Let's make the Christmas holiday special this year by having a live tree. If you have been thinking about a tree for your landscape, this is your chance to make this year special. Not only will you have a neat Christmas tree, you will have a landscape bonus.

Every time you look at that tree you will think about 2006 and that special person or thing that made the year memorable.

The neat thing about a live tree is the smell; the scent that stimulates your nostrils will always be in your mind. Your children or grandchildren will get to experience planting the tree. Even if you are the only one there on planting day, you will remember why you planted it.

Some things to think about are:

• Buy a slightly smaller living tree so the root ball will be easier to handle. My secret is a saucer sled. Once in the door you can push the tree almost anywhere relatively easy.
• Slowly acclimate the tree to the indoors by setting it in your garage for 2 to 4 days. Once in doors, water the root ball to keep it moist. You do not want to over water. Remember, moist – not soggy.
• Keep the tree indoors for no more than two weeks. Less time is better for tree survival. If the tree is going to be indoors for a long period consider purchasing an anti-desiccant. This will prevent moisture loss when you coat the needles with a thin layer of protective covering.

When it is time for planting, check out the place you want the tree. Will it grow in that space? A white pine will grow to 40 feet and be over 20 feet wide. A balsam fir will reach 30 feet tall; a blue spruce will need full sun and slowly reach 40 feet with its short stiff needles.

Move the tree back outdoors after Christmas and plant it immediately. The hole should have been pre-dug and the soil should not be frozen. Cut the burlap in several places and place the tree into the hole.

Do not plant the tree too deep. The depth should be the same as the nursery or one-inch shallower. Cover the ball with a mound of soil and make sure there are no air pockets. This means you pack soil around the ball.

You should also stake the tree to keep it upright when the winds blow against it. Water the tree after planting and continue to keep it moist the next spring and summer.

Your new landscape addition is now from Christmas 2006. What a beautiful memory to enjoy for a lifetime.