Instead of the old artificial tree or even a cut “live” tree, this year do something a little different – buy a smaller live tree and plant it after the holidays. It’s growing in popularity and watching your new tree grow a great way to remember your Christmas all year. Obviously you can’t plant a live tree in your yard for every Christmas from now until the end of time but if this tradition catches on in your house, you can always donate the tree to a charity if you don’t want to or cannot plant it.

If you decide to “go live” this holiday season, remember these tips to keep the tree healthy from farm to living room to backyard!

• Introduce the tree to your home slowly. When you bring it home, leave it in your garage or another unheated part of your home for a few days so it doesn’t get shocked by the heat from your home.
• When you are ready to bring the tree indoors, make a trip to the hardware store first and look for an anti-wilt product to help prevent needle loss.
• When deciding where to place your tree indoors, opt for the coolest part possible away from fireplaces and heating ducts.
• Make sure the tree is well watered by not drenched.
• Make sure the tree is upright in the container so the water is even distributed.

Living Christmas trees should only be inside for 7-10 days before going back outside to be planted. Here are some planting tips you may want to try.
• Find a spot that doesn’t get extreme temperatures or wind.
• Cover the area where the tree will be planted with thick black plastic for a day or two. This will keep water and snow out but will help thaw the ground as well making planting easier.

If you opt to go the live route this holiday season, these tips will help keep your tree healthy!