Find a picture-perfect ‘Oh Christmas Tree’

For some, the process of selecting a Christmas tree is akin to an art form. They scout out the ideal tree farm or lot, eye up the selections, and then poke, prod and shake until they’ve found a winner. Others go strictly by sense of smell: The more potent the piney aroma, the better the tree must be. Still others have no discernible method for choosing a tree other than basing the purchase on cost – if it’s a steal, they’ll take it.

However you choose your Christmas tree, you may be interested in learning there are actually a few different species common to farms and lots across the country. By learning about the differences between species, and also some general tree-care tips, you can ensure that this year you’ll have the tree that’s perfect for you.

Tree Species

Fraser fir is a uniformly pyramid-shaped tree. Strong branches are turned slightly upward, giving the tree a compact appearance. Needles are flattened and dark green with a groove on the upper side and two broad silvery-white bands on the lower surface. The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser fir being one of the most popular Christmas-tree species.

The Scotch pine is known for its dark- green foliage and stiff branches, which are well suited for decorating with both light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent needle retention characteristics and holds up well throughout harvest, shipping and display. It is likely the most-used species for Christmas-tree purposes.

As a Christmas tree, Balsam fir has several desirable properties: a dark-green appearance, long-lasting needles and attractive form. It also retains its pleasant fragrance. Balsams are so fragrant that their needles were once used for stuffing “pine pillows” to act as a natural deodorant.

The Douglas fir has been the major Christmas tree species used in the Pacific Northwest since the 1920s. The needles are dark green or blue-green, are soft to the touch and radiate out in all directions from the branch. They have a sweet fragrance when crushed.

Colorado blue spruce, or blue spruce, is an attractive tree often used for Christmas trees or ornamentals. It has a narrow, pyramidal shape and cone-shaped crown. As trees become older, they often take on a more irregular appearance. The tree is very popular thanks to its symmetrical form and attractive blue foliage. Blue spruces are often used as living Christmas trees (bought with root ball intact and planted afterward).

Tree Care

Once cut, there are steps you can take to ensure your tree lasts through the Christmas season.

•Trees, even healthy ones, will have their share of needle loss. However, if the tree is faded, if the bark on branches is wrinkled, or exterior needles fall off at even the most gentle touch, the tree is excessively dry.

• Cut trees will absorb water more readily from their stand if they are given a fresh cut prior to submerging the trunk. A tree that has not been freshly cut will still absorb water, but at a slower rate. A thick, crusty sap forms on the end of the trunk and can hamper water absorption.

•According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it is not necessary to add anything to the water of Christmas trees, like aspirin, bleach or fertilizer. Plain tap water will extend the life of a tree for weeks. Other additives can actually hamper water absorption and tree moisture levels.

•Look for large tree stands that can accommodate at least a gallon of water. A tree drinks at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter per day. A larger stand ensures the water will last longer between refills. Also, check water levels regularly. There are products on the market that will automatically add water to tree stands in case you forget.

Tree Misconceptions

Many people avoid real Christmas trees because they feel they are “killing” a tree and harming the environment. In fact, Christmas trees are raised on farms and harvested for this specific purpose. For every tree harvested, at least three are planted in its place. Each year there are more trees available than the last. Cut trees can be recycled after the season and impact the environment far less than artificial trees made of non-biodegradable metal and plastic.