Christmas Trees

It’s Christmas time!
Do you know already what kind of Chrismas tree you are going to buy this year? There are many kind of trees you can buy now a day. Which one do you like? We have described several Christmas trees for you, so maybe choosing is now easier. We have also some tips on the site, to take care of your Christmas tree. So you can enjoy longer of your tree.

Scotch pine - Pinus sylvestris :
This is the most common Christmas tree . Has stiff branches, stiff, dark green needles about 1 inch long; holds needles for about four weeks. Needles will stay on even when dry; has open appearance and more room for ornaments. Keeps aroma throughout the season.

Douglas fir :


Has a good fragrance, has blue to dark green, 1” to 1 ½” long needles. Needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees when crushed. This tree is named after David Douglas who studied the tree in the 1800’s. Has a good conical shape.

 

Norway Spruce - Picea abies :
This spruce is very popular in Europe. Needles about ½” – 1” long and shiny, dark green. Needle retention is poor without proper care, strong fragrance. Has a nice conical shape. Very popular in Europe.

 

Blue spruce - Picea pungens :
Has a dark green to blue, very stiff needles,about ¾” to 1 ½” long. Symmetrical, but is best among species for needle retention; branches are stiff and will support many heavy decorations. State tree of Utah & Colorado.

 

 

White spruce - Picea glauca :
The needles are about ½ to ¾ inch long, green to bluish-green, short, stiff needles; crushed needles have an unpleasant odor. Good needle retention. State tree of South Dakota.

 

 

Nordmann fir - Abies nordmannia :
This is a dark green fir, flattened needles, shiny, silvery-blue below. Needles about ¾ to 1½ inches long. Popular in the United Kingdom.

 

 

 

White fir or Concolor fir - Abies concolor:
The blue-green needles are about ½ to ½ inches long; nice shape and good aroma (a citrus scent) good needle retention.

Noble fir - Abies procera :
The needles are 1 inch long, bluish-green with a silvery appearance; has short, stiff branches. Great for heavier ornaments, keeps well, is used to make wreaths, door swags and garlands

Tips for taking care of your Christmas tree

- When you choose a Christmas tree look for a fresh one that has a healthy green appearance with few browning needles. The needles should be flexible and not fall off only the few browning needles inside the tree. So shake the tree a little bit and run with your hands through the branches so you can see of the needles don’t come off.

- If you don’t put the tree up right away you can store it in an unheated garage or some area where it’s not cold (freezing). The tree can acclimate there. Make a fresh one inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water. –

- When you put the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

- Give the tree a good place indoors, be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, fireplaces, radiators

- Give the tree lots of water and be sure to keep the water level about the base of the tree. If the base dries out the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out very quickly.

Marian, Yourgarden Specialist