It’s hard to beat the aroma of a fresh Christmas tree filling your home. But exactly what type of tree is a Christmas tree? These trees are typically evergreen conifers, but several different species are popular for decking out in merrily twinkling lights and shiny baubles. Although the region you live plays a large part in the types of evergreen trees locally available, the most common ones include firs, pines, and spruces, mainly because they are fairly easy to grow.
Whether you prefer to cut one down yourself or just pick from pre-cut Christmas trees, it can be a bit confusing to choose from a bunch of trees that all seem to look the same. You really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose, but here are our favorite types of Christmas trees and the advantages each one offers.
For a Full Shape: Douglas Fir
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Boasting a pyramidal shape and bluish-green color, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a long-lasting cut tree that holds its needles well. It’s one of the most popular types of Christmas trees, available in most regions. We love how lush and full it looks, thanks to its compact branches, and its strong evergreen scent.
For the Classic Shape: Noble Fir
This beautiful fir (Abies procera) has well-spaced branches covered with upwardly curved, blue-green needles. The dense needles of the noble fir aren’t as prickly as some of its cousins, though its stiff branches can still support plenty of ornaments and lights. Noble firs have a similar pyramid-shape to Douglas firs, but we think they have an even more classic Christmas tree appearance with an almost a layered look to the branches.
For Heavy Ornaments: Fraser Fir
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A richly fragrant evergreen tree, Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) has bicolor needles—deep green on top, silvery-white below. It is more cone-shape than pyramidal so this Christmas tree type fits well in a small room or tucked in a tight corner. If you have a collection of heavy ornaments or lots of lights and garlands, the Fraser is a good choice because it has very sturdy branches.
For a Tidy Tree: Scotch Pine
Kritsada Panichgul
Its conical shape, piney scent, and excellent needle retention make Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) a popular cut tree for the holidays. The soft green needles stay on the branches even if the tree gets dry, so you won’t be left with lots of cleanup if you forget to water it for a day or two. They often have slightly crooked trunks, which can be a plus if you like a tree with a little personality.
For a Minimalist Look: Eastern White Pine
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A fresh, green color and tiered branching structure make Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) worthy of yuletide consideration. Its long, thin needles result in a more texturized Christmas tree, and it’s also a popular choice for fresh greenery and wreaths. We especially love a white pine for a minimalist Christmas tree look—their flexible branches aren’t the best for supporting heavy ornaments, but you can still deck them out with garlands and lights.
For a Distinctive Look: Eastern Red Cedar
Native to the eastern half of North America, Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) makes a lovely cut tree with plenty of homespun appeal and a pungent fragrance. It has a very distinctive appearance compared with the more traditional Christmas tree look because of its texturized needles held in feathery-looking bunches.
If you bring an Eastern red cedar home for Christmas, keep a close eye on the tree stand. These trees can dry out quickly so make sure you’re giving it plenty of water.
Before you head out to shop for your Christmas tree this year, keep in mind the advantages of the different species you’ll encounter. Consider which features are most important to you to help narrow down your selection, but know that whichever tree you bring home is sure to fill your home with beauty and scent throughout the holiday season.
