You'll be faced with a multitude of tree variety choices when shopping for a Christmas tree. We have taken the liberty of ranking some of the more common Christmas trees using a rating system (4 hearts = the quintessential tree, 1 heart = be forewarned). Once you've selected the right tree, don't miss our section on caring for you tree.
Balsam Fir (♥♥♥♥): Tied with the Fraser (below) for our favorite Christmas tree. The Balsam has arguably the best fragrance of any tree, holds its needles for at least four weeks, is soft to the touch, and is typically very full and symmetrical. Short needles ensure a tight, uniform appearance, and branches have medium strength. A lighter green color than the Fraser. Expect to pay a premium.
Fraser Fir (♥♥♥♥): The southern or higher elevation version of the Balsam. Like the Balsam, holds its needles for a long time and has a nice fragrance. Is a close relative of the Balsam fir, only with slightly longer needles and a darker deep-green coloring, bordering on bluish green. Agreat tree that shares the fine qualities of a Balsam.
Scotch (or Scots) Pine (♥♥♥): A nice pine tree with longer needles than the Firs, the Scotch holds it needles for a long period of time, even when dry. Good aroma and strong, upward curving branches for hanging ornaments. The Scotch does not provide the dense, full appearance of a Fir but appears more open. Some prefer this look because it appears more natural. The most common Christmas tree, but beware of artificial "sprayed" coloring, something more common with Pines than Firs.
Austrian Pine (♥♥♥): Not as common as the Scotch, but shares many of the same qualities. An open form and longer needles may create a more "natural" looking tree. Good fragrance and needle retention.
Douglas Fir (♥♥♥): A tall, stately tree in the wild, the Douglas is native to the western US. As a Christmas tree, it possesses good needle retention, excellent fragrance, and a bit more open, asymmetrical appearance than the other firs. Some would argue that the deep dark green to bluish color is the best of the bunch. Longer needles create a full, rugged appearance.
White Pine (♥♥): Has a silky-soft appearance and longer needles. Needles may be shorter-lived in indoor conditions, and branches are sometimes smaller and weaker than other trees. Usually found for more reasonable prices than the 3 and 4 heart trees above. A nice tree, but scores lower because the limbs are thin and flexible. A good trait in the wild, but can make it challenging when trying to hang heavier ornaments on branches.
Eastern Red Cedar (♥♥): We may make some enemies by not rating this higher, as the Red Cedar has the traditional Christmas tree look throughout the south. While this tree has excellent aroma, we don't like the sticky, prickly feel of the needles and the short time (as little as 2 weeks) that the needles remain healthy while in indoor conditions.
White Fir (♥♥): A fine tree but hard to find. Not has fragrant as the other Firs listed above.
Colorado Blue Spruce (♥♥): If you want the Spruce look, the nearly perfect symmetry and short, stiff needles, go with the Colorado Blue. Of all the Spruces, it retains needles the longest (but you still need to be very diligent about watering or they will fall quickly).
Other Spruce Trees (♥): In our opinion, Spruces don't make great Christmas trees unless they are being kept as "live" trees with the intent on planting them after the holiday. Most spruces have short, very sharp needles, and drop their needles quickly when in a warm environment. On the positive side, Spruces often have a reliable pyramidal shape, and the Norway Spruce is a favorite in European homes at Christmas.