Balled Trees Can Make Lasting
Memories
While many trees end up as firewood or mulch after the holidays have
passed, with some effort homeowners who buy a potted or balled Christmas
tree can have a memory flourish in their landscape.
"Successfully planting Christmas trees in your landscape may be
difficult," said David Mercker, a forestry specialist with the University
of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, "but the chance of survival
increases if proper steps are followed."
Mercker recommends the following tips when caring for potted or balled
trees:
- Buy a healthy tree from a reputable nursery or grower.
- Choose a species native to Tennessee. Mercker recommends the White
Pine or Norway Spruce for residents of East Tennessee and the Virginia
Pine for those in West Tennessee.
- Wait until Christmas has almost arrived to purchase the tree. It should
only be kept in the house for about one week.
- Keep the tree in a shaded area or a non-heated garage until it is
brought inside.
- Once inside, be sure it is not near heating ducts, vents or fans.
- Keep the soil in the ball or pot moist while in the house because
the tree will begin to grow and transpire moisture.
- After removal from the house, transplant the tree as soon as possible.
If you are not able to plant it immediately, then place the tree away
from excessive wind and sun. Do not allow the root ball to freeze.
- Lift and carry the tree by the ball or pot, not the trunk or top.
- Dig the hole for the tree before the soil freezes and keep the fill
dirt thawed.
- Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the ball diameter and no
deeper than the ball height.
- Remove packaging and binding materials when planting the tree. Carefully
stake the tree for its first year being sure not to damage the tree's
bark.
- Mulch the tree with a three-foot radius with no more than three inches
of mulch.
- Water thoroughly at the time of planting, then, if needed, once per
week until Spring, switching to twice per week during the first growing
season.
For additional information or assistance, contact your local county Extension
office.
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Contact: Samantha Hill, 865-974-7141
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