I took this picture yesterday, after the snow stopped. This tree is 20 years old and still less than 5′ tall. Every December I see Dwarf Alberta Spruce on sale everywhere–most of the tabletop evergreens, sold already decorated for Christmas, are Dwarf Alberta Spruce. It only grows one inch a year, and if you have a small yard, or a spot near the house where you want an evergreen, it’s perfect.
Not only does it stay small, it is incredibly winter hardy. This little tree can survive 40 below zero! I have read warnings about protecting it from the wind, but mine is in a fairly open spot and has never shown any winter burn on its branches.
One problem with buying a living Christmas tree is that it is often difficult to plant it in the landscape in January. If your yard is snow covered, as mine is, you can still enjoy a tree indoors now, but after the holidays you must keep it in the coolest room you can find. Even an unheated garage would work as long as you don’t forget it. Keep the roots moist and plant in your garden at the first opportunity.
