I just got my first tree. It’s a juniper from a nursery. Based on my initial research I understand that this should be an outdoor tree, however I’m in Alaska and the temperature where I live regularly gets down to -30°F. I’m looking for some starting tips that will give this tree its best shot at thriving until I can safely move it outside.

I guess you get a lot of snow in Alaska? If that is the case, put the tree on the ground on a place where you know snow pile up and let it cover the tree totally. Below the snow it is not colder than -5c and the tree will get watered by melting snow when it thaws. This is how junipers survice in nature.

Really? How deep should the tree be covered? It seems like the amount of snow needed to provide that level of insulation when the external temperature is -28 C and colder would crush the tree.

I am not totally sure if there are trees or junipers in Alaska. But I think there are both. In Sweden where I live we only have low growing junipers that will be totally covered in snow. As said, a natural adaptation to the climate. The earth as a heat source and snow as insulation is utilized not only by young and low growing trees, but also most plants, small rodents and eskimoes

If you don’t think it will work for you in your local area the alternative is to put the tree in a cold but frost free place, 0-5 c.

Ok, got it. From what I understand Alaska and Sweden have pretty similar climates, so I will give this a try. Thanks a ton for the advice!