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FARM FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE SELECTION GUIDE
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The fir tree has been a favorite Christmas tree for more than 400 years. It remains among the top three species. In 1980, Balsam Fir ranked second behind Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris), commanding 13.9 percent of the market. Sheared plantation-grown trees are usually preferred over wildings by retailers and consumers. Wreath-making is another holiday business that rivals that of Christmas tree sales in some areas. Prolonged needle retention after harvest, color, and pleasant fragrance are characteristics of balsam fir that make it attractive for these uses. Fragrance alone accounts for use of the needles as stuffing for souvenir pillows commonly sold in New England gift shops.
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FRASER FIR - Abies fraseri
Fraser Fir is a uniformly pyramid-shaped tree which reaches a maximum height of about 80 feet and a diameter of 1 feet. Strong branches are turned slightly upward which gives the tree a compact appearance. Leaves (needles) are flattened, dark-green with a medial groove on the upper side and two broad silvery-white bands on the lower surface. These bands consist of several rows of stomata (pores). Leaves are 1/2 - 1 inch long, have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. On lower branches, leaves are two-ranked (occurring in two opposite rows). On upper twigs, leaves tend to curl upward forming a more "U-shaped" appearance. Growing and harvesting this species for Christmas trees and boughs is a multimillion-dollar business in the southern Appalachians. Because of its thick green foliage, beautiful shape, fragrance, and needles that are retained unusually well, Fraser Fir is unequaled as a Christmas tree. It is also used widely as an ornamental yard tree. The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser Fir being a most popular Christmas tree species.
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BALSAM FIR - Abies balsamea
Balsam Fir has flattened needles, shiny above and silvery-blue below, 3/4 inch long, blunt or notched at end. Needles may be shorter and sharp pointed on upper branches. The fruit is a resinous cone and they are upright, 2 to 3? inches long, oblong to cylindrical, green with purple tinge, with bracts shorter than the scales; scales are deciduous with seed dispersal in late summer. The twigs are yellow-green, later turning gray, and buds are reddish brown and resin covered. The tree bark is a shiny silvery gray-brown, smooth except for numerous, raised resin blisters. Larger stems may become a bit scaly. This tree grows very narrow, and has a spire-like crown. Balsam Fir is the most cold-hardy and aromatic of all firs. It seems to gladly suffer the Canadian cold, but is also comfortable when planted in mid-latitude eastern North America. A balsam normally grows to a height of 60 feet and can live at sea level to 6,000 feet. The tree is one of America's most popular Christmas trees. The fragrance of Christmas comes rushing to your senses with this beautiful tree. With sturdy branches, dark green needles and a white cast underneath, this tree makes an outstanding choice. If you have ever had a balsam doorstopper or a fragrant balsam pillow, you will know why this tree is in so many homes for Christmas.
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CONCOLOR FIR - Abies concolor
White Fir, also commonly called Concolor Fir, is native to the western United States and may reach sizes of 130-150 ft. in height and 3 - 4 ft. in diameter. The oldest White Firs may occasionally reach 350 years of age. It produces a spire-like crown with a straight trunk. As a Christmas tree, White Fir has good foliage color, a pleasing natural shape and aroma, and good needle retention. Needles are small and narrow and occur in rows. On upper branches, needles tend to be thicker and more curved than those on lower branches. Needles are usually 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long, pointed or notched at the tip.
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DOUGLAS FIR - Pseudotsuga menziesii
If a very fragrant tree is what you desire, this would be an ideal choice. With soft needles and a tangerine aroma when you walk in your door, you will feel as if you are in the Pacific Northwest. This tree is very symmetrical and can be placed in any location in your home. This tree is favored for soft needles and the sweet fragrance. This blue-green fir has drooping branches, which also makes it a desirable landscaping specimen tree.
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BLUE SPRUCE - Picea pungens
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Colorado Blue Spruce, or Blue Spruce, is an attractive tree often used for Christmas trees or as an ornamental, particularly in the eastern United States and Europe. It is the official state tree of both Colorado and Utah. The species generally reaches a height of 65-115 feet at maturity with a diameter of 2-3 feet. It has a narrow, pyramidal shape and cone-shaped crown. Needles are 1-1? inches long on lower branches but somewhat shorter on upper branches. They are 4-sided and have a very sharp point on the end. It is this point which gives the species its name "pungens", from the Latin word for sharp as in puncture wound. Needles are generally dull bluish-gray to silvery-blue and emit a resinous odor when crushed. Some trees have a more distinct bluish-white or silvery-white foliage. If a good old fashioned country Christmas is what you are looking for, this is the tree for you. Ranging in color from bluish-green to blue, this tree has extremely sturdy branches to hold all of your ornaments. This tree will accommodate your lightweight ornaments and the heavy ones also. It is an excellent choice for decorating. Blue spruce is finding increasing popularity as a Christmas tree as a result of its symmetrical form and attractive blue foliage. The species has an excellent natural shape and requires little shearing. Additionally, needle retention is among the best for the spruces. Its popularity as an ornamental leads many consumers to use Blue Spruce as a living Christmas tree, to be planted after the holiday season.
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