Christmas Trees For Years To Come

The great debate continues... what's best for the environment?

Buy a fake tree? Buy a live tree?

Well, they're not exactly 'live' if they're leaning against a chain link fence in the Christmas tree lot at your local supermarket.

There is another option. Buy a real, live tree!

This afternoon, I tromped through the snow to pay a visit to our Christmas tree from 4 years ago. We bought it live and then transplanted it into the yard the following spring. This year, it's sporting a few twinkling lights.

If you opt for a truly live, potted evergreen keep it in the house for a maximum of ten days.

Set it outside, in the pot, in the shade, through the rest of the winter. (Water if there is no snow cover.)

Good Christmas trees to plant outdoors:
Norway Spruce is a popular cut Christmas tree but not so great in the garden. It drops its needles all year long.

• Korean Fir (Abies koreana ) grows to approximately 40 ft, a perfect size for most yards. USDA zones 5-7.
• Noble Fir (Abies procera) is a gorgeous silvery-blue tree with fragrant tips, though too tender for the mountains anywhere but the Pacific Northwest. USDA zones 7-10.
• Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) has soft needles and strong boughs, ideal for heavy ornaments. USDA zones 4-7. Happiest in high altitudes.

Lucky residents of Oregon can now 'rent' a live tree. Click here for more.