A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs baby tree -- inside or outside until the ground thaws?

We were gifted a baby Dwarf Alberta Spruce for Christmas. The poor thing was shipped to us in Alaska in a box from Oregon, and seemed a little traumatized by the shipping, lost some needles, etc. So it sat on the kitchen table through Christmas and needed a lot of water, but I think I missed a day or two and it started to lose some more needles. Anyway, I trimmed it on a whim and set it outside, thinking it would like the fresh air. (New Years Resolution -- stop doing things on whims with the plants!) Then I thought, maybe it's bad to stick it out into 10 degree weather just after pruning it? I brought it back in this morning after two days of outside, and it actually looks a little better, but I'm not sure. The plan is to plant it outside in the spring, but I'm wondering if it's okay to be out there now with such a drastic climate change from inside the house.

Thanks!

I wouldn't think that the drastic temperature changes could be good for the tree. And putting it outside now seems to me would surely freeze the roots and possibly kill the tree. I would try to find an in-between spot for it. A cold room or by a cool window where it will get some light. Or in a basement with a light. Then I would move it outside gradually (harden off) once the temps drop no lower than 40F.

I would agree with mel - do NOT put it outside there now - it will definitely freeze to death!!!

By the way... where do you live in Alaska?
I lived in Anchorage for 13 months, and met my husband there too!