OPG Biodiversity Program

Q:	How long will it take for my tree seedling to be big enough to plant outside?
A:	When your seedling is approximately 5 - 6 months old it will be mature enough to be planted outside. You will have to control grass and weeds around the tree by pulling out the weeds with your hands or by turning them up with a shovel. Take care not to plant the tree outside if it's less than one month before the first frost.
Q:	Where is the best location to plant my white spruce seedling?
A:	Initially, you can plant the seedling in a corner of a garden or flowerbed. As the tree grows larger (over 1 foot tall), it will have to be moved to a location large enough to eventually hold a mature 80-foot tall tree.
Q:	If I don't have a location to plant my seedling, can I transplant it into a larger container and keep it inside or on my patio?
A:	Yes, you can put the tree into a larger pot as it gets bigger.
Q:	How often should I water my seedling?
A:	This depends on the pot size and its location (hot and dry vs. cool and damp). You will have to monitor the moisture level in the pot and not let the pot dry out completely. Once it's outside in the soil, you can water once a week if no rainfall occurs.
Q:	Will my white spruce seedling be okay planted outside in the winter?
A:	Yes, the tree seedling will be okay planted outside in the winter. However, it must be planted by the middle of the summer to allow it time to develop dormancy for cold winter temperatures.
Q:	Once planted outside, is there any way that I can protect my seedling from animals such as squirrels and rabbits?
A:	The best way to prevent animals (squirrels, rabbits, etc.) from damaging the tree is to put wire mesh around the tree. This allows rain, wind and light to get in but keeps rabbits and squirrels out.

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Ask Trees Ontario about your seedling.