Wendy's Wanderings
December 7, 2023
Get Real
As a gardener, I am delighted at this time of year because I get to bring a real, live tree into my house for at least a month, and it's considered completely normal. Florida consumers have many choices when selecting a holiday tree: pre-lit artificial trees, unlit artificial trees, potted live trees, cut trees from out of state, and cut trees from a Florida tree farm.
You may be surprised to know that Florida does have Christmas tree farms. Many people still enjoy the tradition of visiting a Christmas tree farm to select and cut their own tree. It takes between six to eight years for a tree to reach a size and shape appropriate for harvesting. When a tree is cut down, the farmer then plants two trees in place of the one that was removed.
Christmas tree farms help to protect soil, provide habitat for wildlife, and absorb carbon dioxide gases, among other environmental benefits. Florida Christmas tree farms also provide buyers with a local option, a fresher tree, and a smaller carbon footprint. Most of the Florida tree farms are located in North Florida, but there are other options.
You can opt for a living tree in a pot that would be later planted. If you are a native plant enthusiast, you can choose a Southern red cedar or a sand pine, if they are suited to your area. These are tough, native evergreen trees that have that "Christmas tree" look. Select either a potted or balled and burlapped specimen. Be careful when transporting the tree to avoid injuring the roots or wind-burning the foliage. Only keep the tree inside for 7-10 days. If you leave it in longer, the tree will be stressed and it won’t make the transition to planting well. It is fine to decorate the tree with lights and ornaments, just remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Soon after the holidays plant the tree in the landscape by digging a wide, shallow hole. Add plenty of water to the root ball and surrounding native soil. Fill the hole and cover lightly with mulch. You will need to give the tree supplemental water for at least the first two years or until the tree is established.
If you have a cut tree, contact your municipal waste department when you are ready to discard it and find out what they are doing with the undecorated trees. You may be surprised. Often the pre-loved trees are collected and used to stop dune or soil erosion. They can also be chipped up and used for mulch. If you maintain a brush pile for wildlife habitat, your tree could be added to the pile to provide a home for birds, frogs, and lizards.
Learn more about Florida Christmas tree farms at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.
-- Wendy Wilber