Would you love to bring the same Christmas tree out of storage every December? With the right care, a healthy pot grown Christmas tree can become part of your festive traditions for years to come.
Unlike a cut tree, a living Christmas tree can continue growing long after the decorations have been packed away. The secret is giving it the right conditions throughout the year, rather than treating it as an indoor houseplant.
Follow our step by step guide to help your tree stay healthy and ready for next Christmas.
Before you begin: choose the right tree
If you are hoping to keep your tree for another year, look for one that has been grown in a pot from the beginning.
You may also see trees described as containerised. These have usually been grown in the ground before being lifted and placed into a pot for sale. Some of their roots may have been damaged or lost during this process, which can make it harder for them to establish and survive.
A genuinely pot grown tree has developed its roots within its container, giving it a better chance of growing on successfully.
Your step by step guide
Step 1: Keep its time indoors short
Christmas trees are outdoor plants, and warm indoor conditions can put considerable stress on them.
Bring your tree inside as late as possible, ideally around the week before Christmas. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends keeping living Christmas trees indoors for no longer than 12 days (perfect for the 12 days of Christmas!)
Choose a cool room and keep the tree away from radiators, fireplaces and other direct sources of heat. Check the compost regularly and water when it begins to dry out. It should remain moist, but never waterlogged.
Step 2: Help it adjust after Christmas
Once the decorations have come down, do not move your tree straight from a warm living room into freezing outdoor conditions.
Give it a little time to adjust by moving it into a cool, sheltered place such as an unheated porch, garage or greenhouse for a few days. You can then return it to its usual outdoor position.
This gradual change helps reduce the shock of moving between very different temperatures.
Step 3: Find the right outdoor position
For the rest of the year, your tree should live outside.
Choose a bright position with plenty of natural light, ideally somewhere sheltered from strong winds. Most Christmas tree conifers prefer a sunny position, although the exact requirements will depend on the variety.
Keep the tree in its pot if you want to bring it indoors again next Christmas. Avoid planting it in the garden and digging it up each year, as repeatedly disturbing the roots can damage the tree.
Step 4: Keep it watered
One of the most important parts of caring for a potted tree is keeping the compost consistently moist.
Trees in containers can dry out much faster than those planted in the ground. During warmer weather and prolonged dry spells, check the compost regularly and water thoroughly when needed.
Do not let the pot sit in standing water, as this can cause the roots to become waterlogged. Equally, do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.
Remember that even during winter, wind and dry weather can remove moisture from the compost.
Step 5: Give the roots room to grow
As your tree grows, its roots will need more space.
In spring, check whether the roots have filled the existing pot. If they have, move the tree into a slightly larger container with plenty of drainage holes and use a suitable peat free, loam based potting compost, such as John Innes No. 2.
It is best to increase the pot size gradually rather than moving a small tree into an unnecessarily large container.
The RHS suggests that a final container of around 45cm in diameter and depth is a practical upper size for a tree that you still want to move comfortably.
Step 6: Give it a little nourishment
Once new growth begins in spring, your tree can benefit from a suitable slow release fertiliser. You can also refresh the top layer of compost each year, carefully removing around 5cm and replacing it with fresh compost.
Follow the fertiliser instructions and avoid overfeeding. A little nourishment during the growing season will help support healthy growth.
Step 7: Get ready for next Christmas!
As December approaches, check that your tree is healthy, well watered and still a manageable size to move indoors.
Bring it inside as late as possible, keep it away from heat sources and remember to return it outdoors promptly once the festivities are over.
With a little care throughout the year, you can enjoy the same tree for several Christmases!
A few common questions
Can I keep any potted Christmas tree for next year?
Not necessarily. Pot grown trees generally have a better chance of surviving than trees that have been lifted from the ground and transferred into a pot. Even with good care, some trees may struggle to establish or remain healthy long term.
Can I plant my tree in the garden and bring it back inside next Christmas?
It is better to keep your tree in a container if you want to use it indoors again. Digging it up and replanting it every year can damage its roots.
How often should I water it?
There is no fixed schedule, as this depends on the weather, pot size and tree variety. Check the compost regularly and water when it begins to dry. It should remain moist without becoming waterlogged.
How long will a potted Christmas tree last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. With suitable care, a healthy pot grown tree may be enjoyed for several Christmases, although eventually it may outgrow a container that is practical to move, then you can decorate it in your garden!
Keep your Christmas tree growing with Chacewater and Goonhavern Garden Centres
A living Christmas tree is a wonderful way to bring a little more greenery into your festive traditions. Whether you are choosing your first pot grown tree or hoping to keep a familiar favourite for another year, our team at Chacewater Garden Centre is always happy to offer a little advice.
Come in and speak to us about choosing and caring for your Christmas tree, we're always happy to help.