Porch Trees For Christmas

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, the joy and warmth of Christmas decor begin to fill our homes. But why limit this festive spirit to the indoors? This article explores how you can extend the holiday cheer to your outdoor space by incorporating porch trees into your Christmas decor. We delve into the importance of porch trees, factors to consider when choosing them, and the top picks for Christmas 2023. We also provide tips on decorating your porch trees to reflect your personal style and create a welcoming ambiance for your guests.

Understanding the Importance of Porch Trees for Christmas

The tradition of decorating trees for Christmas dates back to the Renaissance era in Central Europe. These trees, often evergreens like spruce, pine, or fir, were adorned with ornaments and sweets, creating a festive centerpiece for the holiday celebrations. The custom has evolved over the centuries, with a wide variety of traditional and modern ornaments now used. Today, the Christmas tree is a universal symbol of the holiday season, bringing joy and warmth to homes worldwide. Incorporating porch trees into your Christmas decor can extend this festive spirit to your outdoor space, welcoming guests with holiday cheer.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Porch Trees

When choosing your porch trees for Christmas, several factors should be considered. Firstly, decide where you are going to place the tree. Choose a location away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. Also, decide on the size of the tree you want. Remember trees in an outdoor lot will not look as tall or wide as it will on your porch. Another factor is the tree's freshness. The needles on a fresh tree will be pliable. Those on a dry tree will be brittle. Lastly, select a tree that has a straight trunk and a nice shape.

Assessing Your Available Space

When deciding where to place your porch trees for Christmas, always consider the available space and plan accordingly. Overcrowding trees may have short-term aesthetic benefits, but it's not good for the long-term health of your trees. The mature size of the tree should be taken into account to ensure it fits comfortably in your porch area. Remember, a well-placed tree can enhance the overall appeal of your outdoor space and meet several of your decorating needs.

Considering Your Local Climate

When considering your local climate for choosing porch trees for Christmas, it's important to note the effects of extreme weather conditions. This past summer's 'heat dome' in the Pacific Northwest led to significant damage to Christmas trees, with high temperatures causing needles to burn and turn brown. This affected not only seedlings but also mature trees. The extreme heat, combined with an already dry summer, resulted in a 10% decrease in harvest rates. Therefore, when selecting your porch trees, consider varieties that are more resistant to heat and drought, as these conditions may become more common due to climate change.

Reflecting Your Personal Style

Reflecting your personal style in your Christmas decorations is crucial. This includes the choice of your porch trees. As seen in the original content, the author used a dead tree, reshaped it, and decorated it with white spray paint, glitter, and colorful ornaments, transforming it into a festive piece. This shows that you can use your creativity and personal style to turn any tree into a beautiful Christmas decoration. Whether you prefer traditional red and green ornaments or a more modern aesthetic, your porch tree should reflect your unique style.

Top Porch Trees for Christmas 2023

One of our top picks for porch trees in 2023 is the Slim Pre-Lit Porch Tree. This slim tree, designed for outdoor use, features incandescent lights and rust-resistant, realistic-looking branches. The tree plugs into a standard outlet and comes with a 60-foot cord, ten extra bulbs, and five fuses. The base mimics a true tree trunk, complete with notching and grooves, adding to its authenticity.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is an excellent choice for a porch Christmas tree. This slow-growing, long-lived tree can reach up to 13 feet tall, growing on average about 2 to 4 inches per year. It's ideal for outdoor spaces as it prefers cooler temperatures and doesn't favor too much humidity. However, it's important to ensure it's not exposed to salt spray, which can harm the plant. Also, be mindful of spider mites, a common pest for this variety. With the right care, this tree can be a charming addition to your Christmas porch decor.

Blue Point Juniper

The Blue Point Juniper is a popular choice for porch trees, especially during Christmas. Its dense, blue-green foliage and pyramidal shape make it a standout in any landscape. It grows to an average height of 12 feet and 8 feet wide, making it a perfect fit for outdoor spaces. This low-maintenance tree thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure, and it's also drought-tolerant. With proper care, including occasional pruning, the Blue Point Juniper can maintain its vibrant color and dense foliage, adding a festive touch to your porch during the holiday season.

Emerald Green Arborvitae

The Emerald Green Arborvitae makes a festive living Christmas tree. Rooted in soil and shipped in a decorative container, it can be used to frame entrances or flank fireplaces. After the holidays, it can be planted in your landscape. It requires sunlight and regular watering. If kept outdoors after the holidays, it needs a cold period to prepare for spring. In spring, it can be planted in the ground or transplanted to a larger container. A slow-release fertilizer designed for shrubs can be beneficial.

Decorating Your Porch Trees for Christmas

When decorating your porch trees for Christmas, consider using pre-lit LED trees. They create a welcoming ambiance, especially at night. Complement the trees with festive elements such as red planters, which add a pop of color and cheer up the surroundings. Garland can also be added along the top of the porch for an extra festive touch. Don't forget to include a pre-lit battery-operated wreath, which can be set on a timer for convenience. These decorations together create a cozy and festive entrance for your guests.

Choosing the Right Lights

When it comes to decorating your porch trees for Christmas, choosing the right lights is crucial. You can opt for modern bulb lights for a contemporary look or frame your trees with string lights for a classic appeal. Candy cane lights can add a festive touch, while a Christmas light projector can brighten your home. If you prefer a more natural look, consider wrapping your trees in sparkling string lights. For a winter wonderland effect, icicle lights are a great choice. Lastly, starburst lights can add some sparkle and make your porch trees stand out.

Selecting Ornaments

When selecting ornaments for your porch trees, consider shatterproof ornaments made from sturdy materials like plastic and acrylic. They're durable and weather-resistant. Metal ornaments, made from brass, copper, or galvanized steel, are also great choices due to their weather and rust-resistance. Wood ornaments, particularly those made from rot-resistant woods like cedar and redwood, can withstand outdoor elements. Felt ornaments are lightweight and water-resistant, while solar-powered ornaments can add a festive glow to your outdoor décor.

Incorporating Natural Elements

Incorporating natural elements into your Christmas porch tree decorations can add a unique and charming touch. Consider using rustic nature-inspired ornaments, such as pine cones, wood slices, or even dried citrus for a wonderfully fragrant addition. If you live along the coast, creating ornaments with driftwood can add a coastal flair. You can also use materials like straw or twigs for a rustic look. These natural ornaments not only enhance the beauty of your porch trees but are also inexpensive and fun to create.

Conclusion

Incorporating porch trees into your Christmas decor can transform your outdoor space into a festive haven. From understanding the importance of porch trees to considering factors like available space, local climate, and personal style, you can select the perfect tree for your porch. Our top picks for 2023, including the Slim Pre-Lit Porch Tree, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Blue Point Juniper, and Emerald Green Arborvitae, offer a variety of options to suit different preferences. With the right lights, ornaments, and natural elements, you can create a unique and charming decor that reflects your style and welcomes your guests with holiday cheer. So, this Christmas, let's step outside and bring the festive spirit to our porches.