Growing a real Christmas tree in your garden can be a rewarding and sustainable way to benefit from the same Christmas tree every festive season, as well as benefitting from it being part of the fabric of your garden all year round. By carefully choosing the best variety for you and your garden, planting in the right conditions, and providing the right after-care, you can enjoy the beauty of a real tree that becomes more established with each passing year. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right tree to caring for it in the long term.
1. Different Types of Real Christmas Trees
There are several types of Christmas trees that are suitable for growing in gardens, each with its own unique characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular varieties:
- Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)
Known for its lush, dark green foliage and excellent needle retention, the Nordmann Fir is one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties. It’s a slow grower, but it’s hardy and has a symmetrical shape, making it perfect for garden planting. - Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
A traditional Christmas tree variety, the Norway Spruce has a lovely fragrance and soft needles. The drawback of a Norway Spruce as a cut tree is it’s weaker needle retention after being cut, but this is of course not an issue for trees grown in the garden. They are fast growers are thrive in full sun. - Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
This tree is well known for its compact shape and long-lasting needles. Its aromatic scent and attractive blue-green foliage make it a popular choice. Fraser Fir has been one of the most popular Christmas trees in the US for some time. In fact, it has been the Christmas tree used in the White House more often than any other variety! - Noble Fir (Abies procera)
With its elegant, bluish-green needles, the Noble Fir is a great choice for a garden Christmas tree. It’s a slow grower, which makes it ideal for smaller spaces. Noble Firs are highly durable, have excellent needle retention, and a pleasant fragrance. - Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Known for its striking silvery-blue needles, the Blue Spruce is a very distinctive tree. It’s a slower-growing variety and does well in dry, well-drained soil. It’s also particularly hardy, making it a good choice for harsher climates. - Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)
This tree offers long, slender needles and a straight trunk, making it perfect for smaller gardens or spaces. The Lodgepole Pine is fast-growing and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, although it prefers a slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
2. Soil and Conditions Preferred by Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are fairly adaptable when it comes to soil types and conditions, but they do have some preferences to ensure they thrive. In general, they can grow in most soils, as long as the ground is not too wet. Excess moisture can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the tree’s health.
Many Christmas trees are native to mountainous regions, so they are naturally hardy and able to withstand colder climates. As a result, they generally thrive in areas with cool temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Some varieties, such as the Fraser Fir and Lodgepole Pine, are more tolerant of warmer climates, while others, like the Norway Spruce, prefer cooler conditions.
- Soil: A well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for most Christmas tree varieties. Sandy or loamy soils are preferred, but heavier clay soils can be improved by adding organic matter and grit to ensure proper drainage.
- Conditions: Christmas trees thrive in sunny spots, but they can tolerate partial shade. However, planting them in full sun allows them to grow at their best, particularly for varieties like the Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce.
3. Considering Planting Location
When choosing a spot in your garden for your Christmas tree, it’s important to take into account the tree’s future size. Most Christmas tree varieties can grow to a considerable height and width, so proper spacing is essential to avoid crowding.
- Height: Christmas trees are generally tall, and their height can range from 5 to 15 meters or more, depending on the variety. Some trees, like the Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce, can grow quite large over time, while others, like the Noble Fir and Lodgepole Pine, tend to be more compact.
- Spread: Christmas trees also have wide root systems and can develop extensive foliage. Be sure to plant the tree far enough away from buildings, fences, and other plants to allow room for growth. Planting too close to houses can cause root systems to interfere with foundations and underground utilities.
- Consider the wind: Christmas trees can be vulnerable to strong winds, particularly in exposed areas. It’s a good idea to plant your tree in a sheltered spot, such as near a hedge or fence, to protect it as it grows.
4. Choosing Between a Potted or Bare Root Specimen
When purchasing a Christmas tree for planting in your garden, you’ll likely have the option of choosing between a potted or bare root specimen. Each type has its benefits depending on your needs.
- Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are typically available from November to March during the dormant season. These trees are more affordable and are usually offered in smaller sizes (20-30 cm tall). Bare root trees offer good value for money, but they do require more care during planting to ensure they are properly watered and established. - Potted Trees
Potted Christmas trees are a better option if you are looking for a more mature tree on day one. They are typically sold with a larger root system, allowing for faster establishment in the garden. Potted trees are often available throughout the year, and they can be planted at any time as long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged. These trees can be more expensive, but they give you an immediate, more established presence in your garden.
5. Preparing the Planting Hole
Once you’ve selected your tree and chosen the right planting location, it’s time to prepare the planting hole. Proper hole preparation ensures that your tree will root properly and grow to its full potential.
- Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the tree’s root ball. This will give the tree room to spread out its roots and help it settle into the surrounding soil.
- Breaking Up the Soil: To encourage the roots to expand into the surrounding soil, break up the soil around the edges of the hole using a fork. This will allow the roots to grow more freely and help prevent any root circling or constriction.
- Improving Drainage: If the soil in your garden is heavy clay or poorly drained, mix in some grit or sharp sand when backfilling the hole. This will improve drainage and reduce the risk of root rot.
- Adding Compost: Incorporating some well-rotted garden compost into the backfill mixture will provide the young tree with some additional nutrients to support its initial growth.
6. Mulching
Mulching around the base of your Christmas tree after planting helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It’s an essential part of tree care, particularly during the first few years when the tree is establishing itself.
- Type of Mulch: Bark chippings are an excellent option for mulching around Christmas trees. They are readily available and break down slowly, adding organic matter to the soil over time. Avoid using grass clippings or other materials that may decompose too quickly and become slimy or compacted.
- How Much Mulch: Apply a 5-10 cm layer of mulch around the base of the tree, extending it out to the edge of the root zone. Be sure to leave a gap around the trunk to prevent moisture from accumulating against the tree’s bark, which can lead to rot.
7. Care After Planting
Once your Christmas tree is planted, proper care will ensure it establishes a strong root system and thrives over time. The most important aspects of care during the first few years are watering, mulching, and monitoring for pests.
- Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly during the first year, especially in dry periods. Young trees are particularly sensitive to drought, and keeping the soil moist will help them establish healthy roots. Watering should be done from spring through autumn in the first season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once your tree is well-established, it will become more drought-tolerant. After the first few years, Christmas trees require less frequent watering, but it’s still important to keep an eye on them during particularly dry spells.
- Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and aphid larvae, which can affect young trees. Regularly check for signs of diseases, such as needle browning or yellowing. Pruning any dead or damaged branches will help keep the tree healthy.
By carefully selecting the right Christmas tree variety, planting it in the right conditions, and providing ongoing care, you can grow a beautiful real Christmas tree that will become a cherished part of your garden for years to come. Happy planting!