Q.Christmas Tree left outside in the ice storm last year
I purchased a Christmas tree from Walmart that had included Frozen decorations last year. After Christmas, I transplanted it into a bigger pot, and since the temperature was still above 30 degrees, I put it outside. I forgot about it until after we had the ice storm. Once I remembered, I brought it back inside and slowly the needles turned brown. Once spring came, I put it back outside and the needles continued to fall off. I just dug up the tree today, and there are roots. The branches are bendable and are soft. Can you tell me about when green needles will appear? I will bring it back inside this winter.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Usually, with evergreens such as this kind, you won't see needle recovery. Any damage will affect the look permanently. They will put new growth, usually, only on the top and tips of existing branches.
Depending on the exact species, some sprout new trees at the base which can replace the existing tree once cut down. Some species will die completely if you cut them back like this, so it will be important to know exactly what the tree is.