Question: I’d like to plant a living Christmas tree. Which types are best? How do I care for it as I take it outdoors after Christmas?

Answer: The exact types will vary with different parts of Texas, but the list would include eastern redcedar and Arizona cypress (for Central and West Texas) or Virginia pine (for East Texas), and deodar cedar in South and Central Texas. Keep your tree indoors no longer than is absolutely essential, preferably not more than 10 or 12 days. Set it into the landscape on a day when temperatures will be moderate. Remember that it has grown accustomed to warm, indoor conditions during its stay inside your house.