The best care for a live Christmas tree?

use a soil conditioner such as nature's helper mixed half and half with the back fill. plant firmly in partial shade. water daily for 2-3 weeks, and then weekly if needed. it's probably a fraser fir. if a crushed needle smells like balsam, then it is

Well, I don't know if it's any consolation, but the trees sold at commercial lots come from tree farms. The trees are planted to be harvested at certain stages of growth. The larger trees have been growing more years and cost more. So if you purchase a tree from a commercial Christmas Tree lot, you might be able to take some (cold?) comfort in this. ...... On the potted tree idea: You need to look around more. Some can last about 2 weeks indoors if kept from a heat source or register and watered properly during the stay indoors. I have seen some that recommend spritzing the needles lightly with water to help the needles not dry out and drop. But it's probable that you'll use lights on the tree and/or decorations that won't take to being misted, so misting is not very practical. An evergreen (with a pot/root ball) does take a 'shock' from being taken indoors. They are not acclimated to the dry heat in modern homes in winter. I'd suggest you look into different types available in your area and research on line, what specific type might be best suited to planting out after it's served as your Christmas tree. ... Bear in mind that if you can acclimate over a couple of days to the lower outdoor temps again rather than just taking it out and planting it immediately, you will avoid some needle drop from the shock of temperature change. ... When you do plant it out, if you can place it in a slightly more protected area (protected from direct wind mainly) your tree will have a better chance of 'taking' and growing. ... I think buying a potted/root ball tree that you plant out after Christmas is worth a try. I have friends who do this year after year. Some years the tree 'takes' and other years they die. But that's true in nature too - some trees survive to grow large and others do not. Since it matters to you, it can't hurt to try it. ... Go into it with realistic expectations and enjoy your Christmas season.

Plant it outside as soon as possible. Be sure to add something that will make the soil more acid...like coffee grounds, tea bags, sulfur for making garden soil more acid... Evergreens like acid soil, and regular watering year around, nearly full sun, and cooler temperatures. Good luck !