Living Christmas Trees: Selection and Care for the Atlanta Area

Living Christmas Trees: Selection and Care for the Atlanta Area

Suitable Species for Atlanta

Several evergreens work well as living Christmas trees in the Atlanta region:

• White pine
• Virginia pine
• Red cedar
• Leyland Cypress
• Canadian Hemlock
• Carolina Hemlock

Note: Fir and spruce trees struggle in Atlanta's hot summers and are not recommended. Smaller trees (around 6 feet tall) transplant more successfully than larger specimens.

Indoor Care Instructions

1. Keep the tree outdoors in a shady spot until mid-December. Spray foliage with an anti-transpirant such as Cloud Cover or Wilt Pruf.
2. Bring indoors around December 15. A child's wagon lined with plastic makes a good transport cart; the tree can stay in the wagon or be set in a wide, shallow pan.
3. Water the root ball daily with at least two quarts, pouring slowly so water soaks in. Tip: Place ice cubes on the root ball for slow, even moisture release.
4. Close nearby heat vents and keep the room cool most of the day.
5. Move the tree outdoors by December 28. Prepare a planting area 6 feet wide and 12 inches deep. Plant the root ball in the center, water heavily, and mulch with 3 inches of pine straw.
6. Water weekly until spring. Fertilize with liquid plant food (e.g., Miracle-Gro) in mid-summer.

Audio Resources

Let's Go Watch It Grow
https://www.walterreeves.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Let__s-Go-Watch-It-Grow1.mp3

Plant a Living Christmas Tree
https://www.walterreeves.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Plant-a-Christmas-Tree2.mp3