If choosing a fresh Christmas tree is your family’s annual tradition, be sure to choose the right Christmas tree. Although they all look the same at first glance, some are better suited for different reasons. Here are some of the best types of Christmas trees and how to choose the best one for your family.
What makes the best Christmas tree? Having been selling freshly cut Christmas trees for many years, I can attest to the old adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The truth is, your best Christmas tree may look very different from someone else’s Christmas tree. Size, shape, branch density, needle length, color, and scent are personal preferences that will influence your final decision.
For many of us, there is a certain tree species that “smells like Christmas” because we were grown by that species.
But if you’re looking for a name for your favorite tree, or want to experiment this year, here are some of the best types of Christmas trees to consider.
This article covers:
How to choose the best Christmas tree
Each tree species has certain characteristics that make it popular. Each variety has a special charm, such as the stiffness of the branches, the retention of the needles, and the impressive fragrance.
Within a single species, pruning affects overall shape and branch density. Natural growth tends to be more open, and frequent pruning will crowd the branches.
When looking at different types of Christmas trees, keep these things in mind:
A fresh tree should not lose many needles. To test this, tap the tree on the ground and see how many needles fall out. Alternatively, you can pull it along the branch. Only a few needles should come loose. disease or decay. The wood should not have a musty odor or spots. This may indicate that the tree was cut when it was diseased or that it has been cut down too long. height and width. Measure your Christmas tree to make sure it will fit inside your home. Bring a tape measure and be sure to measure before you even go to the Christmas tree lot.
different types of christmas trees
There are many different types of trees commonly sold as Christmas trees.
I don’t have pictures of everything, but I highly recommend bringing a plant identification app in case the trees aren’t labeled. Here, I’ve listed my favorite and most trusted apps to help you identify what type of Christmas tree you’re dealing with.
When shopping, keep an eye out for these names. Here are some of the best types of Christmas trees and what you need to know about each.
1. Fraser Fur
This is the most popular live Christmas tree in North America. It is so hardy that Canadian growers ship it all over the world. The needles are 1/2 to 1 inch long, dark green above and blue-green below. The needles hold well and have a pleasant sweet and slightly tangy scent.
Fraser fir identifier:
Slenderer shape Slightly upturned branches Short needles 1/2 to 1 inch long Dark green needles, blue-green base
2. Noble fur
Noble firs with stiff branches are perfect for heavy ornaments. The branches grow in a whorl around the trunk, giving a “tiered” effect. The upturned needles have a medium green color on the upper side and a blue-green color on the underside.
Noble fir identifier:
Pale gray to purplish bark with blue-green needles and white bands on the sides Large upright pine cones Stiff branches
3.Douglas fir
Don’t be fooled by the name! Douglas fir is actually a type of pine tree. Douglas Fir is grown and shipped throughout North America. 1 to 1.5 inch dark green, soft needles radiate from the stem in all directions, giving it an overall appearance. It is also usually a less expensive tree, although its needle retention is less than other trees.
Douglas fir identifier:
Classic Christmas tree scent: heavy branches, dark green needles pointing in all directions, soft needles compared to spruce, pointed, papery red-brown buds.
4. Balsam Fir
The needles are dark green, 3/4 to 1.5 inches long, and long-lasting. It is easy to decorate, but may not hold heavy ornaments well. The scent of crushed needles is very pleasant and lasts all through the holiday season. It is one of the most popular options in Canada, the top Christmas tree in Quebec, and the official tree of New Brunswick.
Balsam fir identifier:
Flat needles with a white band on the underside Dark green needles Narrow, pointed crown Light gray smooth bark with resinous blisters
5. Grandfur
This type of tree has a dark green color and flattened needles. It’s softer to the touch than other trees, so it’s fun to decorate!
Grand fir identifier:
Citrus scent Light branches Shiny green and curved branches Flat branches with rounded ends Smooth bark with resinous blisters and white spots
6. Nordmann Fur
Nordmann fir has longer needles than noble and Fraser firs, giving it a softer appearance. The needles are a deep, glossy green color and have similar needle retention to both Noble and Fraser firs.
