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Living Christmas Tree

This activity teaches children about the growth, development, and care of live Christmas trees.
Caring for a Living Christmas Tree

Living Christmas Tree

Materials

  • Small or dwarf fir tree
  • Large clay pot
  • Potting soil
Directions
  1. Go to your local nursery and select a tree that can be used as a Christmas tree—pine, fir, spruce, redwood, cedar, or hemlock.
  2. Plant your tree in a large clay or wood container, firmly packing potting soil around it.
  3. Keep your tree outside until just before Christmas, watering it regularly.
  4. When you bring your tree inside, put it by a window and away from heaters and fireplaces.
  5. Keep the soil moist by adding water or ice cubes.
  6. Place the pot on a flat tray to protect the floor or carpet.
  7. Decorate.
  8. After Christmas, place tree in the garage for a few days before taking it outside.
  9. Wait until spring to plant your tree.
  10. If you don't have the space to plant a tree, call your local park district and ask them where it could be planted.
  11. Save the container to use again next year.
Note: For information about real Christmas trees and detailed caretips: www.realchristmastrees.org/treecare.html.

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