Christmas Tree Varieties

As the winter holidays approach some people may wonder what type of tree for Christmas they need to buy. Tall or short, real or artificial, types of Christmas trees offered for sale vary.

Location remains an important issue when it comes to selecting live Christmas tree varieties. Common types of Christmas trees in Northern areas include Douglas Fir and the Scotch Pine. The needles on a Douglas Fir reach up to one and a half inches in length. These trees give a strong and pleasant aroma when crushing their needles. The needles on a Scotch Pine feel stiff and prickly to the touch. They measure approximately one inch in length and dark green in color.

White Pine stands among Christmas tree types also used in Northern places. Those with strong allergies to Douglas Fir and Scotch Pine trees might get relief with White Pine. This tree holds soft bluish green needles that grow from two inches to as long as five inches. They give off very little to absolutely no scent. Rarely do the needles fall off. One draw back to these trees comes when using decorations. The branches, though tough, droop low with heavy ornaments.

Noble Fir displays heavy branches of touch one inch needles. The odd bluish green needles on this tree also appear to hold a silvery color. Many wreaths and garlands come from this tree because of the long life and durability of the needles.

Types of Christmas trees found in the south include Virginia Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, and Leland Cypress. Eastern Red Cedar presents a pleasant scent with shiny green leaves. A good tree for putting up just before Christmas as it rarely lasts longer than two or three weeks. As one of the most desired tree in southern States, the Leland Cypress bares feather like upright branches of dark green, sometimes gray. Its light scent makes it more attractive to people with allergies to camphorous trees. Virginia Pine lasts longer than many other trees decorated for Christmas with large cones that make good decorations alone.

When purchasing artificial trees, stores generally offer three types of Christmas trees; realistic, fiber optic, and pre-decorated Christmas trees. The last is useful for people with lack of time or desire to decorate. Fiber optic trees resemble feathery type trees. Some include built in lights, but most look fake. The realistic type does what it claims, looks like a real tree and make a great choice for those with allergies.