Although assembling an artificial tree is simple and it retains its needles for a long time with a perfect shape, it simply cannot match the nostalgic holiday atmosphere of a real Christmas tree!
Whether you go to a retail store, visit a Christmas tree lot, or chop down your own at a farm, this article will help you find the perfect tree to bring all the holiday cheer you need for a Christmas to remember!
1. Balsam Fir
Fir trees make great Christmas trees because they have soft needles along with short straight branches.
Decorate this one with countless ornaments, garlands, and lights because its branches can hold them. They are strong, dark green, and highly fragrant.
2. Douglas Fir
Another fir with soft needles, people love this variety because it’s fragrant and has short branches.
While it is beloved by many and is a favorite Christmas tree, its branches are not very strong to hold ornaments.
It isn’t actually a true fir tree species, but it looks the part with its organized branch pattern and triangular shape.
3. Fraser Fir
One of the most widely used varieties as a Christmas tree, the Fraser fir is loved for its slightly blue-green needles that are heavily fragranced.
Some may confuse it with a balsam fir due to its similar characteristics. They work well as Christmas trees because they have excellent needle retention, strong branches, and soft needles.
4. Noble Fir
As its name hints, this tree is known as the Noble fir because of its great shape and form. It has a very full branch structure with stiff branches that are strong and can handle all the decorations you have.
With its symmetrical shape and pleasant scent, this tree makes a great choice for the holidays!
5. Grand Fir
With a thick branch structure and spaced branches, this tree has more of a bulbous middle portion than a thin silhouette.
With what is considered the strongest of all Christmas tree scents, the Grand fir gives a grand impression that is hard to compete with. They last about 4 to 5 weeks after harvesting.
6. White Fir
With a slightly different look compared to that of other Christmas trees, the White fir has long, soft needles that give the tree a fluffy appearance.
It has excellent needle retention and is said to give off a fresh citrus scent. They last about 5 to 6 weeks after being harvested.
7. Korean Fir
Most people haven’t ever heard of a Korean fir, but they make great Christmas trees! They have a very strong smell and short, dark, green-blue needles.
Keeping their needles for about 5 to 6 weeks, they make wonderful Christmas trees. Because they are easy to decorate and have soft needles, they’re extremely pet and child friendly.
8. Canaan Fir
Considered a well-balanced mix of traits between the Balsam fir and Fraser fir, the Canaan fir has soft dark-green needles with strong branches perfect for all of your decorations!
It will hold its needles for an impressive amount of time, so if you like to begin the season early, this is your tree. It will last about 6 weeks once harvested.
9. Monterey Pine
The Monterey pine is much fluffier than most other trees and has needles that are 4 inches long. The branches have a medium strength, but it can be difficult to decorate due to the long needles.
It is a beautiful tree for its full-bodied shape and can be used for garland as well.
It will require some additional care as it is moved indoors, and make sure this tree stays watered! It will last about 4 weeks with proper care.
10. Scotch Pine
The Scotch pine is the most used species for Christmas trees in the U.S. It is so popular because of its classic Christmas tree look, full and dense canopy, great scent, and sturdy branches.
Its needles don’t even drop when they become dry, so forgetting to water this variety shouldn’t be as much of a worry!
11. Eastern White Pine
The Eastern White pine is a beautiful tree and makes a great choice for the holidays! It has a pleasant, mild smell, and it rarely drops its needles. It should last around 4 to 5 weeks if watered regularly.
12. Colorado Blue Spruce
Also referred to as the Blue spruce, this tree is most commonly recognized for its blue coloring. Its needles are a dark blue, green, and gray color with a short needle length of ¾ inch.
It has very strong branches that are great for holding heavy ornaments and loads of lights!
Beware that this tree’s needles are sharp, and when they begin to drop, they’ll find their way everywhere!
13. Norway Spruce
Norway spruce has a unique look with its open canopy and longer branches. Unfortunately, its needles don’t last long once the tree is brought indoors, and they tend to be on the sharper side.
While its needles don’t last long (about 4 weeks), the tree’s fragrance is one of the strongest.
14. Black Hills Spruce
With an upright branch structure, this tree is great for heavy decorations. However, while it looks pretty, it can be difficult to decorate since it has such sharp needles.
It also doesn’t have the strongest aroma, so it’s great for people sensitive to the fragrance. It has good needle retention and should last about 4 to 5 weeks once brought indoors.
Closing Thoughts
The sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas rest deep within our memories. That’s why it’s important to make the most out of each and every Christmas season.
Going the extra mile to get a fresh Christmas tree is well worth it, and now that you know more about your options when it comes to scent, shape, and branch strength, you can make a quick and easy decision.