Dallas Morning News – December 12, 2019
Christmas Tree Decisions
If you decided to buy a living Christmas tree but haven’t gotten it tree yet – that’s good actually. Bringing a living tree inside too early is one of the most common mistakes and main causes of failure. Living trees dry out quickly indoors and become stressed. If you have already brought it inside, give the tree as much light as possible – near a bright window or under a skylight. Also monitor the moisture in the soil. A sharpened wood pencil functions well as a soil moisture probe. Soil will dry out quickly indoors under artificial heat but be careful not to over-water either. If you selected a cut tree, check the watering devices that I hope you have at the base of that tree also.
If the tree hasn’t been selected yet, the best choices for living trees are western red cedar or Italian stone pine. Also Atlas cedar will also work. It has dramatic gray-green color and adapts to a wide range of soils. Rosemary is great for small spaces or tabletops and works well in the landscape or herb garden after Christmas.
 Atlas cedar |
 Mature Italian stone pine |
Forget Virginia pine. It won’t grow here in north Texas. Leyland cypress suffers from a fungal disease and is dying out in many areas. Eldarica pine is a little better but should only be planted in arid conditions. It is a desert plant. During rainy periods, it can get in trouble from too much water here in north Texas – especially when under irrigation. It’s a good choice for west Texas.
Our native eastern red cedar is available in many sizes and smells great in the house. When planted outside, it can take sun or shade. Pollen causing allergies will not be a problem on the small trees, but some people could possibly be allergic to the aromatic fragrance of the foliage. Italian stone pine is the best choice and will grow beautifully in most soils. It is far superior to Austrian and Japanese black pines. Acid soil loving pines such as slash and loblolly shouldn’t even be considered.
 “Living Christmas tree” Italian stone pine |
 Italian stone pine tree years later |
For best results set the living tree up in the house just before Christmas (fewer the days the better) and then plant it outdoors immediately after removing the ornaments. The longer your living tree is left inside, the weaker it will become and the harder to establish in the new outdoor home.
Here’s different idea that Judy and I used some years ago. Deciduous holly or possumhaw can make a unique living Christmas tree or general holiday decoration. It is a deciduous ornamental tree with bushy growth if not trimmed, small leaves and red or orange berries on bare branches all winter long—on female plants only. That’s where the Christmas value comes in. The entire tree can be used or just limbs cut from a tree growing outdoors to provide some cheery color indoors.
 Possumhaw/deciduous holly |
 Possumhaw/deciduous holly |