Vancouver Christmas Trees: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Tree

Looking for a sustainable tree option? While even cut trees are better than plastic, living Christmas trees can be planted after the holiday season, providing joy for years to come. Live trees do require special care, so read on to learn how to keep them healthy indoors and out.

You can opt for a tropical conifer like a Norfolk Island pine if you want something that stays inside year round. These have softer branches so often do best with tinsel or lightweight decorations only.

Caring for your Cut or Live Christmas Tree

With special care, Christmas trees can remain fresh and healthy throughout the holiday season. Even a cut tree is a living thing; treat it as you would a bouquet of flowers (by refreshing its water supply and keeping away from heat sources, for a start!). Get the most out of your tree with these additional tree care suggestions:

Cut Christmas Tree Care

Once you select your tree, follow these suggestions to keep it fresh for up to three weeks:

• Store your tree outdoors (ideally in an area protected from wind and sun) until you are ready to set it up and decorate.
• When you bring the tree into the house for decorating, make a straight, fresh cut across the trunk about an inch from the end. This will open up the tree so it can take up water.
• Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water; trees may drink up to four litres of water daily.
• Check water levels every day and supply fresh water as needed (if the water level drops below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form, preventing the tree from taking up water and hastening its demise).
• Place your tree away from heat sources, which can have a drying effect.

Living Christmas Tree Care

Live, potted trees require special care. Follow these suggestions to ensure yours will continue to thrive for many years:

• Leave your potted tree outside as long as possible, bringing it inside for a maximum of 10 days. Most conifers don’t show that they’ve dried out right away, so you want to err on the side of caution.
• Keep well watered. Plants used to being outside in our wet climate can dry out very quickly, so be sure to check often and give a thorough water if you notice the soil is at all dry.
• Keep away from heat sources, and place in the coolest and brightest part of your home.
• Don’t worry about acclimating them to come inside and go back outside; it isn’t necessary here in Vancouver.
• For the rest of the year keep your tree in a bright spot and make sure you’re watering and fertilizing through the growing season.
• Early spring is one of the best times for repotting conifers, especially if they are pot bound and you need to do some root pruning. This might be especially true if your tree has been in its pot for a few years.