1. Move your potted seedling into full sun.
2. Turn the pot regularly so that it receives even amounts of light, this will prevent your tree from developing bald patches.
1. Add 10-12 mm of mulch in the immediate area around your pine seedling to insulate the roots and retain moisture in the soil.
1. Water the seedling every couple of weeks during dry, cold spells.
2. If a frost is expected at night, water the tree well during the day. Pine trees need to maintain moisture in the trunk and needles to prevent desiccation during severe frosts.
When winter comes around it will be more important than ever to care for your tree. Pine seedlings are more sensitive to the cold because they haven’t yet developed a protective bark and extensive roots that help with survival. Keep scrolling up to see some handy tips to ensure your tree is well cared for.
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Once your seedling reaches 15 cm in height it will need to be repotted into a larger pot. The larger the pot, the larger your Christmas Tree will grow. Make sure you choose a strong but lightweight pot so the pine can be moved indoors and out as required.
Use a quality potting mix available at most plant shops. A couple of weeks after repotting, feed with a long-lasting fertiliser.
Pinus Radiata are cool climate plants, so in warm summer areas, it will be best to keep the pot in a spot that receives morning sun and some protection from the hot afternoon sun. In autumn, move the pot into full sun for the cooler part of the year. Turn the pot regularly so that it receives even amounts of light. This will help prevent the plant developing bald patches.
Keep your potted Christmas tree well watered. If pines dry out they seldom recover. Good drainage is important so make sure the water can get away. Alternatively, use a self-watering pot that has a reservoir of water in the base.
When it’s time to bring the potted tree indoors, place it in a spot close to a window where it receives as much light as possible (although avoid direct sunlight). Move the plant outdoors as soon as you can after Christmas and remember it will need some time to readjust to sunlight. Put it in full shade to start with and gradually move it back into a sunnier position.
Container-grown seedlings can be planted at any time, although the hottest summer months will require additional shade and water to prevent dehydration and sun damage. Planting where there is shade from another tree or a building is a practical choice.
Your pine tree should have plenty of open space, with no small plants around its base and no root systems of other trees nearby. Choose a location where the tree will receive direct sunlight during the cooler parts of the day. Choose an area with well-draining soil.
Dig a hole larger than the root system and fill the bottom 10 cm with topsoil (the top layer of soil is the highest quality). Be sure to dig the hole large enough that the roots fit after you’ve added the top soil.
Remove the container from the seedling keeping as much of the existing soil on the roots as possible.
Place the pine tree roots carefully at the bottom and cover with soil. Fill the hole again after planting, periodically patting down loose soil. Fill the hole until it is level with the surrounding soil, or slightly lower if the climate is especially dry, so water can run into it.
Mulch around the tree frequently. Wood chips are cheap and work well for pine trees but other trees leaves also work well.
Over watering can suffocate the roots. Only water when the soil is mostly dry and crumbles apart or until it feels moist again. Water more in autumn so the tree is prepared for the dry spells winter brings.
If you chose a potted Christmas Tree that can be brought inside during the festive season, scroll up to refer back to some instructions for getting the best out of your seedling.
If you chose to plant your pine outdoors until it is ready for its debut as a Christmas Tree, scroll up to refer back to some handy things to know.
Your Pinus Radiata seedling will require some TLC to get off the ground. Here’s what you can do to ensure the health of your tree.
An insight into the life of one of New Zealand's most used construction materials.
