Condition your tree by placing it in an unheated garage or barn for a couple of days.
Bring indoors and place in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
Keep away from any heat sources such as wood stoves, fireplaces, or heater vents.
Do not keep your tree inside the house for more than 10 days. Warm temperatures may cause the tree to grow and this could damage the tree once placed outside.
The tree will need just enough water to keep the soil moist.
When removing the tree from the house, you will need to recondition it by placing it in an unheated garage or barn for a few days.
Planting the Tree Outside
A hole should be dug before the ground is frozen.
Dig a hole only as big around as the pot and as deep.
Mulch the hole well to keep it thawed until planting.
After conditioning the tree, plant it in the hole, backfill with soil; then water and mulch well.
If the tree cannot be planted right away, place it in a sheltered area and mulch heavily.