Live Potted Trees
Choose a location
Before you celebrate Christmas with your lovely tree, it is better to leave the potted tree outside, on the patio or balcony. Once you decide to take it indoors, select the perfect site away from heaters and fireplaces, which will dry out the tree and turn the tips brown and crispy. Please clear this area in preparation for your tree. There are drain holes in the base of the pots, so have a deep tray or tote which will be placed underneath the pot. You may want to provide additional protection for your floor or carpet, in case the pot cover is damaged or the drip tray overflows.
Ice/water your tree
We recommend that you use ice to water your tree. Add 1-2 trays of ice to your tree every second day, and distribute evenly over the soil. As the ice melts, the water has a chance to slowly soak into the soil around the roots. The ice also helps to keep the roots cool. Keeping your tree properly hydrated will help keep your tree healthy through the Christmas season.
Decorate your tree
Have fun decorating your tree as you see fit! We only suggest that you do not use tinsel, flock or sprays as these are nearly impossible to remove and can damage the tree. Please use LED lights only as they are energy efficient and do not give off heat, which would dry out the tree.
Maintain your tree
We suggest that you do not trim your tree or feed it plant food. And don’t forget to ice/water! Please note that some needle drop is normal.
Return/Replant your tree
Please remove all lights and decorations from your tree prior to replant/return. Potted trees can be dropped off at the UBC Farm gates (inside or outside the gates) from January 2-10, 2018.
U-cut Trees
Choose a location
If you buy a cut tree several days before you plan to set it up, store it outdoors in a bucket of water. When setting up your tree in your house, select the perfect site away from heaters and fireplaces, which will dry out the tree and turn the tips brown and crispy. Then, place your cut tree in a tree stand which can hold at least 500 ml of water.
Water your tree
When watering your cut tree, use regular tap water. Cut trees are thirsty and can drink several litres of water per day. Check the water level daily and supply fresh water as needed. Keep the tree base in water at all times or the tree will die and dry out.
Decorate your tree
Have fun decorating your tree as you see fit! We only suggest that you do not use tinsel, flock or sprays as these are nearly impossible to remove and can damage the tree. Please use LED lights only as they are energy efficient and do not give off heat, which would dry out the tree.
Maintain your tree
If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree won’t be able to absorb water. In this case, you may want to refresh your cut tree by making a straight, one inch cut, off the trunk of your cut tree. Immediately place the tree in the tree stand, secure in the stand and fill with water.
Disposing your tree
Please remove all lights and decorations from your tree prior to dispose it. U-cut trees can either be collected for chipping (by the City of Vancouver) or donated to a charity recycling event (e.g. UBC Botanical Gardens).