Writing about the Christmas tree is undoubtedly a privilege for me, who love the trees and Christmas. I know that the tradition of bringing the tip of a pine tree into the house began in Germany and then was adopted by the English and finally spread to almost the entire Christian world.
Everything makes sense when there is cold and snow. The pine tree is the only tree that remains green during the harsh winter. You can imagine how impactful its presence must be in a room in the middle of winter in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere!
It exhales a characteristic and calming perfume. It leaves a favorable environment for meetings and parties, and this is how the tradition was born. The pine tree represents rebirth and devotion to God. It is not only a coincidence that the pinnacles (highest points) of the churches have the same shape. Because it is a conifer, a tree that contains resin in its leaves and trunks, it withstands shallow temperatures and dry seasons.
We here in the tropical world also have several types of pine trees. Some brought by the colonizers, others by immigrants. But some of them are native to South America, as is the case of Araucaria.
The most used species for Christmas and landscaping in the gardens are Cedar, Tuia, and Cypresses. But these days, with so many problems with the lack of trees in the cities, are we going to try to be a little more aware? If you decide to buy a natural tree, be sure to plant it after the festivities on the ground.
For this, it is crucial to preserve the root ball so that it does not break, maintaining the integrity of the tree. Afterward, it will be possible to transplant it to a definitive place.
To plant the pine tree, it is necessary to start with a small pot and change as the plant takes shape. It can take up to four years to reach 2m (follow the steps to plant and take care of any potting, as I taught in the post Each plant with its root ball).
When the time comes to transplant the tree, choose a place with ample space. Make a right hole, having in hands a broom handle or any wood to compact the area adjacent to the roots until half its height so that the tree is firm and does not bend with the wind and watering.
Place the soil little by little, firming the layers around the roots until the tree is substantial and half of the root ball is covered, only then cover the other half with the soil.
This second half should not be too compact for the roots to develop and the soil to absorb the water. Then you have to keep following its growth.
How about being even more ambitious and sowing a pine tree with your children so that the lesson of planting a tree can become eternal? It can be challenging to find the seed, especially for those who live in warmer regions, but once sown, the little tree overgrows.
I hope that your Christmas will be full of love and joy and that your pine tree will aroma your home and then your garden, bringing much peace to you and your whole family!
