Real Tree Varieties |
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The Fraser Fir
The Fraser Fir may be the ultimate holiday tree. It has attractive
1" needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch. Plenty of
space between the branches makes a Fraser easy to decorate. Firm branches
hold heavier ornaments. Tree shapes are often perfect and the Fraser
is known for excellent needle retention as long as kept properly watered.
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The Noble Fir
Another popular and beautiful tree, the Noble Fir is deep green in
color and has unusually lovely branch shape. You'll often find boughs
made into fresh wreaths. Its branches are sturdy yet the needles are
not too sharp to decorate easily. Like the Fraser Fir, the Noble generally
offers adequate spacing between branches, making it easy to hang ornaments.
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The Blue Spruce
These trees have a nice pyramidal shape held by strong limbs. They
are easy to decorate due nicely spaced branches with enough strength
to hold heavier ornaments. The Blue Spruce is known for its lovely
blue foliage which can also appear silvery. You'll need to decide
if this bluish tinge fits into your decorating scheme. |
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The Grand Fir
The Grand Fir is a pretty tree that's becoming more popular. It
has a glossy dark green color with needles that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches
long. The Grand Fir is soft to the touch. If you have heavy ornaments
to hang, be sure to check each tree to find one with branches firm
enough for your decorations. |
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Balsam Fir
Another lovely tree, the Balsam has beautiful color. Although the
branches can sometimes be too flexible to hold up weighty ornaments,
The National Christmas Tree Association notes that, "As a Christmas
tree, balsam fir has several desirable properties. It has a dark-green
appearance, long-lasting needles, and attractive form. It also retains
its pleasing fragrance." |
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Concolor Fir (White Fir)
The National Christmas Tree Association notes that "Needles
are usually 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long, pointed or notched at the tip,
bluish-green when young turning dull green with age.... As a Christmas
tree, white fir has good foliage color, a pleasing natural shape
and aroma, and good needle retention." |
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White Pine
Long feathery soft needles make the White Pine especially desirable
for use in garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces. Though it is a beautiful
tree, branches can be a bit too flexible to support heavier decorations,
and its lush fullness can mean there is little space to hang ornaments.
The White Pine can be long lasting since needle retention is rated
as "good to excellent". |
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Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is beautiful Christmas tree with soft shiny green needles.
It may be difficult to decorate if the branches have been sheared
into a perfect conical shape, leaving too little space between branches
to hang decorations. If in doubt, take an unbreakable ornament with
you when you buy a tree. Choose a Douglas Fir that is freshly cut
and keep it well watered. |
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Scotch Pine
Decorating a Scotch Pine is a challenge as its needles can be sharp
as pins. You'll want to wear gloves! Also, due to heavy shearing,
there may be little space between branches for ornaments. The Nat'l
Christmas Tree Association notes "the Scotch pine is known
for its excellent needle retention and good keepability. It resists
drying and if permitted to become dry does not drop its needles." |
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Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce may be just right for those of you who like to get
their Christmas tree just a week or so before December 25th. The National
Christmas Tree Association notes that the "overall color of Norway
spruce is fair to excellent, but needle retention is considered poor
unless the trees are cut fresh and kept properly watered."
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