Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Live Potted Christmas Tree
There are numerous reasons why growing your own potted Christmas tree is a great idea. Perhaps, like me and my family, you simply love the charm of having a real tree during this time of year. Or maybe you're motivated by sustainability and want to avoid using plastic or cutting down a tree every year.
We have always loved having some sort of live tree in the home this time of year, generally going for the farmed and cut variety . The most common cut tree species here is the Pinus radiata due to its ability to thrive in the many different climates Australia has.
However, this surprised my partner, who grew up in the United Kingdom where they have an abundance of cut trees of all different spices that are much more beautiful than our radiata. He promptly informed me that the radiata just wont do. Its not a traditional xmas tree.
When I spent my first Christmas in the UK, we discovered that his family had a cut Picea abies (Norway Spruce). But more so - I was surprised that at each home we went to a different spices of tree was preferred! What a luxury to be able to choose which tree suits your own Christmas decore.
Knowing we didn’t have that option here in Australia we embarked on keeping and growing a live potted Christmas tree that would be with us long into the future. so we went on a mission to find our very own Norway Spruce.
Luckily, it didn't take us long as we simply visited our local nursery before Christmas, and they had one waiting for us. The horticulturalist at the nursery personally went to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to select the trees for the Christmas season, and they truly are stunning.
A beautiful reason to keep a live tree is that it will grow with your family throughout the years. It’s magical to look back and see photos of your tree with your family and know it’s the same majestic tree year on year sharing in the holiday spirit, it brings a sence of joy knowing our tree has been apart of years worth of fond memories.
What ever your reasoning there is a perfect live Christmas tree for you! but there are some things to think about when selecting your tree.
How to select the perfect live potted Christmas tree.
As you'll want your tree to thrive for years to come, choosing the correct spices will be essential to having a beautiful tree year in year out as the centre piece to your holiday celebrations.
Choosing the correct Christmas tree for your climate
The most important factor in your success will be finding a tree that matches your climate. Each different tree species has specific requirements and preferences when it comes to climate conditions, and matching them with the environmental conditions of your area is crucial for longterm success and a happy tree.
For example, a cool climate tree species may struggle to survive in a region with humid, wet summers, while a tree that is adapted to tropical climates will suffer with harsh winter frosts and snow. Therefore, understanding the nuances of your local climate and selecting tree species accordingly can make a significant difference in the long-term success and attractiveness of your garden.
A great place to start would be your local garden centre. The horticulturalists who work there will understand your local climate and be able to point you in the right direction to a tree that will thrive for you.
even though you’re purchasing a Christmas tree they wont live in-doors all year round. You need to have the space for it outside in the full sun position.
Size of Fully Mature Christmas Tree.
At full maturity Pine trees can grow into monstrous specimens, Some maxing out at 80m tall! A general rule of thumb is that if its a very tall species at full maturity it will also grow quickly when young.
Don’t fret, your new Christmas tree will be at a good size for a years to come as you’ll be leaving it in a pot which will restrict the plants roots resulting in much less vertical growth. If long-term hight is an issue, get a slow growing species such as Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens glauca), White Spruce (Picea glauca) or a grafted dwarfed species.
If you opt for a slow growing species, you’ll want to buy it at the final size you wish it to be, this may be more costly as a lot more care and attention has been put into growing it.
If you choose a species that grow very tall when placed in the ground, you’ll need to pot up our tree more regularly. They will eventually become un-happy in their pot over the years requiring you to replace it every decade or so.
Christmas Aesthetics
Well of course aesthetics are important! When selecting a tree for your home, you want to envision how it will complement your Christmas décor. From the ornaments to the lights, every detail matters, and the tree is a major focal point in creating that festive atmosphere. With an array of foliage types and colours to choose from, along with various growth habits and shapes, you are bound to find a tree that is perfect for your unique preferences.
At the Nursery Before You Buy Your Christmas Tree
When you are at your local nursery there are some things you should check before getting over excited and picking any old tree.
SHAPE- Make sure you get the shape you want. Though over the years you’ll need to trim and prune your tree to shape its essential you buy a tree that has a great shape already! Make sure it’s nice and full and doesn’t have gaps or missing branches
TRUNK -Look for a tree with a single, strong, and straight leading trunk. A tree with such a feature has the advantage of growing upright and developing a robust structure. This is important for its overall strength and longevity. By selecting a tree with a solid foundation and vertical growth, you are setting the stage for a thriving and impressive Xmas addition
EVEN GROWTH - Look for even growth, a tree that has had even sun light on all branches. If a tree hasn’t received even sun light it will have growth on one side and not much on the other. You want a tree with even growth.
ROOTS - When you're at the nursery, try to see if the tree is too tightly packed in its pot by gently pulling it out. If the roots are circling around the edge of the pot, it means the tree is root-bound and not a good choice. You can also check the holes at the bottom of the pot. If there are too many roots sticking out together, or matted inside it's best to look for another tree.
I must admit when we brought our Norway spruce we did get a little excited and neglected a few of these points. Our tree is a little quirky, but this works for our low-key Christmas aesthetics and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Decorating our live potted Christmas Tree at The Lodge.
Christmas tree varieties
Pine Trees
Pine trees are a great option Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata), stands out as the predominant and easily accessible Christmas tree in Australia, particularly in the form of a Live-Cut tree. Characterised by lengthy, soft, needle-like leaves with a strong fragrance, these pines evoke the classic Christmas pine scent. Known for their rapid growth, they are well-suited for various Australian climates. When kept in a pot it's recommended to repot every 1-2 years, and careful attention to watering is crucial as they tend to dry out rapidly.
Fir Trees
Fir Trees, exemplified by the Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana), boast short, aromatic, needle-like leaves that conform to the classic Christmas tree silhouette. These trees are offered in both potted and live-cut varieties. Known for their deliberate growth, they reach a mere 2 meters in a decade, making them suitable for extended pot cultivation. Planted in the ground, they typically attain heights of up to 15 meters, yet in their native frigid climate, they can soar to towering heights of 60 meters.
Spruce Trees
Piceas, characterised by their short, aromatic, needle-like leaves and classic Christmas tree form, can be obtained as potted specimens. These trees exhibit a slow growth rate, ensuring longevity, and they adapt well to potted life.
Australian Native Trees
Think outside the box and use one of our Australian native trees. This unexpected twist will undoubtedly leave your guests marveling at the creativity and the natural beauty of our native flora, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional holiday décor.
Growing your own live potted Christmas tree offers a unique and environmentally friendly charm to your holiday celebrations, whether driven by a love for real trees, sustainability, or the desire to create lasting memories.