Nordmann fir identifier:
Soft, shiny green needles with blunt tips Needles throughout the branch Slightly longer needles No noticeable scent
7. Colorado Blue Spruce
This popular option is perfect for a live Christmas tree. In addition to its unique blue-green and gray-green leaves, it is characterized by its good shape and dense branches when young.
Colorado Blue Spruce Identifier:
Blue-gray needles have sharp tips. Dense leaves and pyramidal branches. Horizontal to the ground. Needles give off an odor when crushed.
8. Scotch Pine
Scotch pine is the most commonly planted variety of live Christmas trees. Its needles are 1 to 3 inches long and medium green in color, perfect for gripping ornaments. Excellent needle retention even when dry.
Scotch pine identifier:
Medium green needles Long needles (1-3 inches) Orange bark at maturity Oval crown
9. Eastern White Pine
This tree has the longest needles on this list, giving it a soft look. The needle retention is good. It has a subtle scent, so it is recommended for people who are sensitive to strong scents.
Eastern White Pine Identifier:
Long blue-green needles Appearance is soft The tips of the needles are curved Smooth dark green bark when young, turning dark brown to black with age
living christmas tree
Potted trees are very popular because they can be admired indoors and then planted in the landscape. Choose the type that suits your garden style.
I especially like lemon cypress trees and use them to make mini Grinch trees.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas trees
The most popular type of Christmas tree is the fir tree. This is because fir trees tend to shed fewer needles when drying, while retaining their fragrance and color. Fraser fir and balsam fir are the most popular types of Christmas trees, although they vary greatly depending on where you live. Fraser fir is known for its longevity, and balsam fir is known for its classic Christmas tree scent and low price.
Almost any evergreen tree can serve as a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree tradition originates from pagans who brought evergreen branches into their homes during the winter solstice to remind them of the green plants that would return in the spring. The first Christmas trees appeared in Germany in the 16th century. At this time, Martin Luther brought a fir tree into his home to decorate it.
One of the best features of buying a real Christmas tree instead of a fake one is the scent. Balsam fir is the most fragrant, but it tends to dry out faster than other trees. If this is a concern for you, Douglas fir and Fraser fir also have scents and the scent lasts a long time.
Fraser fir lasts the longest at about 5 weeks. If you want to buy your tree early, this tree should still look great by Christmas time. Douglas fir also lasts quite a long time, about 4 weeks. Scotch pine also lasts for 3 weeks.
Yes, some varieties are better than others, but that’s not all. Proper care is often the best way to ensure the longevity of your Christmas tree. Learn more about Christmas tree care tips here.
Douglas firs and Fraser firs can both survive long periods in your home and are some of the best Christmas trees. Fraser firs tend to be slender with slightly upturned branches, making them work well in small rooms. Douglas fir looks a little bushy and wide.
Both trees have soft needles that allow them to withstand the heat inside your home. Fraser fir has needles that are slightly shorter, measuring 1/2 to 1 inch, while Douglas fir has needles that are 1 to 1.5 inches long. Douglas fir has a similar dark green color, but tends to have less needle retention. The low price reflects that.
Grand firs tend to be one of the most fragrant Christmas trees, evoking citrus-like scents. Douglas fir also has a scent, but it brings the more classic Christmas tree scent that you’re probably familiar with. Both trees have the classic cone shape, but the grand fir is a little fuller.
Large fir branches tend to be lighter, while Douglas fir branches hold heavier ornaments better. The needles of Douglas fir are dark green and radiate in all directions. The needles of ground fir are shiny green, and the branches are slightly curved.
Due to their popularity, Douglas firs tend to become more common, so finding a Douglas fir can be even more difficult. Douglas fir lasts about four weeks, while grand fir only lasts about two weeks before its needles start falling.
The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing the best type of Christmas tree is that all-natural trees will have slight physical imperfections. Some contain bird nests and praying mantis egg sacs. These things serve as a reminder not to take decorating too seriously or obsess over the details. Let the natural beauty of wood be the centerpiece of your holiday decor.
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