The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating. It’s where we hang our cherished family ornaments and Christmas lights, and the object under which we pile presents in anticipation of Christmas morning. Part of the fun of the holiday season is picking out a Christmas tree — whether that means grabbing an ax and going to a tree farm to cut one down yourself or visiting the pop-up shop in your neighborhood.
While opting for an artificial Christmas tree means you can skip frequent waterings and the dreaded needle cleanup, many families love the pine scent and mystique of a live tree. But not all species of Christmas trees are created equal. There are quite a few species to choose from, and each has its own distinct qualities.
Rick M. Bates, Ph.D., professor of horticulture at Penn State University’s Department of Plant Science, is an expert on Christmas tree management and has even helped introduce some new species. Here are his suggestions for selecting the right one for your home this holiday season.
For those who love a traditional Christmas tree: Fraser fir and noble fir
Different areas of the country have different environments and, therefore, are home to different types of trees. For those living in the eastern part of the country, the Fraser fir is an all-around gem, Bates says. Native to the mountains of North Carolina, it’s a favorite of growers and one of the best species for needle retention. (Bates actually refers to it as the “Cadillac of Christmas trees in the East.”) And if you don’t live in this area but still want to get the essence of a Fraser fir in your home, pick up a candle that smells just like it.
If you’re a West Coaster, look to the aptly named noble fir as a surefire crowd pleaser.
As a bonus, both species are great for displaying those weightier ornaments thanks to the stiffness of their branches and the space between them, which allows plenty of room to show off your holiday decorations.
If you crave more tree than decorations: Douglas fir or concolor fir
For fans of full, thick trees, the Douglas fir or concolor fir, Bates says, will fit the bill nicely. Both are lush tree varieties. “They tend to be a denser tree, so you don't have necessarily as much room in between the branches, but it does feel like a nice big, full tree.” Bates also notes that both of these species are rounder and wider than the taller, narrower Fraser, so consider them if you have a larger space (with lower ceilings) to fill.
A tree fit for small spaces: Norfolk Island pine
A Norfolk Island pine makes a good tabletop tree. This tree is native to Norfolk Island, an Australian territory located in the South Pacific, and grows here in the U.S. in the warm climates of Southern Florida and Southern California. If you get one with its root ball intact, Bates suggests waiting until early spring to plant it outside, as the freezing temps can kill a tree if it’s transplanted in the cold of winter.
One you’ll want to add to your landscape: Canaan fir
The Canaan fir, native to the Canaan Valley of West Virginia, is one of Bates’ favorites because it has a similar look to the classic Fraser but does better as a planted tree for landscaping. For larger trees that you wish to plant, Bates advises displaying your Canaan fir for around 10 days, rather than the weeks that’s typical, before placing it in an unheated garage, where it can remain dormant until the spring for planting. He also recommends going easy on the water during this “hibernation” period, with only weekly waterings.
A scent-sational species: Balsam fir
One of the best perks of a live Christmas tree is going from the cold outdoors into a warm home filled with the unmistakable smell of the holiday season. Bates suggests looking for a balsam fir if you want the quintessential smell of Christmas from your tree. Since this species can be more challenging to find, he suggests visiting local cut farms. And if you don’t locate any balsams, Bates offers an alternative: the concolor. “Balsam has more of that traditional pine scent aroma, whereas the concolor has more of a citrusy aroma, almost like tangerine. The people that get concolor firs really like them because it is an aromatic tree.”
Meet the striking new tree on the block: Turkish fir
Among the aforementioned new species Bates and his team are working on introducing are the Turkish fir and the very similar-looking Nordmann fir, native to the country of Georgia. What makes both of these species stand out is their very flat and shiny needles. “It has a really attractive appearance,” Bates says. “These trees are becoming more popular because people notice the difference.” These species might not be easy to find at a big box store, but Bates says more cut farms are including them as demand grows.
Best allergy friendly tree: Leyland cypress
If you’re concerned about allergies, the Leyland cypress is a sterile hybrid tree, meaning it doesn’t produce any pollen that could make noses itch and eyes water. However, Bates says the most common allergen associated with Christmas trees might not have anything to do with the trees themselves but how they are stored after being cut. Cut trees are stacked and stored very close together in conditions that can encourage mold growth. If allergens are a concern, he suggests going to a cut farm and chopping down your own tree.
A tree that cats won’t want to climb: Colorado blue spruce
Watching online videos of cats knocking down Christmas trees has become almost a holiday tradition. Want to choose a tree that kitty won’t be so inclined to scale? Go for the Colorado blue spruce; its pointy, stiff needles make it less inviting to furry inhabitants. You’ll also have the added bonus of enjoying this unique tree choice’s gorgeous blue coloring.
One note of caution: Blue spruces, Bates notes, are notorious for shedding their needles quickly, so expect only around a three-week display compared to the five-plus weeks you can get from some of the more long-lasting varieties.
AUTHOR
Jackie Rupp is a longtime writer and editor who enjoys covering home, family, and lifestyle topics. She usually writes with at least one cat by her side and juggles fostering kittens with dabbling in handmade crafts. A connoisseur of pancakes, you can find her brunching when not writing or working on home renovation projects.