What kind christmas trees

There are Hallmark movies where they figure prominently. See Fir Crazy. The point is, we are obsessed with Christmas trees. But for something that plays such a big part in our lives for a month or so of every year, how much do you really know about our Christmas trees? We've tracked down a slew of species so you can walk into the tree farm looking a little more knowledgeable this year. How many species can you honestly name? Did you know that firs are better for your heavy ornaments than, say, a white pine?

And do you know why? Read on and you will become a Christmas tree pro, just like we now are! If there's one tree you've heard of, it's probably a Balsam Fir. The trees are known for having shades of both silver and dark green. Beautiful in color and a scent that isn't too overpowering, the Norway spruce's only downfall is needle retention.

You also have to be on top of your watering. Sturdy branches, minimal shedding, and a strong scent make the fraiser fir a great, low-maintenance choice. Although the Leyland Cypress grows in a pyramid shape, it does not have the Christmas tree fragrance that most of us are after. Country Life. Design Ideas. This tree has a dark-green appearance and retains its pleasing fragrance throughout the Christmas season. Named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on bark. Resin is used to make microscope slides and was sold like chewing gum; used to treat wounds in Civil War.

Canaan Fir - Photo - Similar to the other eastern firs. Canaan Fir has short, soft needles that are dark green on the upper surface and silvery blue on the underside. It combines the strong fragrance of the Balsam Fir with the better needle retention of the Fraser Fir. It is native to isolated pockets in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia, but is commercially grown in many areas of the east Coast.

The Douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. They are one of the top major Christmas tree species in the U. Named after David Douglas who studied the tree in the 's; good conical shape; can live for a thousand years. The Fraser fir branches turn slightly upward.

They have good form and needle-retention. They are dark blue-green in color. They have a pleasant scent, and excellent shipping characteristics as well. Named for a botanist, John Fraser, who explored the southern Appalachians in the late 's. The only grow in cooler climates; north of Georgia, for example. In borderline areas, like North Carolina, Fraser firs only grow at higher elevations, 4, feet or above.

They can grow on north-facing slopes, though, as low as 2, feet elevation. They are yYellowish-green on top surface with white bands on underside.

The needles alternate in two lengths on each tree alternating longer and shorter which gives the branches a fuller look.

Unlike the Douglas fir, Grand Fir needles are aligned in the same plane coming off the branch. Grand Firs commonly grow only on the Pacific northwest coast.

The Grand Fir is related to the white fir, and is also called the great silver fir, western white fir, Vancouver fir, or Oregon fir. It mostly grows at altitudes from sea level to 1, m. Noble Fir - one inch long, bluish-green needles with a silvery appearance; has short, stiff branches; great for heavier ornaments; keeps well.

These needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches. It's extremely aromatic, and while it is native to the West Coast, it is gaining popularity throughout the U. It's shape is similar to a Douglas fir but with a deeper, richer green. Known for its beauty, the noble fir has a long keep ability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland.

Nobles are native to the Pacific northwest coast; the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and the Cascade and Coastal ranges of Oregon and Washington. It closely resembles the California red fir. Nordmann Fir - Photo at right. An excellent needle retaining species with soft glossy dark green needles. Nordmann Firs are the preferred Christmas tree of Europeans, with long, full, lush, dark green foliage, similar to a Fraser fir, but soft to the touch and with excellent needle retention.

Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees can reach 60 feet in height with a spread of 25 to 30 feet. Their soft and lustrous black-green needles stem from symmetrically arranged branches, producing the ideal pyramidal specimen for a Christmas tree.

Nordmann Firs are also popular as ornamental trees in parks and gardens. This tree is very popular in Great Britain. Wikipedia has more information and does this grower's website. See the photo at right. White Fir or Concolor Fir - larger photo -. They have good foliage color, good needle retention, and a pleasing shape and aroma. This variety has a dedicated following. Pines are a good compromise between firs and cypress: they look and smell more like a traditional Christmas tree, are easily pruned to a good shape in the field and grow well in the warmer climates.

But they can produce a lot of sap and that is sticky. Needle retention usually is very good. Pines grow almost anywhere. In hot climates, pines may be the only locally grown choice.

Afghan Pines have soft, short needles with sturdy branches; open appearance; mild fragrance; keeps well; grown in Texas; native to Afghanistan, Russia and Paskistan. More info. Not all Christmas Trees look the same; some have soft, flexible needles while others have firm. Trees can even vary in color, height and width.

Depending on your your space, decorations, and other factors, there are a variety of different trees to choose from. This tree is found in nearly every tree lot in the Unites States. The fir has a nice shape with a pleasing aroma and good needle retention. The aroma is long-lasting and lingers through the entire season. Scotch pine does not drop needles when dry — excellent retention.