A living tree with its balled roots does require extra care and planning. The first step is to select the planting site, considering the mature height and spread of the tree. This is important because some species used for Christmas trees will grow to be 40 to 50 feet tall. Dig a hole that is the same depth but wider than the root-ball. A good rule of thumb is to dig the hole at least three times the diameter of the root-ball. In northern areas where the ground may freeze, you will need to to store the excavated soil in a shed or garage and fill the hole with straw and cover with a tarp or plastic. The success you have in keeping the tree growing after Christmas depends on the care you give it while it is in your home. When you bring it home, keep it in an unheated, sheltered area, such as a garage or porch, and out of the wind and sun. Plan to keep the tree in the house for no more than two weeks. While indoors, locate the tree in as cool a location as possible. Keep it out of drafts and away from heating vents. Provide as much natural light as possible. Place the root-ball or container in an attractive tub lined with heavy plastic to protect the floor from moisture. Water the tree only when the soil starts to dry out. After the holidays, readjust the tree to outdoor temperatures by placing it back on the sheltered porch or in the garage for several days. Set the tree in the hole and loosen and break up any clods of soil before backfilling. Backfill the bottom half of the space around the root-ball. Tamp the soil lightly with your foot. Finish filling the hole with loose, unamended soil and gently tamp again. Settle the soil by running water in and out of the backfill soil all around the hole. Mulch over the top of the root-ball with a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch. Water only as needed because a flooded tree may die.

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