Types Of Christmas Trees: How To Choose Your Perfect Tree?

Christmas time is nearly upon us once again and it’s time to start thinking about adding a Christmas tree to your home. Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year and the Christmas tree is one of the most important traditions of this time of the year. 

Choosing the right Christmas tree for your home can be daunting. Today, we will be exploring the different types of Christmas trees you can buy for your home and how to take care of them.

Let’s get started with your Christmas tree shopping today!

The Most Popular Types Of Real Christmas Trees

There are a wealth of high-quality Christmas trees available on the market today. It can be overwhelming to choose the right Christmas tree for your family. Let’s take a look at the qualities of 10 of the most popular types of Christmas trees available.

1. Douglas Fir

Douglas fir trees are very popular for Christmas trees. The width of this tree's natural cone shape means that it does not require as much trimming or shaping to produce a traditional plump Christmas tree look. 

The easiest way to distinguish different types of fir is by judging their needles. (Source: Michael Fenton - Unsplash)

Douglas fir is conifers that belong to the Pinaceae family. The needles on Douglas fir trees are long and flat. Douglas fir is usually a lush, deep green color. Douglas fir trees are a wise choice for Christmas as they are easy to care for and long-lasting.

2. Balsam Fir

Next on our picks for the most popular types of Christmas trees, the pyramidal shape of this tree makes it unique. Balsam fir trees typically have a dark green color and are quite tall. Balsam fir also smells incredible and will retain its scent throughout the entire Christmas season. 

It has a spire-like crown and is very shiny. This native evergreen tree survives well in colder climates, which makes it the appropriate choice for a wintery Christmas. 

3. Noble Fir

The Noble fir Christmas tree is very symmetrical and has high needle retention. This tree is a cooler-toned deep green color and is known for requiring very simple upkeep.

If you don't exactly have a green thumb, pick a Christmas tree that is easy to take care of (Source: Sandra Seitamaa - Unsplash)

This tree looks incredible with decorations due to its unique coloring. We recommend these trees for busy families who want a no-fuss tree that looks incredible. 

4. Fraser Fir

Trees like this are extremely strong and can hold a lot of ornaments. If you want it to be the right size for your home, it does need some trimming. The Fraser fir is quite tall and looks incredible with bright, colored decorations.

5. Colorado Blue Spruce

Evergreen, blue-tinted needles distinguish this tree from other spruces. At certain angles, it appears silvery. A Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree has a strong trunk and can accommodate a lot of ornaments and decorations. 

Plan on hanging tons of ornaments and decorative pieces on the Christmas tree? Go for a stronger type then! (Source: Kevin Turcios - Unsplash)

This tree does require some upkeep to keep it looking impeccable. You may need to trim this tree when it first arrives to achieve your desired look. 

6. Norway Spruce

Renowned for being the Rockefeller Centre tree in 2020, the Norway Spruce is a darker-colored Christmas tree that looks incredible with decorations. This is a larger-sized Christmas tree that suits a more expansive space. 

The only downside of the Norway Spruce is that it does require extra care. If it isn’t watered correctly, it will begin to lose its needles.

7. White Fir

This Fir has an interesting citrus aroma. Its needles are blue-hued and silvery, and it is very strong and can hold a wealth of decorations. 

White fir makes a great Christmas tree for a more modern home (Source: Christina Deravedisian - Unsplash)

This tree does require some upkeep to stay looking luscious and fresh. We recommend this tree for more experienced Christmas-tree keepers.

8. Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine is cone-shaped and bushy. They have a bright, emerald green color and are a stunning tree to decorate in your home. They are pretty easy to care for as well, which makes them fuss-free for busy families.

9. Canaan Fir

This Fir offers the best of both worlds. Bringing together the best qualities of the Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir, this is an easy-care tree that looks incredible. Uniquely, its needles tend to curve upward which makes it ideal for holding decorations.

Don't go out and chop your Christmas tree from the woods. Instead, support local farmers and take care of the environment in the process! (Source: Agnes Elena Craciun - Unsplash)

10. Scots Pine

This tree has a darker hue that makes it a great statement tree within your home. Scots Pine gives off a light, lasting aroma and is adept at needle retention. Thus, this is a mess-free tree to keep within your home.

