How to Keep Your Living Christmas Tree Alive and Thriving

If you’ve ever wished your Christmas tree could live on past the holidays, a living Christmas tree makes that dream real. Unlike cut trees, these come with their roots intact in a pot or burlap ball — ready to decorate for the holidays, then plant outside to grow for years to come.

They’re a wonderful choice for gardeners, families, and anyone who loves the idea of planting a lasting memory after the season ends. But they do need a little extra care to make the transition from holiday centerpiece to healthy outdoor tree.

What Is a Living Christmas Tree?

A living Christmas tree is a potted evergreen that can be brought indoors and decorated for a short time before being moved back outdoors and planted in the ground. These trees remain alive and growing, making them a sustainable alternative to cut trees — one that keeps giving long after the lights are packed away.

How to Care for a Living Christmas Tree

1. Keep It Outside Until You’re Ready

Your tree is used to the cold. Keep it outdoors until you’re ready to decorate.
If temperatures are below freezing, move it to a garage or covered area first to let it thaw slowly before bringing it inside.

2. Limit Indoor Time

Bring your tree inside for no more than 5–7 days. Longer than that, and the warmth may trigger new growth — which can kill the tree once it’s moved back outdoors.
If you want to enjoy it longer, decorate it outside first with lights and simple ornaments before moving it indoors for the final few days.

3. Keep It Away from Heat

Place your tree well away from fireplaces, heating vents, space heaters, and even TVs. The radiant heat from these can quickly dry out the needles and soil.

4. Water Regularly

Water the tree thoroughly before bringing it inside, and check moisture every few days. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Even when it’s back outdoors, keep watering — the moisture helps insulate the roots from cold damage.

5. Choose a Protected Outdoor Spot

Before planting, keep the tree in a shady, sheltered area, such as the north side of your house. This prevents shock from sudden sun or wind exposure.

6. Planting After the Holidays

When it’s time to plant, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Mix your native soil with about one-third compost and backfill firmly around the tree. Water deeply, then check soil moisture monthly through the winter.

Why Living Trees Are Worth It

With proper care, your living Christmas tree will grow into a lasting reminder of your holiday season — a beautiful, thriving part of your landscape for decades to come. It’s a sustainable, meaningful choice that connects your celebration to the land around you.

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