There are two types of people, those who put up their Christmas tree on Christmas eve, and those who put their tree up as early as is humanly acceptable. We firmly believe that it is never too early to prepare yourself for Christmas festivities and the best way to prepare yourself is to get a Christmas tree!
In this article, we are looking to list some of the most popular tree types that may give you a few ideas on what tree to pick when you are getting your home ready for the big day! Each of these tree types has their own little quirks and are unique in their own way. But first, real Christmas trees… why are they the best?
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Using a Real Tree
You can’t beat the sight of a real Christmas tree. Not only is it a fun family tradition across the United States for mum, dad, and the children to go and collect their tree each year and decorate it, but it embodies the Christmas spirit.
Furthermore, if you care about the environment and want to do your part, using a new tree each year and recycling it can be a positive way to encourage planting more trees in the future. This is because it is stated that two more trees are planted for each tree that gets recycled. Artificial trees on the other hand, will not decompose and will lay in landfill.
While real trees are more expensive over time, costing around $70-80 each year vs the $80 you may pay for an artificial one, you get a more authentic feeling, and you can rest assured that you are doing your bit for the environment too. Here are some of the most popular real trees on the market:
1. Fir
Fir trees are evergreen and hugely popular for all those looking to find the perfect tree. There are a couple of notable Fir types that should be mentioned:
Balsam Fir Trees
Balsam fir trees are known for their distinctive smell, and many people heavily associate that smell with Christmas. It is said to have a strong, spicy, and aromatic smell that makes it a favourite among families and Christmas tree enthusiasts. Not only is it pungent, but it is also quite tidy in that it is less than 2 feet in diameter, making it ideal for use in smaller or more compact spaces. Its branches are also very strong, containing a double row of tree needles which makes it perfect for heavy decoration and the branches of the Balsam Fir are often used on wreaths too.
Douglas Fir
The National Christmas Tree Association in the United States rated this as one of the most popular tree types in the country. This is because they emit a moderate fragrance that is not too overpowering, and they have a lot of branches that give them a full, pyramid-like appearance. When using a Douglas Fir, one thing to be aware of is that they will need water, or the branches may fall off. They make up just over 50% of all Christmas trees grown in the US and Canada and can be anywhere from 7 feet to 300 feet tall.
Noble Fir
Yet another classic choice, the classic noble fir accounts for close to 30% of all Christmas tree sales in the US because it looks stunning and perfectly symmetrical. Its branches are long and strong and point upwards which means that the lower branches can be used for decoration too! The noble fir is mostly used on wreathes, garlands and door decorations. And it is also a great choice of tree for family homes with pets and small children because the branches do not fall off.
2. Pine
Known for being the most common coniferous tree in the world, pine trees are evergreen and can have a stunning shape to them making them ideal for the Christmas season. Here are a couple of favourites:
Scotch Pine
Yet another timeless Christmas tree, the Scotch pine tree is bright green, has a moderate fragrance, and has strong branches attached too. Once you keep the tree well-watered, then the branches will remain strong and considering their 3-inch needle length, they are great for lights and ornaments.
Virginia Pine
The Virginia pine is a little more of a niche option when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree. The needles on the tree are short and twisted so are best for lighter ornaments. They can be quite wide but are medium sized overall. They also have no fragrance to them so if you do decide to have one in your home, you won’t overpower the house.
3. Spruce
With close to 40 varieties of spruce tree, there are a host of different designs and looks that one can choose from when looking for the right tree, however not all spruces are ideal for Christmas. Here are some of the more suitable ones:
Blue Spruce
Also known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, this stunning spruce variant is the national tree of Utah and Colorado and is a favourite among those looking for a tree with a little style and character. One of its standout features are its blue/grey foliage, which gives it a distinct snow-covered look. The needles on the branches are quite thick and sharp, making them ideal for heavy decoration. It is also said to have the perfect Christmas tree shape.
Norway Spruce
Mainly native to Europe, the Norway Spruce is one of the most visually arresting Christmas trees that you can buy. It is evergreen and grows faster than many other trees, however, its branches and the needles on the tree can be quite weak, so you will have to take good care of it, particularly if you want to put your tree up early. It has a light to medium fragrance and can be thin in size so it is a good choice for a home with smaller amounts of space.