Replanting a Christmas tree after the holidays is entirely possible — but only if the tree has an intact root system. This guide explains exactly which trees can be replanted, how to keep them healthy indoors, and the step-by-step process for getting them established in your garden.
TL;DR
- Only trees sold with an intact root ball (balled or potted) can be replanted — cut trees cannot.
- Keep a living Christmas tree indoors for no more than 10 days to maximise replanting success.
- Place the tree away from heat sources indoors and water it regularly to keep the root ball hydrated.
- Before replanting, acclimatise the tree in an unheated garage or shed for a few days.
- Dig the planting hole at least twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as needed to seat it.
- After planting, mulch around the base and water deeply.
- Replanted trees can serve as windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and add long-term property value.
Table of Contents
Will a Christmas tree grow if you replant it?
Yes — but only if the tree has a healthy, intact root system. A potted or balled tree brought indoors for the holidays can be replanted successfully. A cut tree, which has no roots, cannot be replanted and will not survive.
So when you are deciding on what Christmas tree to get, it’s best to purchase a tree with a well-developed root system that comes with a burlap covering.
Also, for a successful transplant, it would be best if you’ve kept the tree inside for no more than 10 days. The indoor conditions are very important, as a Christmas tree is most likely to thrive when placed away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators.
Sufficient watering is also essential because when there’s enough moisture the root ball stays hydrated and healthy. You can be sure that you are doing a good job by the condition and smell of your tree. The needles need to be fresh and green, and there shouldn’t be bad odours coming from the trunk.
An evergreen with an intact root system can not only keep its good looks all through the holiday season but also after it has served its festive functions. It will make a great addition to a large garden, even if no longer glammed up with baubles and lights.
Benefits of replanting your Christmas tree
Replanting your Christmas tree in the garden offers several lasting benefits:
- It will act as a natural windbreak;
- Provides shade in the summer;
- Increases property value;
- Reduces noise pollution, similar to stone walls;
- Produces oxygen and purifies the air and soil;
- Can serve as a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife.
Are you short on time? Then take advantage of a gardening professional’s help for everything related to your Christmas tree!
How to successfully replant your Christmas tree
Select a mild day to plant the tree when the ground is not frozen. Then follow these steps in order.
How to replant a balled or potted Christmas tree in your garden after the holidays.
Choose the best spot
Pick a spot in your garden that is sheltered from strong winds but open to sunlight. Loose, non-clay soil is ideal — it allows proper drainage and gives roots room to spread. Avoid high-alkaline soil. Clear the plot of any weeds, grass, or brush before you start. These factors also influence what Christmas tree to buy in the first place.
Acclimatise the tree
Before replanting, give the tree a few days to re-enter dormancy. Move it to an unheated garage or shed, letting it gradually adjust to lower temperatures. During this period, keep the roots moist but not waterlogged — steady hydration reduces the stress of sudden temperature changes.
Dig the planting hole
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball — five times wider if space allows. Make it only deep enough to seat the root ball without burying any of the delicate roots. A wide hole improves airflow and soil contact, encouraging strong early growth. If your garden tends to pool after rain, consider adding a drainage system before planting.
Remove the burlap
Carefully peel back the burlap covering and any other wrapping from the root ball. Take your time here — the roots are delicate and any unnecessary disturbance at this stage can set the tree back significantly.
Place the tree and backfill
Gently lower the tree into the hole, keeping the root ball intact. Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping it down lightly in layers as you go. Cover the surface with several inches of mulch to protect the roots through the colder months. For extra protection, you can build a simple windbreak screen using old pallets.
Water deeply
Once the tree is in the ground, water it thoroughly. A deep soak immediately after planting helps the roots settle into their new environment and gives the tree the best possible start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replant a cut Christmas tree?
No. A cut tree has no root system and cannot be replanted. Only trees sold as balled-and-burlapped or in a container can survive transplanting. If you want to replant your tree after the holidays, you need to buy a living, rooted tree from the outset.
How long can a Christmas tree stay indoors before replanting?
No more than 10 days. The longer a living tree spends indoors — especially near heat sources — the more likely it is to break dormancy prematurely. Once that happens, the sudden shift back to outdoor temperatures becomes far harder for the tree to handle, and replanting success drops sharply.
What type of Christmas tree is easiest to replant?
Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) are the most commonly sold balled trees in the UK. Nordmann fir tends to hold its needles better indoors, which is a useful indicator of overall health — a tree still looking good after the holidays is in a much stronger position for replanting.
When is the best time of year to replant a Christmas tree?
January is generally ideal in the UK. The tree is still in or near dormancy, which keeps transplant shock to a minimum, and the ground is usually workable. Avoid replanting if the ground is frozen solid — wait a few days for conditions to improve rather than forcing it.
We bought a tree and we’d like to replant it, not recycle it. It has been cut at the bottom (so there are no roots) so how do we replant? What is a burlap? What is an earth ball?
The article says a cut off tree can be replanted and then only lists how to deal with one with roots – we think… any clarifications would be really appreciated, we don’t want to throw the tree away.
Also, can we use it again next year and how?
Any tips gratefully received! Thanks!
Pine needles also make great acidic mulch for strawberries! Keep them until dry and place around strawberry bushes.
Thank you for adding this, Janelle.
This is my FAVORITE plant website because it tells me SO many facts.
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Thank you for the kind words, Amanda.
This blog, it shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more.
Can you plant a tree and dig it up again to use another year?
Can you plant a tree that Has been used outside only, but does not have a root ball ie it’s just a sawn trunk?