Posted by Robert Cooper on March 29, 2006

Q: We have a Norway Spruce that was grown from a tiny plant and is now approximately 4-1/2ft. tall and about 3ft. in diameter. It's spent it's entire life indoors. My question: Can this tree be planted outdoors at this stage of it's life and survive?

State: New Jersey

A: If you don't plant your tree outside (or at least keep it outside) it will die. Norway Spruce are adapted for life in a temperate climate and therefore NEED to be dormant part of the year. So, may I make this recommendation? I'd wait a wee bit yet until there is little or not chance of a frost and then put your tree outside. Since your tree has never been exposed to the outside sun or wind, it may be "burned" with too much sun so you need to introduce it to the outside in steps. Place your tree (in its pot) in a shaded area. Allow it to stay there for a week or so then gradually bring it more and more into an open area. This will allow the tree to acclimate to the wind and sun and assure that it won't be killed. Once your tree is doing well in the sun, you can plant the tree in the ground (just remove from pot, lightly break up the outer dirt ball and pop in the ground). Best of luck with your tree.

John Wiessinger ( March 30, 2006)