Types of Christmas Trees: Your Real Christmas Guide
Find here the different kinds of live Christmas trees people can purchase for their homes this holiday season.
A Christmas tree is a classic festive icon that never misses to charm. According to the BCTGA (British Christmas Tree Growers Association), about 8 million live Christmas trees are purchases every year in Britain. However, the choice could be mind-boggling.
Real Christmas trees are great for the environment as they have a significantly low carbon footprint than fake Christmas trees. However, what to select for suiting your place? So, let’s discuss different types of Christmas trees.
Different Types of Christmas Trees
- Nordmann Fir
Abies nordmanniana or Nordmann fir is a popular Russian import, where around 80 percent of people purchase this tree. The reason why this tree is a popular choice is because it does not shed needles. So, it is a perfect choice if you have the tree up for about a month.
The Nordmann fir is the most amazing Christmas tree variety. The average tree takes around eight to ten years to fully grow. Their dark, long green needles look stunning. If you keep standing this tree in water, then it can go well into New Year too.
Special features: Glossy, soft, and dark green leaves, a traditional bushy and full conical shape, and strong branches. They have a strong scent to them. Plus, they are expensive as they take years to get ready.
Advantages of the Nordmann fir tree variety: This variety features minimal needle-drop. If your room is smaller, then go for this Swedish-style Christmas tree as they are thinner than the standard Christmas tree type.
- Norway Spruce
Picea abies or Norway Spruce is another popular variety when it comes to selecting a Christmas tree. They have been famous since the Victorian age. It is the most recognizable Christmas tree of all. These trees grow widely and thus, they are reasonably priced and widely available. It is observed that one out of 10 people opt for this tree variety.
This tree is a classic favorite of all due to its renowned scent. These British-grown spruces need to be pruned regularly for producing a well-balanced Christmas tree.
Special features: With bushy, bright green, and densely pointed prickly needles, this Christmas tree is typically a tidy pyramid shape with a usual Christmas tree scent. However, its needles quickly drop so you need to take care around pets and children. Also, remember watering your tree regularly and place it away from heat sources.
Advantages of the Norway Spruce tree variety: They have a pretty scent and are of great value.
- Blue Spruce
Picea pungens or Blue Spruce is the official tree of Colorado and Utah. Its diverse cool-blue hue helps in making this tree an attractive competitor to the classic Norway spruce. This tree has a nice festive scent. Plus, this pot-grown tree is ideal for potting on or planting in gardens.
Special features: Unlike Norway Spruce trees, Blue Spruce ones are symmetrical and elegant. They hold their needles very well. They are ultra-prickly so that’s why they are not perfect for younger families.
Advantages of the Blue Spruce tree variety: They can be a really stylish choice.
- Fraser Fir
In America, Abies fras esi or Fraser Fir is the best-selling tree for Christmas. These trees look exactly like the classic Norway Spruce. However, they do not drop their needles quickly.
Special features: The needles are wide, soft, dark green, and flat with silver-tinged undersides. They feature a strident balsam scent. There is lots of space between the tree branches for tinsel trimmings and lights. So, it is a perfect option for people who want to add heavy ornaments to their trees. Plus, this tree is the most sweet-smelling tree of all.
Advantages of the Fraser Fir tree variety: A perfect choice for an alcove or hallway as this tree features a compact bottom edge.
- Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii or Douglas Fir belongs to North America. However, these trees have been grown in many parts of Britain for over 200 years.
Special features: Douglas Fir tends to be taller in the wild, where they grow around 55 meters in height. They feature a citrusy scent, unlike other Christmas trees. However, the green/soft blue needles offer a lovely luster.
Advantages of the Douglas Fir tree variety: These trees are flawless if you are in search of a proper statement Christmas tree.
- Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris or Scots Pine is a native British conifer. This Scotland’s national tree is found in the Highlands and grows well on heathland.
Special features: This tree’s foliage is lively blue-green. It is a pretty vintage looking tree. It could be rather notoriously prickly and impenetrable.
Advantages of the Scots Pine tree variety: A nice option if you like a quirky figure. Also, it is low-maintenance and features a nice fragrance.
- Noble Fir
Abies procera or Noble Fir is American as it is native to forests in Oregon and Washington. Britain introduced this tree in 1830. However, they thrive in only wetter areas.
Special features: These trees have luxurious foliage. Their upwards-curving twigs are tinted with silvery-grey. They are popular for their strength.
Advantages of the Noble Fir tree variety: Due to their practical branches, these trees are perfect for holding lights and heavy or large ornaments.
- Serbian Spruce
Picea omorika or Serbian Spruce is a new addition to Great Britain. However, this tree is a non-dropping, low-maintenance choice.
Special features: The tree’s branches, featuring a silver underneath and dark green topside, sweep downwards in a subtle way. So, the tree seems graceful but it is not good for heavy ornaments.
Advantages of the Serbian Spruce tree variety: The tree has soft needles. So, this tree is perfect for modern homes due to its streamlined shape. Also, it is a great option for homes with pets and children.
So, these are the different types of Christmas trees. Read the features of each tree variety and get a perfect one for your home. Also, select one that best suits your preferences and requirements.