Your tree should have a fresh cut within a couple hours of setting up in your home.  We give all of our pre-cut trees a fresh cut before leaving the farm.  If you are not planning to put up the tree immediatey, store it upright in a bucket of water until you put it in the stand.  Keep the tree in the wrap as this makes it far easier to bring into the house and put it in the stand.  Be sure to water frequently.  Check the water daily and make certain the base of the tree is always in water.  Check out "Santa's Magic Watering Stick" to simplify watering.  These are sold in our barn on the farm.

Caring for Your Potted Living Tree in the House

The high temperatures and low humidity levels in houses can be stressful to trees.  Follow these tips to give your tree the best care and help ensure success.

• Before moving the tree inside the house, help it adjust by moving it to an unheated but sheltered area such as a garage or porch for a couple of days.
• Keep the tree in the house for no more than 10-14 days.
• Locate the tree indoors in as cool a location as possible.  Keep it away from heating vents, fireplaces and other heat sources.  Provide as much natural light as possible.
• Water every several days, keeping the soil moist but not flooded.  Ice cubes can be used for watering because they keep the roots cool and water gentle as they melt.

Planting and Care After Christmas

If possible, prepare the planting hole before the ground freezes.  (When selecting a site, consider your overall landscape scheme and the fact that the tree will need room to grow.)  Store the soil from the hole somewhere where it won't freeze.  Fill the hole with leaves or hay to prevent freezing, then cover with a board to prevent accidents.  Put the tree in a garage or sheltered area for a few days to help it adjust back to the cold.  Plant, if possible, after Christmas.  If the weather does not permit planting, keep the tree in a garage (near a window with available daylight).  Water every few weeks to maintain some moisture in the pot.  Plant in March or April, when the ground is no longer frozen.