As a Post Script to my blog post ‘Christmas Trees – For Life, Not Just For Christmas’ I thought I would respond in pros, cons and pictures to the comment I received.
To buy a potted Christmas Tree might seem like a tough sell, but it shouldn’t be.
First a some pictures for you – these were taken just yesterday down at my local nursery. A plethora of tree for the choosing, all lovely and green and with fresh soft spring growth on them!
POTTED CHRISTMAS TREE PROS:
1. You don’t need to buy a new tree EVERY year. Depending on species and size at purchasing, a potted Christmas tree will be suitable to bring into the house on average for 5-10 years, and up to 15-20 years. Many of the species chosen for potted Christmas trees don’t grow any bigger than 2m in height at their fullest. So, that’s one outlay cost. ‘But how much do they cost?’ I hear you ask – between $15 – $150 depending on size/species. I bought mine for $45 (~1m in height).
2. Potted trees can be sized to suit your house. From the Picea Abies (up to 2m in height) to the Dwarf Blue Spruce (up to 1.2m in height in 10 years), to bonsai species … to simply young trees, you can size your tree to suit your house. From grand houses, to small apartments a potted tree can chosen to fit the space. I picked up a 30cm high Picea glauca Christmas Star, for the bedroom – so cute, and would be perfect for a small space, or desk. The nurseries also stock up to 2.5m high potted established Christmas Trees if your house needs a big one.
3. Range of species to choose from. Around 20 different varieties of Pines and Spruces, Australian natives, and even triangular shaped Buxus are available as Christmas Trees. Dark lush greens to Blue greens, small needles to large long needles, drooping form or uprights, dense or sparse. I like the Picea Abies, it has a lovely form to it and the branches sit laterally in star like shapes from the trunk. Get a tree that suits your personality.
4. No wastage. The biggest tragedy I feel, is the wasted trees, with your tree in a pot, you either look after it year after year, or you plant it in the garden if it gets to big. Either way, you haven’t wasted a tree, as happens to the millions that get chopped down every year for households.
POTTED CHRISTMAS TREE CONS:
1. You need to look after it. The potted Christmas Tree requires watering during the year, and repotting every two – three years depending on how fast it grows. If you live in Victoria you may also need to protect your tree from the 40C scorching summer sun.
The above picture shows my little tree at the nursery amongst friends, and decorated at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Pop down to your local nursery or garden centre and see if you don’t fancy a potted tree this Christmas!
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