Christmas Gardening – replanting your Christmas tree outdoors

Trees to plant outdoors

Abies koreana - grows to forty feet and is therefore suitable for the smaller garden
Abies procera - silvery-blue, fragrant tips, smooth, grey bark, and good needle retention
Abies fraseri - soft needles, which also hold well, and strong boughs that are ideal for supporting heavy ornaments.

Buy the best specimen you can afford as early as possible in December and store it outside for as long as possible before bringing it indoors.

To plant the tree out after indoor use:

Acclimatise the tree to being outdoors again for a month or so in a sheltered area with some natural light - a porch, conservatory or garage. Gradually move the tree down the garden to a more exposed area.
If you have a very large garden and want to plant your tree in the lawn, choose a location in full sun, as this will ensure an even shape to your tree – part shade can cause it to develop unevenly.
Make a square hole, at least one spade deep and enrich the soil, paying attention to creating good drainage.
Fill the hole and plant the tree on the resulting mound, making sure that the root collar is at ground level, not below it, to improve the tree's chances of survival.
Keep an area up to a yard around the tree completely weed free. If planted in the lawn, this area should be up to two yards around the tree.
If you are intending to reuse your Christmas tree, it's better to keep it in a container - a half-barrel is suitable - as the size will be more manageable. Keep the container on a trolley so it can be moved easily. When you bring the tree indoors watch out for insects emerging due to central heating and always pay attention to watering – it will need several pints of water daily.

Christmas gardening replant outdoors photograph by ms. Tea, used under a creative commons attribution licence