Normally an evergreen coniferous tree, a natural Christmas tree is a holiday tradition throughout the world. Trees from the fir family are the most popular, but various types of spruce trees are also used for Christmas. Almost all trees bought each December are commercially grown especially for the holiday season.
Understanding the pros and cons of each type of tree species will help you choose the right tree for your holiday needs. Although preferences vary from region to region, in the United States there are seven types of trees that are generally grown especially to become Christmas trees. These are the most popular species used.
Douglas Fir: The Douglas fir, which isn t really a fir tree at all, has been one of the most popular Christmas trees used in the Pacific Northwest since the 1920s. It is loved for it s dark green or blue green needles and for its sweet lingering fragrance. As one of the more beloved Christmas trees species in America, it will be easy to find a Douglas Fir on any tree lot.
Colorado Blue Spruce: The Colorado Blue Spruce tree is most often used in the eastern United States. These ornamental trees have a narrow, pyramidal shape with dull bluish gray to silvery blue needles that deliver a resinous odor which some say is reminiscent of a fresh forest scent. The Blue Spruce has very sharp needles that can be painful for decorating, but luckily the tree still looks nice with very little trimming.
Balsam Fir: First described in 1768, the Balsam Fir has a dense, dark green, crown with a tall slender tip that is perfect for holding a star. As a Christmas tree, Balsam Fir has several desirable properties: dark green, long lasting needles and a pleasing fragrance that lasts throughout the season.
Scotch Pine: Widely planted for the express purpose of producing Christmas trees, Scotch Pine is a hardy species known for its dark green foliage. It has stiff branches that are good for decorating with ornaments of all sizes. Another reason it s so popular is because it has excellent needle characteristics and holds up well for shipping and display. In fact, it is probably the most commonly used species in the United States.
Noble Fir: Appreciated as a Christmas tree for its symmetrical beauty, stiff branches and durability, the Noble Fir is growing in popularity. Noble Fir is also a favored choice for holiday greenery. It s used to make wreaths, garlands and other fresh decorations.
White Spruce: As a Christmas tree, White Spruce has the bright green to bluish green color that many holiday buyers prefer. The tree s short needles have a good natural shape and tend to stay stiff on the branches for quite some time. Unfortunately, when crushed the needles also have a strong and unpleasant odor, so these trees are not suitable for fresh cut decorations or wreaths.
Virginia Pine: A familiar standard in the south for years, Virginia Pine as been cultivated and genetically engineered to be a better Christmas tree. In contrast to other holiday trees, it has relatively short needles and branches which make it easy to decorate.
There are many types of species to choose from when selecting a Christmas tree. Whether you purchase a tall, slender green tree or a short, bushy, flocked tree is entirely a matter of personal preference. Whatever, you choose, a live tree is traditional must have for the holidays.
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