How to Plant Christmas Tree Seedlings in Florida

Florida is a Christmas tree producer.

Several species of trees traditionally sold as live Christmas trees grow in Florida. In fact, the Florida Christmas Tree Association lists red cedar, Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, sand pine, and Arizona cypress as viable trees for the state’s climate, with the eastern red cedar being the most common Christmas tree produced in Florida. Whichever tree you choose, plan to transplant the seedling immediately after you buy it, between December 1 and February 15.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Garden fork
• Shears

Instructions

1. Select a healthy seedling grown from local seeds, recommends the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. This guarantees the sapling is adapted to your climate and growing conditions.

2. Prepare a planting site that’s 6 feet by 6 feet and remove all vegetation growing there.

3. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but with the same depth.

4. Loosen the roots of your seedling and trim broken and extra-long ones.

5. Plant the tree in the hole you dug and backfill it with top soil.

6. Water the ground immediately after planting to fully irrigate the roots and remove air pockets.

Tips & Warnings

• Christmas trees usually don’t require fertilization. If you have sandy ground, common in south Florida, do a soil test to find out whether you should apply a time-released fertilizer.

References

• Florida Christmas Tree Association: Types of Trees Grown in Florida
• Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises: Growing Christmas Trees: Florida A&M University Demonstration Project
• Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises: Christmas Trees: Planting and Shearing for a Profitable Harvest