Question
My son bought me a 3 foot potted Alberta Spruce at Christmas and I would like to plant it outside.  I live near the coast in central New Jersey.  Could you please instruct me?

Answer
Hold it until spring. Keep in it a non heated garage or shed until then. Water it once a week but only dampen the soil not wet it.
In the about March (if the soil is not frozen) plant the tree where you want it to live. Dig the hole twice the size of the pot and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk and water once a week if it does not rain.