CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TREE 
on 11/11/2008
Types of Christmas Trees
Ready to Plant—for those who want to add a tree rather than subtract one,
buying a live tree and then planting it after the holidays may be a rewarding option.
In this case, buying criteria will include the choice of a tree that will be suitable
in the spot in which it will be planted. Consider the climate, the mature size,
and the whether the tree is natively found in the area.
Natural Trees—here are some notes about some of the most popular Christmas tree species.
Some species characteristically cost more than others, reflecting (at least in part)
a longer growth period to attain their height.
Spruce
Colorado Blue Spruce: a short needle tree
that has good needle retention
for a spruce; holds its shape even with heavy ornaments.
Norway Spruce: a popular, traditional choice,
but prone to dropping its needles;
works best if you only intend to keep it for a short time.
Fir
Balsam Fir: a fragrant tree with short, soft needles of bright green
Douglas Fir: a long-lived tree with a pyramid shape with blue-green needles,
and one of the most popular Christmas trees
Fraser Fir: a fragrant tree with needles that are deep green on top and silvery below,
it is usually slender and a popular choice.
Grand Fir: a full tree with bicolor needles like the Fraser Fir
and a strong fragrance
Noble Fir: known for having good needle hold and an attractive blue-green color,
the noble fir is increasing in popularity as a Christmas tree
Pine
Eastern White Pine: a tree with little fragrance,
it can be less prone to triggering allergies;
it has good needle retention and long soft-green needles
Scotch Pine: the most popular cut tree,
the Scotch Pine is a conical tree which,
some say, is prone to dropping needles
while others say it has good retention.
Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar:
a pyramid-shaped tree with
dark, shiny leaves,
more often found at
tree farms than Christmas tree stands
Tips for Purchasing
Choose a tree that is two feet (61 cm) shorter than the ceiling.
This allows room for the stand and any treetop ornamentation you may wish to use.
Walk around the tree to make sure it is balanced and has a straight trunk.
Gently check the “hold” of the needles and the spring of the branches
to ensure a fresh tree.
Tips for Set-Up
Store a cut tree outdoors as long as practical.
Make a fresh cut on the trunk and place the tree in water as soon as you can.
Set the tree in a cool place, not too close to radiators,
and—if it’s a cut tree—keep it well watered.
