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This week, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener of Watters Garden Center in Prescott, AZ shares how to keep a Christmas tree alive outside in winter, what you need to know about planting a potted Christmas tree, and more!
The ‘Single Blue Pinyon Pine’ is a local variety that gives a bold look to a rustic tree. Its blue color blends well in dry mountain landscapes, as well as modern and Mediterranean-style gardens. The neat appearance and the unusual blue color are impressive. This tree is gaining popularity in farmers markets for its production of pine nuts. Even at a young age, the tree produces pinecones with nuts that melt in your mouth. Let it grow wild to 10 ′ or prune it right after its spring growth for a perfect Christmas tree shape.
January it is an excellent month to plant evergreens. The timing is perfect for those who use live trees as decorations during the holidays and then mature after the festivities are over.
Due to their waxy needles and high internal tone, most conifers need surprisingly little water. Once they grow to their preferred size, our arid climate, dry soil, and extreme temperatures make them happier. This holds true for most highland natives such as pine, cypress, cedar, juniper, and fir.
They do not like to sit on damp, soggy ground. The internal metabolism of the tree slows down to a state almost similar to stasis. New root hairs will form along with next spring’s candle buds as long as the soil drains quickly. That is why digging the correct size planting hole and adding the correct soil amendments are critical to successful planting.
Here are six steps plant a happy evergreen after the holiday celebrations are over, or any time of the year.
Step 1 – The planting hole should be bowl-shaped, the same depth as the root of the tree and three times the width. Plants don’t need a bottomless pit; They thrive when they can reach just below the surface of the soil, in search of food and water. Clear the hole of rocks and debris more prominent than a golf ball.
Step 2 – Improve the soil removed to make the planting hole and mix one part of Watters Premium Mulch in three parts of native soil. The amount of mulch per plant should be equal to the size of the root ball. Use this mixed soil to fill in around your new tree.
Step 3 – Evergreens are so sensitive to soggy soil that planting them on a small mound is recommended. Whatever you do, don’t bury the plant; prevent the trunk from sinking below ground level. The top of the root ball that you see in the grower pot should still be able to see sunlight once planted.
Step 4 – Encourage strong spring growth by adding “7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food” designed specifically for Arizona mountain plants. Simply sprinkle the granules over the root ball and the water. Organic slow release food promotes a deep green color while encouraging thicker root formation each time you water.
Step 5 – Promote deeper roots with ‘Root & Grow’. Add this liquid rooting hormone when your tree is watered. It forces many new root hairs to grow in the surrounding soil. More roots mean a more vigorous plant. Use this root toner once a month until new candle growth emerges in spring.
Step 6 – Cover the planting area with a 3-inch layer of “crushed cedar bark.” This extra layer of natural insulation locks in moisture, keeps weeds out and protects from extreme changes in temperature. It is like pulling a thick wool blanket over the roots when they are cold and shivering.
Water – Keep your tree moist but let it dry between waterings. Let it soak twice a month during the winter. Once you experience new growth, modify your watering schedule twice a week for the first growing season, and then once a week afterward.
For exact planting details including drawings and measurements, ask for my “Mile High Planting Guide” the next time you visit the garden center. You may also like the helpful companion guide, “Mile High Watering.”
From the Lain family to yours, we would like to wish our Jewish friends a blessed Hanukkah, our Christian friends the happiest of Christmas, and everyone else the happiest of holidays :).
Until next week, I’ll help holiday shoppers pick the perfect live Christmas trees here at Watters Garden Center.
This article was written by Ken Lain. He can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or he can be contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.
Get more gardening tips from Watters Garden Center in the Mountain Gardener column at Signals A Z.com.
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