OK to put potted Christmas tree outside?

Question

We live in Pennsylvania. We got a 3 - 3 1/2 foot tall potted Christmas tree this year because I wanted to plant it in the back yard in the spring. When it was undecorated on New Year's Day, I took it down to the basement where it is cool (40-50 degrees). The place where I got it said not take take it directly outside, but to put it somewhere cool and then transition it outside. I have been watering it, but there is not a lot of natural light down there...just two small windows.

As I said, it has been in the cool basement for coming up on a month now. Is it OK to move it outside now? We are in a cold spell now, so it is below freezing and expected to remain so for the next week or so. I'm just worried about it not getting enough light. It does look healthy.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If you had had a hole dug - I would have said go ahead and move it outside right after next week.  Freezing weather is fine, but -15 might be stressful after having been inside.  But you're doing the transition with moving it to the basement.  If you're not going to actually plant it  yet, I would most it outside, to the east side of your house (out of the winter winds), and mulch heavily around the pot to insulate the roots.  I do this very successfully with plants I didn't get around to planting in the fall.

Even piling un-opened bags of mulch will do nicely, or use a hefty pile of straw.  That way, your tree has light, enough water (it doesn't use much, but I always forget to check the moisture on basement-plants...and overwatering is also an issue inside), and it's ready yo go in the spring.

I would only NOT move it outside if it has started to push out new growth on the tips.  The new growth will be suceptible to freeze damage.  Try to keep the tree cool to slow down the new growth, and wait to move it out for a month or so.

kuo · Answer

it easily relies upon on the dimensions of the trunk. no count number if that's a usual 6-7 foot tree, the diameter could be approximately 2 a million/2 to 3 inches, and that's risk-free for about 3-5 days. in case you come back to a call to maintain the tree with the aid of New 365 days, put in the backside bucket one to 2 gallons of water an afternoon. in any different case, that's late to maintain it with the aid of long island.

Allison1888 · Answer

I would check with a local nursery, as I'd be afraid it would have problems with the cold based on not being in the ground at all and also not getting in the ground while it's warm (as you do with fall planting)

Anonymous · Answer

I should be ok where it is.  The soil just needs to stay moist, not wet.  Wait until you won't be having soil freezing weather,.  I'm guessing March would be good.  I lived in Ohio

Steve W · Answer

Conifers are very adapted to temp. extremes.  I would worry more about the exposed roots (to freezing temps) than anything.  If you can dig a hole- plant it now!

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OK to put potted Christmas tree outside?

5 Answers