How do I keep it alive?

My potted Christmas tree. <<<<-

Msg: #1 109 weeks ago, November 22nd 2007

Every year I buy a live Christmas tree in a pot hoping to plant it outside when the thaw comes.
Well they keep dying before I get a chance to plant them outside.
Would anyone have any tips about keeping it alive?

Mel

Ali

Ali Watters
Post Count: 3913

Msg: #2 109 weeks ago, November 22nd 2007

My parents have the same trouble every year!

Get one with lots of roots... if they've lost all those little white roots then the tree can't absorb water and die.

Water it with a pint of water a day - or more if it's big.

Keep it indoors for as short a period as possible.

Choose a good planting position - not much competitions - when you plant it make sure it doesn't have air pockets around the roots - it needs soil.

Give it two or three years before you bring it back in again.

HTH

(Spent 8 years working in Gardens and forests as a teenager

)

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14927

Msg: #3 109 weeks ago, November 22nd 2007

Thanks for the tips Ali :)
I did not realise they need that much water.
I used to give them around a half pint every week.

Mikey M

Mike Meggiato
Post Count: 325

Msg: #4 108 weeks ago, November 30th 2007

As long as you do not over water or fertilise it, thats what id did with my poor little bonzai tree...lol

Thx Mike:)

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14927

Msg: #5 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

Thanks Mike
Ill try my best. :)

Mikey M

Mike Meggiato
Post Count: 325

Msg: #6 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

No Worries Mell, i think you more than likely have more green fingeredness than me:)

Thx Mike;0)

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14927

Msg: #7 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

I doubt that Mike.
I have murdered a Christmas tree per year so far. :)

Mikey M

Mike Meggiato
Post Count: 325

Msg: #8 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

So thats why i grew up never having seen a real Christmas tree, you killed them all so my mum dad had to buy plastic ones....lol

:0)

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14927

Msg: #9 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

Well, I was not quite that bad.
I only killed one per year. :)
But at least your parents were sensible. If one cant look after it one should not get it. ;)

Mikey M

Mike Meggiato
Post Count: 325

Msg: #10 107 weeks ago, December 3rd 2007

Very wise words Mell, thats why i think i shall leave Christmas trees were they belong....lol:@)

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14927

Msg: #11 107 weeks ago, December 4th 2007

I have a Christmas tree.
But I wont get a turkey so I can feel somewhat like a smug do gooder. :)

Mikey M

Mike Meggiato
Post Count: 325

Msg: #12 107 weeks ago, December 4th 2007

Mell have you been watching that lottery advert with the farm about to bash the turkey with the shovel?....lol