld.us/Home.html)section
and enjoy the latest book reviews and more topical articles.
To keep your tree in good condition for eventual planting it is
essential that the soil be kept moist. DO NOT OVERWATER! Moist soil does
not mean soggy wet.
The sooner after Christmas you can move the tree back outside the better
off the tree will be so when you are finished with it indoors move it
outside immediately and find a place where the tree can be kept in a
place where low temperatures can be maintained. A spot outdoors
sheltered from direct sun and winds could be ideal. Avoid storage areas
that allow daytime temperatures to become too warm. Wrapping the soil
ball or container with plastic may help to retain moisture. This will
help keep water loss through the needles to a minimum.
Soil preparation is critical. At this time of year most people's soil is
wet (even water-logged), cold or frozen - not the ideal conditions to
put your tree into. A little time spent now will really add to the
chances of your tree's survival.
First of all clear and cover, with black plastic, the area you in which
you intend to plant your tree. The purpose of this is twofold:
a) The black plastic will absorb what heat there is from the sun and
warm up the soil underneath. This will raise the temperature of the soil
by several degrees and create a much more welcoming environment for your
tree.
b) Secondly the plastic will help keep the rain and snow off the
planting area and will help "dry-out" the soil underneath. "Dry-out" is
a relative term as at this time of year the soil will remain moist and
will not "dry-out" completely.
After a few weeks the planting area should have improved immensely and
the tree can be planted. Before planting dig into the soil some compost
or well rotted manure but do not over prepare the soil with organic
matter. If the soil is fertile and well-drained, additions should not be
needed.
Be sure that when digging the planting hole is wider than the soil ball
of the tree and be sure it is the correct depth so that the tree can be
planted at the same depth it was grown at the nursery or in the pot.
After putting the tree in the hole, remove any plastic and burlap. If
the tree was container-grown, be sure to loosen outside roots and prune
broken roots. Also redirect roots, which wrap around the soil mix so
they will grow out away from the tree.
After filling the hole with soil add a small stake. This should be
driven into the ground at 45 degrees to the ground so that the head of
the stake comes back and crosses the trunk of the tree approximately 18"
from the ground (this is recommended for a 6' tree). Staking in this way
prevents the root ball of the tree from being rocked and loosened but
allows the head of the tree to move with the wind - this encourages
strong trunk growth.
Once you have done this firm the soil around the tree, water and then
replace the black plastic. Stab this a few times to create some drainage
holes and create a soil ridge, three to four inches around the outside
of the plastic - this bowl will help ensure that the tree is properly
watered. Add two to three inches of bark mulch and your tree will be
set.
Remove the plastic in spring and replace the mulch. If you are in a
"dry" area you may want to consider keeping the bowl effect around the
tree for the first season as this will help trap any water and allow it
to soak down to the roots where it's needed. With proper care, your live
Christmas tree should be a valuable addition to your landscape.
About the Author:
This article has been written by Mark Everest for
BookWorld
is your gateway to the world of books, providing Book Reviews, News,
Information and true international book search and shop facilities. We
also produce several special interest sections and newsletters with
topical articles, relevant book reviews and much more visit
http://www.bookworld.us/Special.html
|
|
