What to Consider Before Growing a Real Holiday Tree

It's that time of year when many select a holiday tree from various varieties, with fir and spruce being among the most popular, prominently displayed with ornaments and lights in their home. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, this tradition can be traced back to the 1500s, although it wasn't introduced in the United States until the 1800s. After which time it rapidly gained in popularity, leading to today, where nearly 30 million real trees are sold each year.

Another option is to plant a holiday tree in your yard, whether front or back, although several factors should first be considered. These include selecting a species that will, indeed, thrive by researching your neighborhood's planting zone and choosing a tree based on compatibility. Equally essential is protecting its roots by professionally installing landscape curbing around the tree. Finally, you may even want to consider adding hardscaping, such as built-in seating, to view the tree as it grows.

What to Know

You'll want to pay attention to the state's hardiness zones to ensure that the tree species you choose is suitable for that location's climate given Arizona's propensity for varying conditions, therefore, ensuring it will thrive. The USDA provides a "Plant Hardiness Zone Map" in which you can input your specific address or zip code to determine your plant hardiness zone on their website at usda.gov. For example, Glendale is in Zone 9b, making it suitable for an Arizona Cypress or Red Cedar.

Another factor to consider is protection. Freshly planted saplings and seedlings are vulnerable to domestic and wild animals, not to mention the elements. You could also inadvertently injure the tree while mowing or weeding the yard. Fortunately, a practical solution that is as beautiful as permanent, is professionally installed landscape curbing. Made from concrete poured into molds on-site, allowing the installer to create custom designs, landscape curbing can add value to your property.

Custom Designed Landscape Curbing

Landscaping curbing is more economical and durable than other materials like brick, plastic, or steel. Plus, it is environmentally friendly due to its longevity. Unlike these different materials, this product will not decompose or rust, and after its useful life, the concrete can be reclaimed and recycled. According to the American Concrete Pavement Association, concrete is 100% recyclable, which conscientious consumers will undoubtedly appreciate.

In addition, you can choose from five shapes that are either six or eight inches wide at their widest point - depending on the product measurements, and four inches at their tallest point. There are also many color options for you to choose from. Because Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock recommends selecting a color that blends or contrasts with the architecture and surroundings to emphasize your landscape design, we can color match the curbing to your home's exterior paint color(s).

Bring your landscaping visions to life with Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock. Our company offers landscaping supplies and materials - with a myriad of products available in our Glendale landscape center - at competitive prices for Valley residents, landscapers, and commercial property owners/managers. Our company also offers landscaping curbing to add to the beauty of your landscape and act as an effective root barrier. Contact us at (602) 353-1020 for product information or to begin curbing design.

Resources:

Staake, Jill. "8 Types of Christmas Trees You Can Grow." Birds & Blooms, September 28, 2020.

"The History of Christmas Trees." National Christmas Tree Association.

"Why Concrete? - Sustainability/Environmental - 100% Recyclable.” American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA).