Fa la la la! It’s the most wonderful time of the year–and our favorite part of the season! We get to head out with our family and wander amongst all the beautiful types of trees, looking for just the right one.
As you’re searching, do the fresh test! Run your fingers along the needles, grab the branches and bounce the tree a little. If many needles fall off, the tree was cut long ago and has not gotten enough water, so find another!
Also, the hunt for the perfect tree will go much smoother if you already know the type of tree you want. Without further ado, here are the pros and cons of the top 10 most common live Christmas tree types.
Pros: Classic, strong Christmas tree scent that lasts; doesn’t lose its dark-green needles; perfect, symmetrical pyramid shape
Cons: Not great for heavy ornaments because of its flexible branches
Pros: Blue-green, citrus-scented needles that smell all season; soft-to-the-touch needles that don’t fall off
Cons: Can be more expensive because it takes a long time to grow
Pros: Gorgeous forest-green needles; mild, pleasing scent; cone-shaped tree
Cons: Loses sharp needles easily
Pros: Gray-green needles that hold much better than other spruces; holds heavy ornaments
Cons: Still drops some needles; needles smell bad, like a skunk or cat pee, when crushed
Pros: One of the most popular Christmas trees; holds needles well; long-lasting pine scent
Cons: Lack-luster color; crooked trunks are common
For a classic scent, go for the balsam fir–or really any fir. Or go unique with the white fir, which smells like citrus! Pines are generally fragrant, but avoid those unscented spruce trees!