It may be a strange thing to ask in May, but I bought a rooted Xmas tree last year, and it was really healthy. When it went in the garden (still in pot), it still thrived. On the nurserys advice I re-potted it...(I have no room to plant it in ground)It was still happy for a bit.. Unfortunately, I forgot to water it, and I thought it was dead .I gave it a good drenching ,and lo & behold it started sprouting new needles. My question is : What do I do with the brown (obviously dead) top half, Can I cut this off, and any other brown looking branches, or will I kill it off for good ??
yes, just cut off any brown branches as these are now dead and of no use. The tree will produce new buds and re-grow fresh branches. You can also select a new top bud and re-train it to become the leader (top part you stick the fairy onto).