live christmas tree possible inside in WW?

[in my dreams]

I would really like to get a live tree as our Christmas tree in the house this year, and then plant it out in the yard to commemorate our first Christmas in WW.

Any suggestions?

[Surfer_Dude]

First rule of Wrightwood tree planting, dig outside hole for tree first then go buy tree.

After you have completed this task...come back for further instructions. 

[lagomorphmom]

Does Mtn. Hardware rent jackhammers???

[ForestGal]

I have a green spruce in my front yard that we got for our 2nd Christmas in this house, the 1978 season.  So, 31 years later, it's thriving, and huge!  Be sure you allow enough room for the tree to grow, when you select your planting spot.  Our first Christmas tree here, 1977, was a Douglas Fir that we also planted in the front yard, made the mistake of not allowing enough space, and had to take it out several years later.  It was sad to lose it.

It's best not to leave the tree in the house for very long, I've heard 2 weeks is about max.  Be sure to keep it well away from fireplace or heaters or heater vents.  Keep the root ball well watered.  Enjoy!

[in my dreams]

The pine tree in our front yard is dying, I think. Maybe I can plant one 8 -10 feet in front of that, which will still be far enough from the street. . .But 2 weeks in the house? Short time. . .

If I decide to do this soon, digging my hole before it gets really frosty  , should I harden it off in a sheltered spot, like a covered porch, before I plant it out?

[ForestGal]

If I decide to do this soon, digging my hole before it gets really frosty  , should I harden it off in a sheltered spot, like a covered porch, before I plant it out?

Yes, that is a good idea. 

[tlc]

What does 'hardening' mean when it comes to the live tree? I love those full, blue spruces (I believe) around town. There are some beautiful ones at Acorn and Edna.

[in my dreams]

My understanding of "hardening off" is to try to acclimate a plant to a new environment; to ease its transition to big light and temp changes.

I was thinking about the blue spruce, too. I always thought they needed a lot of water, but they seem to be doing well!!!

[Surfer_Dude]

Anther tip; Don't place the tree near your water lines into the house or your septic tank and lines.

[in my dreams]

Hmm. 2 weeks seems to be the rule of thumb. . . Maybe we'll plant an Easter tree; rebirth, new life--new to WW. . . I can make that work 

[Nolena]

I never kept mine inside more than 2 weeks, didn't put them near a heater, and put them on the deck in their pot until spring. At least 5 large former Christmas trees are growing in my yard and the neighbor's.

[SpeedRacer]

We've planted half a dozen Xmas trees over the years and they've all died within 5 years.

[WWMtnGal]

Our live trees never made it for very long when we took them from the outside, put them on the inside for Christmas and then put them back outside to plant.  We have not had good luck at all doing it that way.

But we have planted a lot of trees that manage to live and thrive but not the ones that have been in the house first.

There are so many rocks in our soil that just digging the hole is a huge chore.

[Hummingbird]

We have also had good luck with more than one blue spruce, putting it outside after Christmas and leaving it in the pot until spring. Thriving after several years! Just keep it well watered, in the pot and for a year after planting.