How To Harvest Christmas Greenery Without Harming Your Plants

The holidays are here, and your home is ready to become the greenery-filled retreat of your dreams. While gathering cuttings from your yard and garden is an easy and festive way to decorate, it's important to tread lightly, or should we say, trim lightly, as you gather items from nature. When you cut Christmas greenery, you're pruning your trees at a less-than-ideal time of year. Fall is the one season when pruning evergreens is not recommended. While winter is a better option, spring remains the optimal time to prune. Unlike other trees, evergreens grow more slowly, so it's essential to keep in mind that any trimmed branches won't be replaced quickly. As you deck your halls with fresh cuttings, do so thoughtfully to ensure your trees stay healthy for many holidays to come.

When pruning, focus on choosing greenery that can be repurposed for holiday decor, reducing waste and unnecessary cuts. Joanna Gaines' favorite greenery for holiday decor is silver pine, which works well indoors because pines, firs, and cedars dry out slower than other evergreens. Junipers, cedars, holly, and boxwood are also excellent and traditional choices. Magnolia leaves can stay fresh for a long time as well. When selecting foliage, it's important to be aware that some popular options, such as holly and mistletoe, can be poisonous to children and pets, so make sure to keep them out of reach. Whatever you choose, trim your plants carefully to ensure that they stay healthy and happy.

First, consider the natural form of your plants when selecting branches to prune, as well as the look and flexibility of the branch itself. It's better to thin the plant by cutting entire branches rather than shaping it by cutting small portions of many branches. Also, look for broken or dead branches to trim away and discard, as this will help improve the health of your plant. Disinfect your tools regularly by dipping into a solution such as Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner or Amazon Basics 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol and be sure to follow all package directions when using chemicals. By following these pruning practices, you'll not only enhance the natural beauty of your plants but also promote their long-term health and vitality.

Once you've cut your desired branches, consider leaving them in water overnight to enhance their flexibility. You can then dry them off and use a spray to reduce their flammability, such as Mighty Fire Breaker Holiday Tree Fire Retardant Spray. A little additional prep work can help keep your greenery fresh as well. Whether you use your cut boughs to make wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces, you're sure to have a lovely home filled with the natural scents of the holidays!