Planting a Live Balled-and-Burlap Christmas Tree: Avoid Costly Mistakes

Live Tree Success Starts Before the Holidays

A live Christmas tree is a wonderful tradition—but mishandling kills it. Follow these steps for a tree that thrives for decades.

Pre-Holiday Prep

1. Dig the planting hole now. Store backfill soil in garage (ground may freeze later).
2. Keep tree indoors as briefly as possible.
3. Water root ball thoroughly, then let nearly dry before rewatering—moist, not soggy.

Post-Holiday Planting

1. Move outside immediately; plant if ground workable.
2. If frozen, heel in: pack leaves/straw around ball, shield from sun/wind.
3. Plant ASAP—ground is best, even if frozen. Backfill with loose soil; no air pockets.

Critical Details

• Cut/remove all nylon twine (especially around stem). Sisal twine okay on ball, not stem.
• Cut synthetic burlap in many places or remove; wire basket can stay.
• Plant high: Ball top 1–2" above grade. In clay, plant higher, mound soil. Deep planting suffocates.
• No fertilizer at planting. Organic only in spring. Compost in hole is fine.
• Stake to prevent wind-rock.

These steps apply to any B&B tree planting, any season. A live tree is an investment—protect it.