How to Pick the Right Live Christmas Tree Variety

What are the different varieties of Christmas trees? Which type of Christmas tree is best for your holiday decorating needs? When selecting a Christmas tree, pick the variety that has the features you would like in a tree, including fragrance, needle retention, and of course, looks.

Features

There are certain features to consider when selecting a Christmas tree.

Fragrance - One of the reasons to buy a live Christmas tree is for the fragrance. Some trees are more fragrant than others. Choose one with little to no fragrance if you have allergies.

Needles - Some tree varieties hold the needles very well when not watered, and others only when watered. Some varieties do not hold their needles for very long at all.

The texture of the needles may be important to you, especially if you have kids or pets that may touch the needles. In that case, look for a tree with soft needles.

Shape - Some trees are slender and tall, others are cone shaped, pyramid shaped, or even stout looking.

Price - The price of different Christmas tree varieties will vary depending on where you live, and availability.

Tree Varieties

Balsam Fir
Fragrance: Very Fragrant
Needles: Dark green, flat
Shape: The Balsam Fir tends be wide at the bottom and the tree is narrow at the top.
Needle Retention: Medium
Fun Historical Fact: Resin from the Balsam Fir was used to treat soldiers' wounds during the Civil War
Overall Appeal Factor: The Balsam Fir is a traditionalist's holiday tree. Very aromatic, and very traditional.

Blue Spruce
Fragrance: Moderately fragrant
Needles: High needle retention; needles are a slate blue color and are very stiff
Shape: Column-shaped
Overall Appeal Factor: The Blue Spruce is ideal for heavy decorations, because of its stiff needles.

Canaan Fir
Fragrance: Moderately fragrant
Needles: Blusish green, with silver on the bottom
Shape: Conical
Fun Historical Fact: Also called the "West Virginia balsam fir"
Overall Appeal Factor: Often confused with the Balsam Fir, so it is a good choice.

Concolor Fir
Fragrance: Very fragrant
Needles: Lush green, silvery green, , soft needles
Shape: Pyramid
Overall Appeal Factor: Strong fragrance, with a fresh citrus scent

Douglas Fir
Fragrance: Excellent aroma
Needle: Bluish dark green needles
Shape: Cone
Fun Historical Fact: Named for botanist David Douglas
Overall Appeal Factor:The Douglas Fir is one of the most popular varieties sold as a holiday tree.

Fraser Fir
Fragrance: Very fragrant
Needles: Soft, dark green; this type of tree holds water very well without water.
Shape: Pyramid
Fun Historical Fact: One of the most popular choices for a holiday tree. Names for botanist John Fraser.
Overall Appeal Factor: The Fraser Fir has many positive qualities.

White Pine
Fragrance: Little to no aroma
Needles: Very soft
Shape: Rounded cone, a very full tree
Fun Historical Fact:
Overall Appeal Factor: Best suited to light holiday decorations, not heavy ones

Scotch Pine
Fragrance: Very little fragrance
Needles: This type of tree holds water very well without water. Stiff needles. Bright green.
Shape: Space between branches allows for deep ornament hanging.
Fun Fact: One of the most popular varieties for the holidays.
Overall Appeal Factor: Great for hanging heavy holiday decorations. This tree re-plants well, if its roots retained.

White Spruce
Fragrance: Very little fragrance
Needles: Very good needle retention
Shape: Column-shaped
Overall Appeal Factor: Best for heavy holiday decorations; very pleasing shape that does not need a lot of trimming

Sources

http://www.arborday.org
http://www.christmastree.org/trees/canaan.cfm
http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/
http://ctrees.cas.psu.edu/cultural/canaan_fir.htm