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Choosing the right Christmas treeBy Tara McKnight Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent, horticulture, Wichita County With December in full force, you are probably ready to decorate the house. When it comes time for the Christmas tree, there are many options out there. Do you want an artificial tree, a cut tree or a live Christmas tree? Live Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular every year. There is just something about the fact that you get to plant the tree outside after Christmas to enjoy year round and remind you of your wonderful Christmas with everyone. If you are considering purchasing a live Christmas tree this season here are a few suggestions that may make the process a little easier. There are some decisions that need to be made before you let the kids get out the ornaments and start decorating. The first thing to do is pick out a tree. Consider the following: Aleppo Pine, Japanese Black Pine, Leyland cypress, Japanese Yew, Loblolly Pine, Deodar Cedar, Juniper, or other coniferous evergreens. Perhaps you prefer a broad-leafed tree; possibilities include: American Holly, Burford Holly, Compact Cherry Laurel, or Yaupon. Or you might decide on a tubbed plant to remain inside after the Christmas season? The Norfolk Island Pine, kumquats, calamondins, or Yews would be good choices. Well shaped containerized rosemary trees are often available. Once the tree is chosen (if it isn't in a tub), a container must be chosen as well. If the tree roots are balled and burlapped, a container must be used that will allow at least an inch of peat moss, potting soil, or compost around the ball to prevent drying out. If the plant has been grown in a container, it can be made much more attractive by placing it in a redwood tub, ceramic or clay pot, or even a wooden box lined with a polyethylene film liner. All containers should be well drained to prevent damage to the roots caused by excess moisture. A pan underneath the container will also prevent floor damage. Now that the tree is in the container and in the house, you can start to give the kids a little leeway. All you have to do now is find a good place for the tree that is not in the stream of heat or near a stove or radiator. When not occupied, the room should be kept as cool as possible, and the plant should be watered when dry. A simple way to tell when the plant needs water is to push a sharpened pencil into the soil. If the pencil comes out dry and clean, the plant needs water; otherwise, wait until the next day. After Christmas, it is best to plant the tree in the landscape as soon as possible. The selected site for the tree should fit into the landscape design, and allow sufficient room for growth and development. The hole dug for the tree should be twice as wide as the root ball, but not any deeper. It should be planted at the same depth it was planted at the nursery or in the container. For the backfill, only use the native soil that was removed from the hole and pack this firmly around the ball. When the hole is three-fourths full, the tree should be watered thoroughly, and then filled the rest of the way. If the plant was balled and burlapped, the burlap should be loosened before completely filling the hole. A rosemary tree is a good choice to plant into an herb garden. Make sure it is in well drained soil. Careful and regular trimming will aid the tree in keeping its shape, and the trimmings may be used in everything from punch to cookies to roasts. Now that the tree is now a permanent part of your landscape, you need to keep it healthy while it is adapting to its new environment. Here are some tips: --Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry a little between waterings. --Mulch the surface with some kind of organic matter, to reduce weeds and conserve moisture. --Avoid fertilization until June or July following planting. --Keep weeds and grass down, to prevent competition. The tree can be used to serve another purpose--the beautification of your yard. Planted into your landscape, these trees can add a nice touch in the spring, summer, and fall. They can even serve as an outdoor Christmas tree next time Christmas rolls around. Your garden and landscape questions are always welcome. You may either contact me at our County Extension office, 716-8610, or by e-mail, tcmcknight@ag.tamu.edu. You are always encouraged to visit the Wichita County Master Gardner website at www.overthegardengate.org. Another great website to visit for very useful garden hints and answers is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/. This article, along with every article, will also be featured on www.joetomwhite.com 24 hours a day under county agents. 12/22/08 Date: 12/12/08 Advertisement
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