Evergreen Revival: Mastering The Art Of Regrowing Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a staple of the festive season, but what happens to them after the holidays? Can you regrow a Christmas tree, or is it a one-time purchase? Well, it turns out that the answer is a little bit complicated.

On the one hand, if you buy a pre-cut Christmas tree, it's bad news—these trees have been separated from their roots, and without roots, a tree simply cannot survive. So, if you're hoping to replant your pre-cut tree after the holidays, unfortunately, it's not going to work. These trees will eventually rot if planted or left in water. However, there are still some ways to dispose of your tree responsibly, such as recycling or donating it to a zoo.

On the other hand, if you buy a tree with its roots still intact, there is a chance to regrow it! Many shops now offer trees in pots or with their roots wrapped in burlap, which makes it easier to keep your tree alive. To replant your tree, you'll need to move it to a cold, sheltered area for a week or two to allow it to re-enter dormancy. Then, on a dry, frost-free day, you can dig a hole, remove any coverings from the roots, and plant your tree. It's important to note that if you want to bring your tree indoors again next year, it's best to keep it in a container rather than replanting it in the ground, as the stress of being dug up is hard on the plant.

Christmas trees without roots cannot be replanted

However, it may be possible to grow a new tree from the branches of a freshly cut Christmas tree. To do this, you will need to:

• Get a branch from your tree within 2-3 days of it being cut.
• Cut the branch to around 6-10 inches long, with the thickness of a pencil.
• Remove the needles from the bottom half of the stem.
• Fill a pot with potting soil and water so it is damp to the touch.
• Make a hole in the soil with a pencil.
• Cut some vertical slits in the bottom of the branch.
• Dip the stem slits into a rooting hormone powder and put the stem in the hole.
• Place the pot in a sheltered location without too much sunlight.
• Mist the needles with water a few times a day and add water if the soil is dry.
• Continue for at least three months until the roots start to form.
• Once roots have developed, move the plant to a larger container and add fertilizer.
• After a few months, the young tree should be large enough for outdoor planting.

Christmas trees with roots can be replanted

Christmas trees with intact roots can be replanted and kept for the next holiday season. Many shops now offer trees in pots or burlap wraps, which makes it easy to keep your tree for years to come.

After removing the decorations, move the tree to a cold, sheltered area for one to two weeks to allow it to re-enter dormancy. Choose a dry, frost-free day to replant the tree. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball, in a spot that is not exposed to strong winds but receives sunlight.

Water the pot thoroughly to loosen the soil and hydrate the roots. Remove the burlap or any other coverings from the root ball. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, ensuring that the roots and trunk are planted at the same depth as they were in the pot.

Add a layer of mulch to the soil surface to retain moisture, and refrain from adding fertiliser until spring. If you plan to bring the tree indoors again next year, consider planting it in a large container rather than directly into the ground, as the stress of repeated digging can be harmful to the plant.

If you choose to plant your tree in the ground, select a location visible from the house so you can decorate it outdoors and enjoy it for many Christmases to come.

Cuttings from Christmas trees can be used to grow new plants

While it is not possible to regrow a Christmas tree from the stump, it is possible to grow new trees from cuttings of branches. Cuttings must be taken from a young, freshly cut tree. The best chance of success is to cut several stems about the diameter of a pencil from the central leader (terminal stem) of a young tree. Remove the needles from the bottom half of the stems and dip the ends in rooting hormone powder.

Next, fill a pot or tray with a lightweight, aerated potting medium, such as a mixture of three parts peat, one part perlite, and one part fine bark, with a pinch of slow-release dry fertilizer. Make a hole in the potting medium with a pencil, then plant the stem, ensuring the stems or needles are not touching and that the needles are above the potting mix. Place the pot in a sheltered location, such as a heated cold frame, with low light and a maximum temperature of 68 degrees F (20 C).

Rooting cuttings can be slow, and you may not see new growth until the following spring or summer. Once the cuttings have rooted successfully, transplant each one into an individual container filled with soil-based planting mix and a small amount of slow-release fertilizer. Allow the tiny trees to mature for several months, or until they are large enough to survive outdoors.

Christmas trees can be recycled

Mulch or Compost

One of the most common ways to recycle a Christmas tree is to turn it into mulch or compost. The branches and needles can be chipped or shredded and used to enhance the pH of your soil if it is too alkaline. This helps the soil to breathe and prevents it from becoming dense and compacted. You can also use the mulch to protect your garden beds and plants from frost and snowmelt.

Firewood

Christmas trees, especially evergreens, can be dried and used as firewood for bonfires. However, due to the high sap content, it is recommended to burn them outdoors as the sap can cause a messy and unruly fire indoors.

Wildlife Habitat

Soil Erosion Barriers

Christmas trees can be used to create effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially in coastal areas prone to hurricanes and erosion. They can be fastened together and staked down to trap sand and create healthy sand dunes, which act as the first line of defense during tropical storms.

Insulation for Plants

The branches of your Christmas tree can be cut off and laid over your garden beds to protect your plants from freezing temperatures and spring thaws. This helps to maintain a steady temperature for your plants during the cold months.

Crafts and Household Items

The trunk of your Christmas tree can be cut into coasters for hot drinks. You can also turn your tree into a multi-perch bird feeder by cutting back the branches and hanging treats such as fat balls or bird feeders from the stems.

Curbside Pickup and Drop-off Locations

If you don't want to recycle your Christmas tree yourself, many cities offer curbside pickup services during the two weeks following Christmas. Alternatively, you can take your tree to a drop-off recycling center or participate in a community drop-off event.

Christmas trees can be used as toys for zoo animals

Christmas trees are particularly enjoyed by big cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards, who find them similar to catnip. Zoos have also used Christmas trees to enrich the lives of elephants, kangaroos, porcupines, camels, wolves, giraffes, deer, gorillas, bison, elk, apes, and primates.

Christmas trees must be free of all decorations, including tinsel, wires, and ornaments, as these can pose a threat to the animals. Some zoos also request that donated trees are free of pesticides and other chemicals.

Frequently asked questions