Did you purchase a Christmas tree with a root ball? Read here what you can do with it now and after the holidays.
Because the tree still has a root ball, i.e. roots, you can place it in a pot in the room. The needles fall out less quickly than a specimen without a root ball. After the holidays it can be planted in the ground to continue growing. That is, if he survives...
Spruce and pine trees contain thin 'needle-like leaves' with a waterproof wax coating. This protects the needles against cold and retains as much moisture as possible. In winter, the tree even withdraws some of the water from the needles so that they cannot freeze. In addition, the sugars in the sap of the needles act as a kind of antifreeze.
When a tree is placed indoors, it immediately responds to the heat and evaporates moisture. The Christmas tree is finding it increasingly difficult, especially at this time, when the thermostat is set to high more often and for longer because people work from home a lot.
Okay, the Christmas tree is already inside. And in a week it will be Christmas. What else can you do to save the tree as much as possible?
Putting it outside is the best option, but that's probably not what you bought it for and maybe you don't have room for it. Remove the pot, pull the roots apart, place it in a large pot with plenty of (preferably organic) potting soil, possibly mixed with a little sand. Give the tree a good splash of water every day and place it away from heating - preferably in a cool room. Make sure the thermostat is set low when no one is home. Immediately after the holidays, first place the tree in a cool, cold room (to get used to it) and then - about a day later - outside.
So outside, but where exactly?
Most pines and spruces eventually grow large and are not suitable for the average garden. So keep that in mind. There are exceptions, such as the Korean fir. After ten years it is less than 3 meters high. For people with a small garden, the Canadian spruce, Picea glauca 'Conica' can be a solution. It is less than two meters high. You can keep the tree relatively small by cutting off the tops in the spring. However you look at it, think carefully about where you place the tree outside.
Is the tree dying? Then, despite your concern, it is probably not your fault.
Most Christmas trees are felled well in advance and have already passed their 'shine period' when they reach the living room. They are a mass product and are often roughly pulled out of the ground. They lose essential (fine) roots. But they are necessary to absorb water and nutrients.
Do you want to buy a tree with a healthy root system next year? Preferably choose an organic, or at least a naturally grown, tree, i.e. one that has been 'raised' without chemicals. Another sustainable alternative is to adopt a tree. Take a look at adopteereenkerstboom.nl. Here you can rent an organically grown Christmas tree and return it and plant it after the holidays. This initiative even gives the Christmas tree a 'cool' home base for the rest of the year.
Happy Holidays!