Don't know what to get for your friends and family this Christmas? Check out our complete gift-giving guide for this joyous occasion:

• Christmas Gift Ideas: Bring Joy To Your Loved Ones This Holiday
  

• Inexpensive Christmas Gifts: How To Get Delightful Presents On A Budget?
  

How to Pick The Perfect Christmas Trees?

Once you have decided which type of Christmas tree works best for you, it’s important to take the time to choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home. The best types of Christmas trees are healthy and fresh. 

Here are key things to look out for when picking your Christmas tree:

#1 Know What You Want

Every Christmas tree species is a little different. As discussed above, different types of trees are better suited to different households. Make sure to match the needs of the tree to your lifestyle.

Paint a picture of where the Christmas tree would be in your home, it might help! (Source: Mariia Zakatiura -Unsplash)

It’s also important to consider where you are going to put the tree. Some locations may look better with a different toned tree than others. Determine the size, shape, and color of the tree you want within the space before shopping.

#2 Take The Full Picture

Make sure to look at the tree from multiple different angles. It’s a good idea to use your phone light to look at the needles from different angles as well. 

Check for issues, rot, blemishes, and any ugly open spaces. Make sure the tree looks healthy and full from every angle. 

Take a good look at the Christmas tree from all angles (Source: Lynda Hinton - Unsplash)

Remember to crush up some pines to check for fragrance. If you can’t smell any fragrance, avoid buying it. Check our extensive list of what to look for in a Christmas tree here. 

#3 Always Check For Freshness

Fresh Christmas trees will have a slightly sticky trunk and the fir needles should snap easily. Fresh pine needles should bend and not break. If the opposite is true, avoid it. 

Make sure the needle retention of the Christmas tree is good. Needles shouldn’t fall off if you lightly bounce the tree on the ground, or if you rub your hand along one of the branches. If they do, the tree isn’t fresh and should be left behind.

How To Care For Your Christmas Trees?

Here are some simple tips to care for your tree to ensure your Christmas tree stays fresh and healthy for longer:

After Bringing The Tree Home

When you first bring the tree home, it’s important to trim it correctly to ensure its health and longevity. Trim a couple of inches off the bottom of the trunk to allow the tree to absorb some water. 

Do a little trimming to make sure the trunk gets access to water and nutrients easier! (Source: Paige Cody - Unsplash)

Trim any dead branches or needles that are in the wrong place. Also lightly trim your tree to achieve the desired shape as soon as you get home to avoid killing the tree.

A lot of people recommend adding sugar to the water when you first bring your tree home. We can’t say if this helps or not, but water is the vital element needed to ensure the health of your trees.

Daily Watering

The biggest enemy of your Christmas tree is drying up. Christmas trees need to be watered at least once a day to keep them hydrated and healthy.

Keep the Christmas tree properly watered and away from the fireplace or other heat sources at all times! (Source: Joshua Herrera - Unsplash)

A freshly-cut Christmas tree can consume over a gallon of water in 24hrs, so checking your water levels regularly is key.

Always fill the tree stand with water and refill it regularly. Never let your tree completely dry out.

Avoiding Excessive Heating

Heating your tree will cause it to dry out and may cause it to die. Avoid heating ducts, heaters, and other hot areas in your home. Never place your Christmas tree indirect light either.

Don't dress up the Christmas tree with too many lights or lights that emit too much heat. (Source: Arun Kuchibhotla - Unsplash)

If your tree needs light, move it into the light or open a curtain on it for an hour and then put it back in the shade. Too much light can cause it to dry which is going to cause it to die.

Using Preservatives?

Though it's not 100% proven, some say adding preservatives to the water that you feed to the Christmas tree can actually help it stay fresh longer. We recommend giving this a shot if you have them around. 

Found What You Need?

Christmas is a super exciting time of the year. And if decorations are the heart and soul of this Holiday, then the Christmas tree is the very icon of it. It’s the place we swap gifts, share memories and enjoy our relationships with our families and friends.

We recommend the Douglas fir tree for its ease of care and luscious shape. All of the other popular Christmas trees make a great choice for your home. Remember to always do your research to find which tree perfectly suits you.

Learn more about Christmas trees and holiday decorations with Gossby: 

• Christmas Tree Decoration - 10+ Ideas to Bring the Merry Vibe to Your Home
  

• How to Decorate Christmas Trees with only 8 Steps?