Exploring Varieties of Christmas Trees and Choosing the Ideal Option Suitable for You
Holiday traditions are aplenty, but one of the most eagerly awaited is the annual ritual of picking out a Christmas tree. These colossal evergreens symbolize the approaching festivities: decorations, gifts, family time, and mouthwatering meals.
However, family outings to pick a tree invariably spark a lively argument - each year, the family debates which tree to go for. Do you opt for the strong, robust branches of a noble fir to accommodate your hefty ornaments, or perhaps the delightful fragrance of a concolor fir to fill your home?
In this guide, we unravel the assortment of types, textures, colors, and aromas you'll come across when selecting your perfect Christmas tree this year, ensuring you make the proper choice for you and your loved ones.
01of 10## Noble Fir
The resilient branches on this Pacific Northwest species make it a suitable option for heavy ornaments. It boasts thick, silver-green needles and branches that radiate out from the trunk, resulting in a full, rounded shape.
02of 10## Eastern White Pine
Native to the American-Canadian border, this spacious tree with a blue-green hue is often shaped stylishly with a more narrow silhouette. It retains its long, soft, bluish needles in neat bundles of five, despite its dense appearance.
However, its flexible branches make decorating a challenge, as the thick foliage can hinder ornaments and the springy branches aren't suitable for bulky garlands or lights.
03of 10## "Blue Ice" Cypress
This silvery-blue tree is a cultivar of the Arizona cypress found in the Gulf states, Georgia, and South Carolina. It has a citrus aroma, a slender spire, and small, delicate branches that support lights, tinsel, and small ornaments, but not heavy ones.
04of 10## Concolor Fir
Originating from the West, Great Lakes, and Northeast, this sweet-smelling tree has a tall, sleek silhouette. Its flat, silver-blue and bluish-green needles possess a faint citrus scent. Bushy branches support heavier ornaments with excellent needle retention.
05of 10## "Carolina Sapphire" Cypress
Dwellers in the South who adore fragrance may appreciate this tree, which is quite similar to the "Blue Ice" cypress. It's broad and has a strong lemon-mint scent, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tree with a fragrant touch.
06of 10## Nordmann Fir
Gaining in popularity in the U.S., this European evergreen has a full pyramid shape and thick, dark-green foliage. It's highly preferred for its naturally lush appearance.
07of 10## Leyland Cypress
Famous for its delicate branches, this dark-green or gray-toned Christmas tree is highly sought after in the South. Its silhouette can vary from tall and slender to round and squat. The species absorbs an unusually large amount of water, requiring frequent stand refills.
08of 10## Balsam Fir
Native to the northeast, this popular Christmas tree has a deep green appearance, a pyramidal shape topping off in a slender tip, and is densely branched, making it perfect for showcasing multiple ornaments.
09of 10## Douglas Fir
A familiar holiday tree in the Pacific Northwest, this species features lighter branches and soft, blue-green or dark-green needles that emanate a fragrance upon crushing. Its foliage allows for more ornaments, and though it sheds quickly, it's lighter in weight and easier to transport.
10of 10## Fraser Fir
This tree distinguishes itself through its silvery stripes beneath each needle, earning it a unique designation. Found in both the South and Northeast, it has strong, upward-curving branches that are suitable for dangling ornaments.
After deciding on the perfect Christmas tree, you might want to consider incorporating MarthaStewart's holiday planning ideas for a truly enchanting decorating theme. With Christmas Decorations, you can transform your trees into stunning displays using a mixture of hefty ornaments and fragrant fragrances, such as the delightful aroma of a Concolor Fir.
