Different types of Christmas trees: Advantages and Care guides

Did you know that around 8 million Christmas trees are sold in the UK each holiday season? Yes, you can find different Christmas tree varieties, from traditional to more exotic ones. Ok, but with such a large selection of Christmas tree types, how to choose the best one for you? 

Maybe you’re looking for the best smelling Christmas tree? Or perhaps you want a tree with the brightest green colour or sturdy needles? People with children and pets possibly prefer a tree with rounded needles, as it’s child and pet-friendly. 

See? There is no “best type of Christmas tree” since everyone is looking for something specific when on a hunt for one. To help you choose the perfect tree for you and your family, we’ve put together this guide that covers all types of Christmas trees, their advantages, characteristics and qualities.

So if you: 

• Want to choose the perfect Christmas tree for your family
• Want to learn more about different Christmas tree types
• Can’t decide between cut or pot-grown Christmas tree

Then, keep reading!

Fir tree types

Fir trees are much sought after as they have that classic shape of a Christmas tree and their needles are soft to the touch. Several types of Fir trees can be found in the UK, and all of them will fill your home with a pleasant citrusy smell. 

Let’s have a look at some of the characteristics of different Fir trees, which can help you when making a decision about what to get.

 Nordman Fir

• Excellent needle retention
• Symmetrical and pyramidal shape 
• Soft and glossy dark green needles

Balsam Fir

• Strong fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments
• Long-lasting, dark green and rounded needles

Fraser Fir

• Good needle retention
• Strong fragrance
• Pyramid-shaped and strong branches

Canaan Fir

• Dark green and soft needles
• Medium fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Douglas Fir

• Strong fragrance
• Blue to dark green needles
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Grand Fir

• Shiny, yellowish-green needles
• Strong fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Noble Fir

• Bluish-green needles 
• Strong fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Concolour Fir

• Good needle retention
• Medium fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Korean Fir

• Silvery-green needles
• Good needle retention
• Strong fragrance

Spruce trees

The other type of Christmas tree is the so-called Spruce tree. Unlike Fir trees, their branches are not so dense, and their needles are short but sharp-edged. These Christmas tree types favour cooler climates, and that’s why they’re the most prefered by people who want an outdoor Christmas tree. 

Here is a list of a few common varieties and their features:

Norway Spruce

• Shiny, dark green needles
• Poor needle retention
• Strong fragrance

Blue Spruce

• Silvery-blue needles
• Strong fragrance
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

White Spruce

• Green to bluish-green needles
• Good needle retention
• Strong branches, suitable for heavy ornaments

Cut, potted or pot-grown Christmas tree? Which one to choose?

So, now that you know the features of different Christmas tree varieties, it’s time to choose between cut, potted and pot-grown ones as there is a big difference

Cut Christmas trees

Cut Christmas trees are a perfect choice if you merely want an ornamental tree for the duration of the holiday season. These trees are field-grown and cut off above the ground level. So, once the holiday season is over, you’ll need to think about how to recycle it

Care tips: 

• To prevent mould and fungus from possibly growing in between the damp branches, make sure to take the tree out of its netting as soon as you get it home. 
• Then, cut the bottom 3cm off the trunk and clamp it into a stand filled with fresh water. Check for water absorption. If the tree is healthy, the water will disappear quickly, and this is a good sign. 
• Position it away from heat sources, meaning in the coolest part of the room to prevent needle loss. 
• Water your Christmas tree daily. Depending on its size, a real tree can drink up to 1-2 litres of water a day.

Pot-grown Christmas trees

If you wonder which Christmas tree is most sustainable, without a doubt, we’ll tell you that it’s the pot-grown one. Why? Because it can be enjoyed by you and your family for several years! You can re-pot it into a larger container each year and bring it indoors the following Christmas. 

Care tips:

• Bring your pot-grown Christmas tree indoors as late as possible and keep it there no more than two weeks. 
• Put a saucer under the pot or place the tree inside another ornamental flower pot without drainage holes.
• Choose a spot with natural but indirect sunlight, away from heat sources. 
• Water it regularly, so the tree doesn’t dry out, but at the same time, don’t leave it sitting in water since this can lead to root rot. Before watering, use your finger to check if the soil is dry.

Potted Christmas trees

The last Christmas tree type you can opt for is the potted one. Our recommendation is to avoid these trees since they’re dug up and fitted into a pot. In the process, most of their roots are damaged. Potted trees are the hardest to look after and impossible to re-pot or plant in the garden.

Get your Christmas tree delivered to your door

Not sure what type of Christmas tree to get this year? Fantastic Services has you covered. Take advantage of our Christmas tree delivery service and pick from a locally pot-grown Christmas tree that can last for many years or a fresh-cut Nordmann fir, famous for its thick, non-drop needles. 

When the holidays come to an end, you can trust us to take care of your Christmas tree. We’ll collect it and dispose of it sustainably or help with repotting/replanting your pot-grown Norway Spruce.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!

Image source: Shutterstock / Ostap Davydiak