The classic Christmas dilemma is already present in our minds and many of us are wondering whether to choose a plastic Christmas tree or a natural one.
A priori, The right choice from a sustainable point of view would be obvious, because consuming less plastic always seems preferable. Of course, if we opt for one of those real trees or small trees…is it really worth taking one home? And more importantly: what do you do when you’ve collected the gifts and the lights start to go out of tune?
In this article, we will explain not only how to keep this persistent twig alive – and prevent its last days from coming with the next heatwave – but also where we could give it permanent shelter if the balcony is no longer enough. Yes, keeping the tree alive after winter is possible. But spoiler: It involves much more than finding a park and leaving it there with a note to “go big.”
Advantages and disadvantages of choosing a real Christmas tree:
What we usually see in the Christmas scenario are people who opt for what is convenient, cheap and quick (they end up buying a plastic tree from the store below their house) or the most conscientious, who look for what is natural (they are the ones who choose a Christmas tree in a nursery).
Beyond trends, if you decide to choose a real one, you must take into account some advantages and disadvantages:
Benefits :
- Aroma and Aesthetics: Nothing beats the fresh smell and appearance of a natural tree, which gives an authentic and traditional touch.
- Sustainability: if grown responsibly, they contribute to the absorption of CO₂ and the maintenance of biodiversity. If it died, its environmental impact would be much less than that of a plastic tree thrown into a landfill.
Disadvantages:
- Short-lived: They only look great during the holidays, then they lose their freshness and need to be planted in a suitable location (otherwise they die). In addition, the following year its appearance will almost certainly be different, which may not please many people.
- Maintenance: They require constant watering and care to prevent them from drying out or losing their needles.
- Annual cost: If you haven’t managed to make it last more than a year yet, having to buy a new one every year can lead to higher expenses in the long run.
What to do with the tree after Christmas?
Suppose you go to the nursery and buy a natural Christmas tree. These little trees look great the first few weeks but need more than a 2 liter pot and occasional watering to survive after the holidays. Let’s think that the most common species that function as Christmas trees are trees that, in nature, reach tens of meters in height with almost unlimited soil resources.
Also remember that these are outdoor plants: they are not designed to spend long periods inside the house, where the climate is always the same, where it does not rain or where it is cold and light is scarce.
A natural Christmas tree can survive if you have done the following homework during the holidays:
- You take good care of it: place it away from direct heat sources and keep it in a cool place as much as possible. Don’t forget the light and place it near a window (or outside). Although it can survive a few weeks with less light, a drastic change in light can cause it to lose its leaves. Ah! Don’t forget to water either, after all it’s a plant and it needs water to live. You can water it when the substrate is almost dry.
- If you have it inside the house, prepare it for outside; Once the holidays are over, gradually accustom him to outside temperatures while avoiding thermal shock.
- Avoid decorative sprays: Products such as artificial snow or glitter can block leaf pores (stomata), affecting their ability to transpire.
If you notice that it has reached the end of its life somewhat damaged, you can always carry out a rejuvenation pruning, apply a biostimulant that facilitates its adaptation to a new environment and, if necessary, transplant it.
The best natural Christmas trees for the home
- Trees for hot areas:
Umbrella pine (Pinus pinée). Perfect for warm climates with mild winters. It has a characteristic umbrella-shaped crown and produces edible pine nuts. It adapts to sandy or poor soils, provided they are well drained. Avoid waterlogging, as roots can rot.
Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). Tolerant of heat and slight drought once established. Prefers well-drained, sunny soils. Water abundantly for the first two years after planting and it will then survive almost on its own.
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii). The typical cypress that we see is used a thousand times to form hedges. It grows quickly, is heat resistant and adapts to different soils. It supports height very well, which will give you an advantage in controlling its size in small spaces.
- Trees for cold areas:
Normandy fir (Abies nordmanniana). One of the most cold-hardy trees, ideal for climates with harsh winters. It grows in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates severe frosts. Plant it in a place protected from strong winds, as it can damage its young branches when it is still small.
silver fir (Abies alba). It is native to Europe and is ideal for cold, humid climates, especially in mountainous areas. It is slow growing but very resilient and can reach great heights, be careful. To see it grow happily, avoid compacted soils and ensure good drainage.
Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara). A hardy tree that does well in cold, mountainous climates. It adapts well to deep, well-drained soils. Its growth is faster and reaches large dimensions, make sure it has enough space to grow without restrictions.
Whatever your Christmas tree, remember that even if we have had it for a few weeks in our Christmas decoration, it is still a living being that has in its DNA to grow freely in nature, with good light, adequate climate and above all without decorations that prevent it from growing well.
