How to Care for a Living Christmas Tree
- 1). Leave the tree outside or in a cold garage until you're ready to decorate it - keeping in mind that a pine tree can stay inside only for about ten days.
- 2). Clean your tree before you bring it inside - brush off dead needles and spider webs and wipe off dust.
- 3). Place the tree in its pot on an impermeable shield - a plastic saucer like those you use for houseplants works well - to protect your floor, carpet, or table top.
- 4). Position the tree so that it's not over a heating vent. If it absolutely has to be over a vent, close the vent for the duration of the tree's stay inside. Don't put it right up against a window where it's going to get direct hot sun, or right in front of a fireplace or woodstove that's in use.
- 5). Check the soil daily for dryness - it should stay damp but not wet, and it will need more water inside than it needs outside.
- 6). Unplug the lights at night and whenever you leave the house.
- 7). Try not to overheat the tree's room.