Is It Possible To Lease A Live Christmas Tree For Replanting Afterward

As environmental awareness grows, many homeowners are rethinking traditional holiday traditions—especially when it comes to Christmas trees. Rather than cutting down a tree each year, some are exploring sustainable alternatives. One increasingly popular idea is leasing a live Christmas tree with the intention of replanting it after the holidays. But is this actually feasible? And if so, what does it take to ensure the tree survives both indoors and in the ground?

The short answer is yes—leasing a live Christmas tree for replanting afterward is possible, but it requires careful planning, species selection, and post-holiday care. While not widely available everywhere, several nurseries, garden centers, and eco-conscious farms now offer tree leasing programs as part of broader sustainability initiatives.

How Live Tree Leasing Works

Live Christmas tree leasing operates on a simple principle: instead of purchasing a cut tree, you rent a potted evergreen for a few weeks during the holiday season. After Christmas, the tree is either returned to the nursery or planted in your yard, depending on the program’s terms. Some services handle transportation and replanting; others provide guidance and expect customers to manage the process themselves.

These trees are typically grown in large containers or burlapped root balls, allowing them to remain alive while being moved. The goal is to minimize root disturbance and keep the tree hydrated and healthy throughout its indoor stay.

Leasing programs often include a deposit, which may be refunded upon return of the tree in good condition. In some cases, customers can choose to permanently adopt the tree by paying an additional fee to cover planting costs and long-term care advice.

Tip: Look for local nurseries that specialize in native evergreens—they’re more likely to offer leasing options and have expertise in regional planting.

Tree Species Suitable for Replanting

Not all conifers are equally suited for indoor living and successful transplantation. The best candidates are hardy, slow-growing evergreens with compact root systems that can tolerate temporary container life.

Common species used in live tree leasing include:

• Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) – Popular for its lush foliage and excellent needle retention. Tolerates indoor conditions well if kept cool.
• Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) – Slender shape ideal for smaller spaces; resilient once established outdoors.
• Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) – Hardy and drought-tolerant, though prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) – Adaptable to various soils and climates; commonly used in foundation plantings.
• Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) – Native to the Southwest U.S., drought-resistant, and great for xeriscaping.

Trees like the Fraser Fir or Scotch Pine, while common as cut trees, are less ideal for replanting due to poor transplant survival rates and sensitivity to root exposure.

“Replanting success hinges on species choice and stress management. A Nordmann fir handled correctly has a 70%+ survival rate post-transplant.” — Dr. Alan Reeves, Urban Forestry Specialist, University of Vermont Extension

Step-by-Step Guide to Leasing and Replanting a Live Christmas Tree

To maximize the chances of your live Christmas tree surviving the transition from home décor to backyard landscape, follow this detailed timeline:

1. Weeks Before Christmas: Research & Reserve
   Select a reputable provider offering live tree rentals. Book early, as availability is limited. Confirm whether the tree will be delivered potted or with a root ball wrapped in burlap.
2. Delivery Day: Acclimate the Tree
   Keep the tree outside in a sheltered location (like a garage or porch) for 2–3 days before bringing it indoors. Sudden temperature shifts shock the roots.
3. Indoor Display: Limit Time and Heat Exposure
   Bring the tree inside no earlier than five days before Christmas. Keep it in a cool room (ideally below 65°F), away from radiators, fireplaces, and vents. Water daily—potted trees dry out quickly.
4. December 26–January 6: Transition Back Outside
   Remove decorations promptly after the holidays. Move the tree back to its sheltered outdoor spot for another 2–3 days to re-acclimate before planting.
5. Planting Day: Prepare the Site Properly
   Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Loosen the soil around the edges to encourage root spread. Place the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground surface.
6. Post-Planting: Ongoing Care
   Water deeply once a week for the first month, then monthly through the next growing season. Mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Tip: If freezing temperatures are expected during the display period, avoid planting until spring. Store the tree in an unheated garage and water weekly until thaw.

