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Balsam
Fir
As
a Christmas tree, balsam fir has several desirable
properties. It has a dark-green appearance and
attractive form. It also retains its pleasing fragrance.
Nine to ten years in the field are required to produce a
6-7 foot tree.
Needle Retention: Fair
Fragrance: Excellent
Needle Softness: Excellent |
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Concolor
Fir
As
a Christmas tree, Concolor fir has good foliage color, a
pleasing natural shape and and excellent needle
retention. We aren't kidding when we mentioned aroma!
This tree bears a wonderful citrus scent.
Needle Retention: Excellent
Fragrance: Excellent
Needle Softness: Excellent |
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Canaan
Fir
Canaan
Fir has similarities between the Balsam Fir and Fraser
Fir. It is a newer variety and is finding an increasing
popularity with its symmetrical shape and fullness.
Needle Retention: Fair
Fragrance: Good
Needle Softness: Good |
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Colorado
Blue Spruce
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. It is best to setup your
Blue Spruce as a cut Christmas tree later in the Season
(preferably after Dec. 1st).
Needle Retention: Fair
Fragrance: Fair
Needle Softness: Fair |
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Douglas
Fir
The
Douglas Fir is a softer, more fragrant variety of tree.
The branches are spreading and drooping. The needles are
dark green or blue green in color and usually 1 to 1 ½
inches long. They have a sweet fragrance that is
often used in holiday potpourri scents.
Needle Retention: Good
Fragrance: Excellent
Needle Softness: Excellent |
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Fraser
Fir
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. It requires from 7 to 10
years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.
Needle Retention: Excellent
Fragrance: Excellent
Needle Softness: Excellent |
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Scotch
Pine
As
a Christmas tree, it is known for its dark green foliage
and stiff branches which are well suited for decorating
with both light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent
needle retention characteristics and holds up well
throughout harvest, shipping and display.
Needle Retention: Excellent
Fragrance: Fair
Needle Softness: Fair |
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White
Pine
For
Christmas trees needle retention is good to excellent.
White pine has very little aroma, but, conversely, is
reported to result in fewer allergic reactions than do
some of the more aromatic species. The needles are
very soft to the touch however are unable to hold heavy
ornaments. To produce a 6-foot tree requires 6-8 years.
Needle Retention: Good
Fragrance: Fair
Needle Softness: Excellent |
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Photos courtesy of National Christmas Tree Association |
