Get Tips on How to Acclimate and Care For a Potted Christmas Tree

Thinking about making the switch from a fresh-cut tree to a potted Christmas tree? You're not alone. Buying or renting a living tree for the festive season can improve the likelihood that your pine tree lasts until New Years Eve. But remember: there are still some specific things to keep in mind to ensure its health and vitality.

Benefits of Buying (or Renting) a Potted Tree

• A sustainable option for the eco-minded family

• Less likely to experience needle loss

• Low-maintenance alternative

• Great for small indoor spaces

• Replanting the tree in your yard can become a great tradition

1. Transition the Tree Indoors

Any abrupt change in temperature can be harmful to living plants. In cold climates, let the potted tree acclimate to changes in temperature before you bring it inside. Keep it in your cool garage or sheltered spot for a day, and then transition it slowly into your home. You may want to let it sit in a three-season room or cool basement for another day to limit its shock going from the cold outdoors into your warm, dry home. A properly acclimated tree will have the best chance of remaining healthy throughout the holiday celebration.

Related: 6 Important Things to Do Before Bringing Your Christmas Tree Inside

2. Choose the Right Location

• Find an indoor spot that has indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight isn't good for certain tree varieties. Natural light is also better than artificial light.

• The perfect spot is also a cool spot. AC and heating sources, like radiators, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and heating vents, can speed up the drying process of pine needles and branches. When placing your fresh tree, make sure it is in an area of your room that allows for proper air circulation.

3. Give it Plenty of Water

Trees in potting soil can dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground, especially when indoors in a warm, dry house. Just like a high-maintenance houseplant, you'll need to water it regularly. It will also be in a larger container (with a larger saucer), so don't be surprised that it will need a larger volume of water.

Make sure that the water really soaks the root ball, not just the top surface. Water it slowly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot; drainage holes in the pot are essential to decrease chances of root rot. You want moist soil. When the top inch of the soil feels dry again a day or two later, add more water to keep the tree alive.

4. Transition the Tree Back Outdoors

A container-grown tree isn't a houseplant; it'll do much better if you move it outside after the holiday season.

Remember to acclimate the healthy tree back outdoors just as gradually as you did when you brought it indoors. This helps to avoid stress on the needles, branches, and root system. Leaving it in an unheated garage for a few days helps the transition.

You might choose at this point to remove the tree from its waterproof container and wrap it in a burlap sack to promote air circulation around the roots. You can also add a fresh layer of organic mulch at this time.

5. Hold Off Planting the Real Tree Until Springtime

Even in warmer climates, the roots of the pine tree may be in a state of winter dormancy (remember: the tree may have been shipped from anywhere in the country). Keep the tree outside in a shaded spot, and continue to keep the roots watered. You can pick its future planting location, but wait to plant it in late March or early April.