Holiday Tree Care in The Fraser Valley: Keeping Live, Potted & Cut Christmas Trees Healthy All Season

The holiday season wouldn’t feel right without the scent and beauty of a Christmas Tree. Whether you choose a potted, freshly cut or a living tree, proper care will ensure that the tree stays vibrant, healthy and safe throughout all of your festivities. Here are TreeArb’s tips on watering, caring and proper disposal of your Christmas Tree. 

Caring For Your Christmas Tree A healthy cut Christmas Tree starts with a proper setup and consistent care. These simple steps will help your tree stay fresh, avoid early drying and maintain its needles. 

1. Give The Trunk a Fresh Cut: Before placing your new tree in its stand, trim about half an inch off the base of the trunk. This will reopen the pores and allow for better water absorption.

2. Water Immediately and Often: A cut tree can easily absorb up to a gallon or more of water in the first 24 hours. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water so that the tree’s base never dries out. If the trunk seals over, the tree will no longer drink water.

3. Choose a Cool Location: Make sure you place your tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. In the Fraser Valley, cooler indoor temperatures in homes can reduce drying and needle drop.

4. Skip Additives: Plain and clean water will work best. Tree preservatives and household mixtures aren’t needed. 

Caring For Potted Living Christmas Trees

Living Christmas Trees can continue to grow long after the holiday season if it has the proper care. These tips will help your potted tree stay healthy indoors and safely transition back outside. 

1. Limit Indoor Time: Living trees shouldn’t be indoors for more than 7-10 days. Extended warmth can stress the tree’s roots and reduce its chances of survival after it’s been planted.

2. Keep Soil Moist: Check its soil daily and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid soaking the root ball and be sure the tree has well draining soil.

3. Place in a Cold Room: Similar to cut trees, potted trees also prefer cooler indoor temperatures. Keep away from all heat sources and use low heat LED lights to prevent drying.

4. Transition Gently Back Outdoors: Before you plant the tree, allow it to acclimate in an unheated garage or covered porch for a few days. Once the tree has adjusted to the new temperatures and conditions, plant it immediately and mulch around the tree avoiding the trunk.

5. Local Seasonal Factors: If you live in the Lower Mainland, be sure to protect potted trees from the harsh winter winds when transitioning the tree back to the outdoors.

Responsible Tree Disposal and Recycling Options 

When the season comes to an end, properly disposing of your tree helps with healthy environments and communities. There are different options depending on whether your tree is cut or potted in the Fraser Valley. 

For Cut Trees;

• Drop Off Recycling Sites: Trees are often turned into mulch for parks or trails.

• Municipal Curb side Pickup: Many cities will offer tree recycling or composting programs.

• Backyard Habitat: If you have space, leave the Christmas Tree in your backyard to provide shelter for birds and wildlife during winter.

• Fire Halls: Some fire halls in the Fraser Valley offer events for the community to dispose of their Christmas Trees. 

For Potted Trees;

• Donate to Parks or Community Gardens: There are many local groups who accept healthy living trees.

• Overwinter in a Pot: If planting isn’t possible, you can store your tree in a covered outdoor area and water lightly throughout winter.

• Plant in Your Yard: Be sure to choose a sunny spot that has well draining soil and water thoroughly after planting. 

A Healthy Holiday Season From TreeArb

With a little bit of care, your Christmas Tree can stay beautiful, safe and healthy all season long. Whether the tree is potted or cut, these simple steps will help to protect both the environment and your home all while keeping your holidays full of cheer.

If you need help with caring, planting or transitioning your Living Christmas Tree, our team proudly serves the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and beyond. TreeArb is here to assist you and your tree. Contact us today to schedule a visit from our team of arborists who are ready to help your trees thrive all season long.  

We service the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Beyond!