How to Plant a Live Christmas Tree with Root Ball in the Garden

Christmas trees are simply magical. Every holiday, we fall in love with the glow of their twinkle lights and the charm of having a big, beautiful tree indoors.

But where’s that magic go after the holidays are over? Recycling your tree and turning it into mulch is a great way to help your tree’s spirit live on. Or you can go a step further and plant your Christmas tree if it has a root ball!

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to plant your Christmas tree outside in the garden, and enjoy its majesty for years to come!

Christmas Tree Planting Guide: Planting a Live Potted Christmas Tree with Root Ball

Before we go any further, the below planting instructions are for Christmas trees that are potted or have a root ball. Unfortunately, you cannot plant a Christmas tree without roots–even if it’s growing!

Step-by-Step: How to Plant a Christmas Tree with Root Ball

1. To plant your Christmas tree with a root ball, it’s got to be fresh. You should only keep it inside for 7-10 days! Otherwise, your tree will begin thinking it’s spring and start growing. Then, when you move it outside, it will have trouble surviving the cold weather.
   
   
2. Before you can plant your Christmas tree, move it to a sheltered, unheated space, like the garage.
   
   
3. If you live in an area with a warmer winter, keep your tree here for 7 days to help it readjust to cooler temperatures. Or if you live in an area where the ground is frozen, your tree will have to camp out here until the ground thaws and you can dig a hole. Until then, continue to water your tree. It’s super important to keep the root ball wet, not sopping, the entire time.
   
   
4. When you and your tree are ready, it’s plantin’ time!
   
   

Click for step-by-step instructions to plant your Christmas tree!