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Commercial Christmas tree lots may bring in trees from tree farms in other states, but the trees meet the regulations set in place to prevent bringing pests and plant diseases into Utah.

Courtesy Meredith Seaver, USU Extension

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Nurseries have assorted tree species in different sizes. When choosing a living Christmas tree, select one that fits your living space and will do well in your landscape.

Courtesy Meredith Seaver, USU Extension

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This is the time of year when we get questions about living Christmas trees, so here’s a review of our tips for success.

The most important part of having a living Christmas tree is selecting a tree species that is right for your landscape. You’ll be bringing it indoors, so choose a tree that fits into your home and can be handled by just one or two people.

Do your tree a favor and prepare the planting hole in advance. Put the soil from the hole into containers and store them in a place where the soil won’t freeze before you’re ready to plant after Christmas.

Keep your tree in a protected area outdoors, with no standing water under the tree, until you’re ready to bring it in. Water thoroughly when the upper 2 inches of soil feel dry then wait to water again until the top couple of inches have dried. Limit the number of days that your tree is indoors; 10 days or less is best.

Provide the best conditions you can once you bring your tree inside.

• Keep the room as cool as you comfortably can.
• Avoid placing your tree near a heat register. If that is your only option, close the register so that dry indoor air doesn’t blow against your tree.
• Also avoid locations near a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
• Protect your flooring so you can water your tree while it’s indoors.

Water your tree as needed once you take it back outdoors. If you prepared a planning hole for your tree when you first purchased it, you can plant your tree as soon as you take it back outside. Whether you prepare the hole when you purchase your tree or when you take the tree back out after Christmas Day, make sure the hole you dig is at least twice as wide as the root ball of your tree, but no deeper. Backfill with the same soil you took out of the planting hole, water it in well and cover the planting area with a 3-inch layer of bark mulch.

If you haven’t prepared a planting place and the ground is too frozen for digging, you’ll want to return your tree to a protected place and keep an eye on the soil moisture in the container. You might also want to provide the root ball with a little extra protection by putting a pile of bark mulch or bags of compost around the container.

Cutting your own tree or firewood

Are you looking forward to cutting your own fresh Christmas tree or gathering your own firewood for a cozy Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve by the fireplace? If that’s your plan, you’ll want to make sure you don’t bring home invasive pests or plant diseases, too.

Invasive pests don’t just damage trees in our mountains and canyons. They can also cause crop losses in agricultural areas and damage to urban forests (the trees in our parks and neighborhoods). Infestations can also prevent our Utah growers from exporting their crops to other states. The best way to avoid these risks is to “think local” for these holiday activities.

Reputable Christmas tree lots do bring in trees from outside our area, but they have met the requirements for importing those trees without risking the health of our local forests, parks and landscapes.

If you enjoy taking your family out to cut down a perfect tree instead of getting a tree at a Christmas tree lot, limit your search to designated areas nearby or visit a local tree farm.

Are you purchasing firewood for your holiday festivities? Buy it where you burn it! If you’re going to collect firewood in Utah forests, try to stay close to home. Ideally, firewood should be collected within 10 miles of where you’ll burn it and not more than 50 miles away. This reduces the chances that you’ll bring infested wood into an area that doesn’t have that pest problem. For more information about using or moving firewood, visit dontmovefirewood.org.