Living Christmas Trees in Ireland: Indoor Care, Planting Out and Is It Greener?
A living Christmas tree is a real conifer, still rooted in its pot. It comes inside for the festive fortnight, then goes back outdoors. Think of it as a guest, not a throwaway.
- Indoors: 10–12 days maximum, in the coolest bright spot, away from radiators.
- Afterwards: back outside, then plant out or repot.
- Small space or garden? Choose dwarf Alberta spruce. Big garden? Blue or Serbian spruce will grow into real trees.
- Greener? Only if it survives and is replanted. Details below.
Pick your tree
Free delivery to 25 EU countries, usually within 5–8 working days. Every plant arrives healthy or we make it right.
Want blue needles or a taller, slimmer shape? See the blue spruce and Serbian spruce, or browse the full living Christmas trees collection.
Who is a living tree for?
| Small home or flat | A 45–65cm tree fits a table or sideboard. See the 45cm tree. |
| Doorstep or porch | Conifers are outdoor plants, so they never need to come inside. Lights and a bow are enough. |
| Office, shop or café | Packs of 2 and 4 give each desk or counter its own tree. |
| A gift | A tree that can be planted outlasts the holidays. Free delivery across 25 EU countries. |
| A yearly tradition | Plant one each year and build a small grove with a story. |
Which variety grows into what?
| Tree | Mature size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Alberta spruce (Conica) | Compact, slow growing | Pots, borders, small gardens |
| Sander's Blue spruce | Compact, slow growing | Blue colour in a small space |
| Blue spruce (Picea pungens) | Large tree over many years | Big gardens with room |
| Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) | Large, slender tree | Big gardens, elegant shape |
| Lemon cypress (Goldcrest Wilma) | Grows faster; wants shelter | Bright cool rooms, sheltered patios |
Indoor care in 6 steps
A conifer is a mountain plant that sleeps in winter. Central heating tells it spring has arrived, so everything below keeps it asleep.
- Acclimatise: a few days in a cool porch or garage first. Cold lorry to warm lounge is like a snowfield to a sauna.
- Stay short: 10–12 days indoors at most.
- Coolest bright spot: near a window, away from radiators, fires and vents.
- Moist, not soggy: water when the top few centimetres feel dry. Lift the inner pot out of a decorative pot to drain.
- Decorate lightly: cool LED lights, no candles, no heavy baubles. Do not feed.
- Return gradually: porch first, then its final outdoor spot.
Lemon cypress: happiest as a bright, cool plant, and less frost-hardy than the spruces. Keep it sheltered.
Free delivery to 25 EU countries. Healthy on arrival or we make it right.
Shop living Christmas treesPlanting out after Christmas
- Pick the spot: full sun to light shade, free-draining soil. Check the mature size above first.
- Dig the hole: twice as wide as the root ball, same depth.
- Plant: loosen circling roots, keep the top of the root ball level with the soil.
- Water and mulch: water well, add bark mulch clear of the trunk, stake only if windy.
- Look after it: water in dry spells for the first year or two.
No garden? Repot into a container a size or two larger with fresh peat-free compost. Dwarf Alberta spruce does well in a pot for years. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, wait in a sheltered spot.
Mind the size: blue and Serbian spruce can reach well over ten metres in time. Plant them only where there is room, or choose the compact Conica or Sander's Blue.
Is a living tree really greener?
It depends on what happens next. A living tree is like a library book: it is only the greener choice if it comes back into use.
- It keeps growing and absorbing carbon once planted.
- No post-Christmas disposal of a cut tree.
- A potted spruce can return indoors next year.
- A tree that dies is no better than a cut one.
- Our trees are shipped, and nursery pots are usually plastic.
- Choose a variety that fits your space.
- Artificial trees need many years of reuse to match a real tree. Studies vary, so we quote no single figure.
The rule: choose a living tree if you will keep it alive and plant or repot it. If you cannot, a locally grown, properly disposed cut tree is a sensible alternative.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a living Christmas tree stay indoors?
About 10–12 days in the coolest bright room, then return it outdoors gradually.
Will my tree drop needles?
Some drop is normal after the move. Heavy browning usually means too much heat or too little water.
Can I keep it in its pot all year?
Yes. Dwarf Alberta spruce and Sander's Blue do well in large containers with fresh compost and regular watering.
Which varieties stay small?
Dwarf Alberta spruce and Sander's Blue. Blue and Serbian spruce become large trees.
When will my order arrive?
Delivery to 25 EU countries is free and usually takes 5–8 working days. Order early for the best choice of sizes and packs.
Shop the plants from this guide
Choose your living Christmas tree and plan its life after the holidays.
- Living Christmas trees collection – potted spruce and cypress, singles and packs
- Dwarf Alberta spruce, 65cm – compact and easy to keep
- Pack of 4 dwarf spruce – best value for offices and gifts
- Lemon cypress, 85–95cm – scented, lime-gold foliage
Free delivery to 25 EU countries, usually within 5–8 working days. Every plant arrives healthy or we make it right.
More inspiration: our Christmas plants delivery guide and the Christmas planters and winter bloomers guide.
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