Adding a potted Christmas tree to your living space can be an enchanting way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. It's also a great way to save time when it comes to picking out your tree year after year. Do you want to keep your potted Christmas tree looking great all through the holiday season?

With just a few simple steps and some extra care, you can ensure that your petite evergreen is healthy and beautiful throughout the holidays. Read on for top tips on how to care for your potted Christmas tree!

Watering

Potted Christmas tree

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The most important aspect of caring for your potted Christmas tree is ensuring it stays adequately hydrated.

Before bringing it into its new home, have a large enough pot with drainage holes ready, so its roots have plenty of room to grow. Once repotted, or placed in a cache pot, water your tree regularly. The amount of water required will depend on the size of the tree.

Generally, you can water your potted Christmas tree up to a pint a day. However, it's always best to check the soil before watering. You need to keep the soil moist but never soggy. Also, if the soil is too dry, your tree may start to turn brown or drop its needles.

Pro Tip: Wrap the pot with plastic or place it in a tub. Doing so keeps the root ball damp and protect your floors against water damage. 

Adaptability

Potted Christmas tree

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Remember that some species may be less adaptable outside their natural area. To guarantee your tree is suited to its new environment, check with a reliable nursery that can advise you on the best choice for your needs.

If you're looking for a true classic Christmas tree you can try Fraser firs, Norway spruces, and the popular blue spruce.

Keep It Away From Sources of Heat

Potted Christmas tree

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Choose a spot away from heat woodstoves, vents, or radiators when placing your tree. As the weather starts to cool down and the heat is turned up, it can cause your tree to dry out faster than usual if it's too close to an external heat source.

Instead, pick a well-lit spot free of drafts in your home where you can still enjoy its magical beauty. When picking a spot for your tree be aware of how close radiators and furnaces are, the last thing you want is a Christmas tree up in flames.

Use the Right Lights

Potted Christmas tree

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Adorn your potted Christmas tree with festive cheer this holiday season -- without risking its health or a fire! The heat from bulbs can damage the needles of your tree.

To keep it looking its best, only use lights that are cool to the touch. Look for small "pencil eraser" sized bulbs or LED bulbs to stay safe and ensure that your tree looks merry and bright for seasons to come.

Use Environmentally Safe Decorations

Decorated living room with beautiful Christmas tree

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Tinsel and flock may add glitter and glamour to your space, but they are not good for mother nature. After planting, these materials can become pollutants in the soil and harm wildlife. The health of your tree and the environment is essential, so it’s best to avoid adding any extra decorations that could damage their well-being.

Instead, choose environmentally friendly ornaments that won’t cause any harm after the festivities are over.

Turn The Heat Down

Christmas tree with presents

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If you plan to be away from home for a few hours, turn the heat down in your house.

Lowering the temperature by a couple of degrees can help keep your tree at its optimal level of hydration and health. This will also help conserve energy, so your holiday season is as green and eco-friendly as possible!

It May Shed

Water Regularly

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The tree may shed needles as it adjusts to being indoors. Keep an eye on the number of needles the tree is shedding to prevent damage to your furniture or carpets. Once the tree has adjusted to its new environment, you should see less needle loss.

Moving the Tree

Outdoor Christmas tree

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When the holiday season is over, what should you do with your Christmas tree? How about replant it for next year! But, moving the tree directly from a warm house into freezing temperatures can cause shock and possibly damage it.

To avoid this, try moving the tree to a sheltered area a few days in advance – like an unheated garage or porch – so it can adjust gradually to cooler temperatures outside. That way, you can enjoy its festive beauty without worrying about potential harm!

Note: Keeping a living tree indoors for longer than 12 days is unadvisable. If you notice any stress signs on your tree, such as an abundance of needle shedding, it's best to put it back outdoors. 

Planting

Planting a fir tree

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Before putting your tree into the ground, remember to leave the burlap and strapping on. Doing so will help keep the root ball remain secure and intact. If you notice plastic covering over the top of your tree, cut off the cord and roll it down at least halfway before planting. Then remove the container from around your tree before putting it into its new home.

You don't need to worry about cleaning up or removing soil from its root system. Just fill in all of the dirt you dug out for it. After that's all done, add some mulch over the top of where you planted so the tree won't freeze during colder months. Lastly, water your tree only as needed - if it's flooded, there's a chance it won't survive.

If you plan on re-using your potted Christmas tree, you can put it outdoors in its container. Repot it once it becomes too big for its home (about 18 inches in depth and diameter is best.)

Stake the Tree

Staked fir tree

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After planting, secure your potted Christmas tree, especially during the first growing season. Staking is an easy way to protect your new tree from potential wind tipping or any other damage it might incur. After all, you want to make sure your beautiful little tree gets off to a great start!

All Prepared For the Holiday!

By following these simple tips, your potted Christmas tree can last well into the New Year and continue to bring festive cheer to your home. Have you tried any of these methods? Leave a comment below! And be sure to share this article with your friends and family -- they’ll definitely want to know how to keep their trees looking perfect all season long.