2005 Year in Review

Choosing a Christmas Tree Variety

Source: John Church, Extension Educator, Natural Resources

Each year there seems to be more varieties of trees to choose from when selecting that perfect Christmas tree. Many families have a tradition of using the same kind every year. Common varieties include Scotch pine, fraser fir, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, white pine, blue spruce, and balsalm fir and maybe others.

"Depending on the variety, some may be more difficult to find, since they are not as widely grown in northern Illinois," says John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. One of those is the fraser fir. It is not grown as often as others in this area, but it has been gaining in popularity on sales lots. Fraser firs have been referred to as the "Cadillac of Christmas trees". The needles are flat, 1/2 to 1 inches, and have a rich, dark green color with a silvery underside. It has excellent color and needle retention characteristics. They tend to be "naturally-shaped" Christmas trees.

For a "full" appearing tree, white pines are often good. They are widely available in the Midwest. It has longer needles at 3 to 6 inches. It has generally good needle color and retention.

The spruces are gaining in popularity as Christmas trees, too. The needles tend to have good retention, and are shorter and stiffer than some of the other varieties. The spruce varieties are often popular when buying a live Christmas tree to plant in the yard after the holidays. Live trees do need some special care while inside for successful planting outdoors.

The traditional favorite Scotch pine has 1 1/2 to 3 inch blue-green needles, which have a delicate twisted appearance. The branches tend to be more open and stiffer than the white pine.

Many people prefer it since it often is easier to hang ornaments on its branches. It is also often one of the most reasonably priced varieties.

Regardless of the variety of the tree, proper watering and keeping the home as moist and cool as possible will help lengthen the tree's enjoyment and safety.

Further information on tree varieties, tree care, tree farms and related topics is available at the University of Illinois website Christmas Trees and More.

With all these choices, everyone should be able to find that "perfect tree." "Buyers may want to take a holiday outing to discover the different types of trees available and to make some consumer comparisons," concludes Church.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
December 13, 2005