How to Grow an Xmas Tree

Growing a Xmas tree takes patience, but it's a very rewarding project.

Xmas trees are a tradition in many homes during the Christmas season. There are many types of Xmas trees, both the artificial variety and those that are live. If you choose to go the live route, you have the option of growing your own tree if you have access to land and you're not in a big hurry. There are many species you can choose from, including fir, pine, spruce or cypress, depending on where you live.

Things You'll Need

• Fir, pine, spruce or cypress seedlings
• Mulch
• Pesticides
• Fertilizer
• Colorant
• Shears
• Shovel
• Water

Instructions

1. Choose the land on which you'll grow your Xmas tree. Prepare it by removing obstacles such as logs and plants. Remove anything that will endanger the growth of the tree, including bushes, other trees and plants. You need to prepare the land for the Xmas tree at least one year or two before you actually plant the tree.

2. Determine which tree species will grow best in your climate. You want to put yourself on a path to success, and since the tree will be growing outdoors, the weather will have something to do with how it thrives.

3. Plant the seedlings in the ground. Choose a sunny area on the land, and dig a shallow hole with the shovel. If you're planting more than one seed, place them 10 feet apart. Gently push the seedlings into the soil, cover them with a light layer of dirt, and sprinkle water over the area.

4. Use mulch, pesticides and your own hands to prevent weeds from choking the young tree. Cover its base with mulch to prevent weeds from growing nearby. Spray pesticide around the young tree to kill dangerous weeds after reading the instructions on the bottle to learn when and where to spray it. Weed at least every other week. Pull any weeds by the root to completely remove them; pinch the base of the weed between your finger and thumb and pull it quickly. Make sure the root comes out.

5. Fertilize the Xmas tree with your fertilizer of choice. How much fertilizer to use, where to spread it, and how often to spread it depends on the brand. It typically needs to be done only once or twice a year. The fertilizer will provide extra nutrients to aid in the growth of the Xmas tree.

6. Shear the Christmas tree within three years of growth. By three years, the Xmas tree should be growing into a young adult. Use the shears to trim the tree into a triangular shape. It should look like a Christmas tree after you're done shearing.

7. Spray colorant on the tree once it's matured. The colorant will give the tree a vibrant color of green. You have grown a Xmas tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Growing a Xmas tree to maturity can take from six to 12 years.

• You don't have to cut down the tree when it matures. It can be decorated where it "lives."

• Be careful when using shears. Work slowly so you don't cut yourself or your clothes.

References

• The Garden Helper: How to Control Weeds in your Lawn and Garden
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Introduction to Growing Christmas Trees in Virginia

Resources

• Better Homes and Gardens: Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas