Living Christmas Tree Care Guide

Living Christmas trees bring joy indoors during the holidays, and then can thrive outdoors once planted! In Southern Idaho, where winters can be chilly, taking care of your tree is essential for its long-term health. Let’s ensure it flourishes for seasons to come!

Before Bringing Your Tree Indoors

Keep your tree in a protected outdoor area until just before Christmas. An unheated garage (with windows), a covered porch, or the north side of your house works well. Cooler temperatures keep the tree dormant and prevent early growth triggered by warmth and light.

Be sure to choose a tree species that is suitable for Zone 5b and your local conditions. Trees that thrive in this zone will handle winter better and establish more easily once planted.

Indoor Care (Limit to 7–10 Days)

Once indoors, place your tree in a cool room where temperatures stay below 65°F. Avoid fireplaces, heating vents, and sunny windows.

Water the tree daily. The soil or root ball should remain moist but never soggy. Container trees should sit in a saucer and be watered evenly.

Decorate carefully using only LED lights and lightweight decorations to avoid heat stress and branch damage.

Moving Your Tree Back Outside

Never move your tree directly from a warm home into freezing temperatures. This sudden change can damage the tree.

Transition the tree slowly:

• Move it to an unheated sheltered area for several days.
• Afterward, place it in a protected outdoor location for 1–2 weeks before planting.

Planting Your Tree

Plant as soon as the weather and soil allow. If the ground is frozen, mulch the site with 6–8 inches of straw to help keep the soil workable. Dig a hole at least 12 inches wider and deeper than the root ball, and backfill the hole with loose soil so the tree is at the natural soil level. Backfill with the original soil.

First Year Care

The first growing season is critical.

• Water regularly during dry weather. (Even through winter.)
• Stake if necessary in windy locations.
• Monitor soil moisture closely.
• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect roots.

Zone 5b Success Checklist

• Choose a cold-hardy species
• Keep indoors under 65°F
• Limit indoor time to 7–10 days
• Water daily
• Use LED lights only
• Transition outdoors gradually
• Mulch heavily
• Water through the first season