Challenges and Common Pitfalls

Despite good intentions, many leased trees fail to survive their second life outdoors. Understanding these risks improves outcomes:

• Overheating indoors: Central heating dries out needles and stresses roots. Even a week in a warm house can deplete stored energy.
• Dehydration: Potted trees need consistent watering. Letting the soil dry completely damages fine feeder roots.
• Poor planting timing: Planting into frozen ground leads to root damage and poor establishment.
• Inadequate site preparation: Compacted or poorly drained soil suffocates roots, especially in clay-heavy regions.
• Late return to outdoors: Keeping the tree inside past January 6 increases dormancy disruption, reducing cold hardiness.

One study conducted by Oregon State University found that only about 40% of rented Christmas trees survived beyond two years when planted by inexperienced homeowners—compared to over 70% survival among those guided by arborists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Live Tree Leasing

Do’s	Don’ts
Choose a tree species native to your climate zone.	Use synthetic fertilizers immediately after planting.
Keep the tree indoors for no more than 7–10 days.	Let the root ball dry out at any point.
Water daily while indoors and weekly after planting.	Plant in frozen or waterlogged soil.
Mulch around the base with organic material.	Stake the tree unless absolutely necessary (can weaken trunk development).
Work with a nursery that offers replanting support.	Assume all “living trees” sold at big-box stores are suitable for replanting.

Real Example: A Successful Lease-to-Plant Story

In Portland, Oregon, Sarah Lin decided to try a live tree rental for the first time in 2022. She reserved a 7-foot Nordmann fir through a local nursery that offered free delivery and planting assistance.

The nursery advised her to keep the tree in the sunroom, where temperatures stayed near 60°F. She decorated minimally with LED lights and removed everything by December 27. The following weekend, staff from the nursery arrived to plant the tree in her backyard, amending the soil with compost and installing a drip irrigation system.

Now in its third year, the tree stands over 8 feet tall and has become a neighborhood talking point. “It feels meaningful,” Sarah says. “Every year I see it grow, I remember that holiday season—and know we didn’t contribute to waste.”

Checklist: Preparing for a Live Tree Lease

Before signing up for a live Christmas tree program, use this checklist to ensure readiness:

• ☐ Confirm availability of leasing services in your area.
• ☐ Select a tree species appropriate for your USDA hardiness zone.
• ☐ Identify a suitable planting site with adequate sunlight and drainage.
• ☐ Prepare the planting hole in advance, if weather permits.
• ☐ Arrange for help moving a heavy potted tree (they can weigh 100+ lbs).
• ☐ Plan indoor placement in a cool, low-traffic area.
• ☐ Set reminders for watering and removal dates.
• ☐ Review rental agreement terms—deposit, return policy, liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any live Christmas tree be replanted successfully?

No—not all live trees sold for holidays are viable for replanting. Trees must be grown in containers or with intact root balls. Those dug from fields and left exposed lose viability quickly. Always verify growing method before renting.

What happens if I can't plant the tree right away?

If outdoor conditions are unsuitable (e.g., frozen ground), store the tree in an unheated garage or shed. Keep the root ball moist and protect it from wind. Ideally, plant in early spring. Avoid letting roots freeze.

Are tree leasing programs expensive compared to buying a cut tree?

Yes, leasing typically costs more—between $75 and $200 depending on size and service level. However, this includes the tree, delivery, and often professional planting. Consider it an investment in long-term landscaping rather than seasonal décor.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Tradition Worth Pursuing

Leasing a live Christmas tree for replanting afterward isn’t just a feel-good trend—it’s a practical way to merge holiday tradition with environmental responsibility. While it demands more effort than tossing a cut tree curbside come January, the reward is lasting: a living symbol of the season that continues to grow year after year.

Success depends on choosing the right tree, limiting indoor exposure, proper planting, and ongoing care. When done thoughtfully, tree leasing transforms a temporary decoration into a permanent asset—one that captures carbon, supports local wildlife, and becomes part of your family’s story.

💬 Have you tried leasing a live Christmas tree? Share your experience, tips, or challenges in the comments below—your insights could help others make greener choices this holiday season!