Each year, when it’s time to get the annual Christmas tree, many folks will go to the nearest retail lot and purchase one that looks to be the right dimensions to fit in that special spot at home. There’s generally not much more that goes into the choosing of one other than height and fullness considerations. However, there are very specific types of Christmas trees, each with their own unique set of characteristics. From the shade of the pine needles to the level of the tree’s aromatic properties, there are many things to consider, in order to get the tree that will best suit your needs.
COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE
The Colorado Blue Spruce has a very well-defined shape, resembling a pyramid in structure - quite full at the bottom-most portion, tapering tightly to a conical crown. Its needles, which can grow up to 1 ½” on the lower branches, have a silvery blue tint and are four-sided, ending in very sharp points. They tend to grow in clusters on small nubs of the surface of the branch and, when crushed, emit a powerful aroma. This blue spruce is considered to be one of the showstoppers in the world of Christmas trees.
SCOTCH PINE
This is a favorite among folks who appreciate a tree that offers deep green foliage with stiff needles – making it perfect for hanging heavier Christmas ornaments. Certain varieties of the Scotch Pine offer a lighter, brighter shade of green, and still others take on a more bluish tint. Its needles grow in clusters of two, and vary in length from 1” to 3”. If the undersides of the needles have rows of white dots or openings, you’re most likely looking at a Scotch Pine. The main attraction of this tree is that it handles dryness well and doesn’t shed its needles when they become dried out.
DOUGLAS FIR
Although not a true fir tree, the Douglas Fir is, and has been for many years, the most popular Christmas tree across America. The branches on this tree tend to be spread farther apart than in other types of Christmas trees and are not as firm – exhibiting an almost droopy characteristic. The needles – 1” to 1 ½” in length - are generally very dark and sometimes have a bluish tint, are soft and pliant, and tend to grow in a hodgepodge of directions. When crushed, they throw off a sweet aroma.
VIRGINIA PINE
A very full and fluffy tree in appearance, the Virginia Pine has needles that grow in sets of two which appear to be rather twisted and are typically 1.5” to 3” in length. The branches of this tree are thick and solid, proffering needles that tend to be a lighter shade of green than other varieties. By general comparison to other trees, the Virginia Pine is classified as a small or medium tree in height, making it a better choice for those who have lower ceilings, but a bit more available space in the area of width.
BALSAM FIR
A beautiful tree that offers many perks, the Balsam Fir has deep green coloration with needles that have proven staying power and a lovely fragrance. With a wide base - resembling that of a pyramid - and tall spiky crown, this tree is in the medium height category and exhibits a dark green coloration with a dense body. Needles range from ¾” to 1 ½” in length and are flat rather than the more common cylindrical shapes found on most Christmas trees. The branches of the Balsam Fir are fairly short, and the older trees offer branches that have a tendency to curve in an upward direction.
LEYLAND CYPRESS
This is a favorite among the southern American states and can often be distinguished by its almost feathery appearance. With needles that are dark green to gray in color, this is an attractive tree, but offers very little in the way of fragrance. Since this is a hybrid tree (there are no natural Leyland Cypresses), there are a variety of presentations – from dark and stout (the Leighton Green) to light and lacy (Castlewellan). Of the many types of Leyland Cypress, the one that’s most popularly used as a Christmas tree is the Leighton Green.
EASTERN WHITE PINE
Those who have a problem with allergies will benefit from obtaining an Eastern White Pine for Christmas. Probably due to its diminished capacity to exude aroma, this tends to be the one tree that exhibits the least amount of allergic reaction among those who suffer from such problems. While the sheared version can become very thickly foliated and dense – making it harder to hang large ornaments – it’s a favorite among many consumers. This is a beautiful, compact tree with soft, bluish-green needles that sport a silvery tint. The needles – which grow in clusters of five – are quite long, ranging from 2 ½” to 5” in length and exhibit excellent needle retention.
NOBLE FIR
This gorgeous, bluish-green tree has short four-sided needles that grow just over an inch in length, making it one of the shortest needled trees in the Christmas line. The lowest branches of the Noble Fir are generally exposed, due to the tendency of the needles to curve upward. The foliage of this tree is stiff and durable, with good needle retention and is often used as the greenery that’s used to make holiday wreaths and door swags. All in all, this is a beautiful tree that, when grown in the wild, takes on a full, symmetrical shape without cultivation.
While there are still other varieties of trees that are used to celebrate the Christmas season, these are among the most popularly sought after and make the best overall presentation in homes across the nation. Some of these may only be available through Christmas tree farms, but most should be offered at your standard retail lot.
