How to Style a Living Christmas Tree After the Holidays

By Lynch Creek Farm | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to care for your living Christmas tree after the holidays, including transition tips, outdoor planting steps, and ways to keep it thriving year-round.

Quick Answer

After the holidays, transition your living Christmas tree gradually from indoors to outdoors. Water it consistently, choose a suitable planting spot, and follow a few simple steps to help it thrive year-round.

Why a Living Tree Deserves Year-Round Care

A living Christmas tree, like the Sparkle and Joy Living Christmas Tree - 1 Gallon, is more than a seasonal decoration. With proper care, it can become a permanent part of your landscape, offering greenery and memories for years to come. The key is to treat it as a living plant, not just a holiday centerpiece.

Step-by-Step Post-Holiday Care

1. Gradually Acclimate the Tree: Move the tree to a cooler room, like a garage or unheated porch, for a few days before placing it outdoors. This helps it adjust to temperature changes without shock. Common mistake: Moving the tree directly from a warm room to freezing outdoors can cause needle drop or root damage.
2. Choose the Right Planting Spot: Select a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sun. Dwarf Alberta Spruce prefers slightly acidic soil and protection from harsh winds. Checkpoint: Ensure the spot has enough space for the tree to grow—this variety can reach 6-8 feet tall over time.
3. Plant Properly: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Gently remove the tree from its pot, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly. Common mistake: Planting too deep can suffocate roots. Keep the top of the root ball level with the ground.
4. Water Consistently: Water deeply once a week during the first growing season, and more often in dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Checkpoint: Overwatering is as harmful as underwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
5. Protect from Pests and Winter Burn: Apply a layer of mulch and consider wrapping the tree in burlap if you live in an area with harsh winters or strong sun. This prevents needle desiccation and pest damage. Common mistake: Skipping winter protection can lead to browning or needle loss, especially in exposed locations.

Featured Product

Sparkle and Joy Living Christmas Tree - 1 Gallon: This one-gallon Dwarf Alberta Spruce arrives potted and ready to decorate, with a box of 17 multicolored ball ornaments included. Because it's already potted, you can easily transition it outdoors after the holidays without repotting stress. The included ornaments make decorating simple, but remember to remove all decorations before moving the tree outside.