20 Types of Christmas Trees That Will Look Amazing in Your Living Room
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Of all the Christmas traditions, there's nothing quite as magical as visiting a Christmas tree farm. On those chilly afternoons, you walk between fragrant rows of luscious pine, fir, or spruce trees. And then there it is, the one that calls to you—the one you can just see in your living room wrapped in your favorite Christmas tree ribbons, adorned with ornaments, and finished off with a tree skirt and pretty tree topper. Some might even argue picking the tree is better than decorating!
If you're like Ree Drummond and need to have the real deal each year, then you'll want to browse the different types of Christmas trees to see which works best in your home. For Ree, that's an impressive 12-foot full-bodied Noble fir. "Part of the beauty of a Christmas tree is the amazing scent that fills your house," she says. If fragrance is a top consideration for you too, you might also want to check out a Balsam Fir or White Fir, which we've noted ahead!
There's a perfect tree out there for everyone, whether you're looking for one that's low-maintenance, great for small spaces, or is simply pretty. Traditionalists will probably prefer the classic White pine or popular Douglas fir, while those who want something a little outside of the box might enjoy the Leyland cypress. Anyone who hangs cherished DIY Christmas ornaments each year should explore the White spruce with its short, stiff needles that can withstand heavy ornaments and garlands. Of course, there are always artificial Christmas trees to shop—we've included one that looks so real maybe The Pioneer Woman herself wouldn't mind.
Best Pet Friendly Christmas Tree: Nordmann Fir
There's so much to love about the Nordmann Fir, making you oh-so-happy for the holidays. You can find it in several sizes, up to eight feet depending on the space in your home. It has a deep, rich color with rounded needles. Plus, you'll enjoy its excellent needle retention and light fragrance.
Best Slim Christmas Tree: Arizona Cypress
Add a bit of festive flair to your space when you grab an Arizona Cypress. The tall, conical shape and blue-green foliage make for a unique tree of choice. And despite its name, this tree can be found in many states across the country. Though it doesn't produce much of a scent, you can always rely on Christmas candles.
Most Dramatic Christmas Tree: Grand Fir
Well, "grand" is certainly one word for it! It's no wonder this giant tree is native to the Pacific Northwest—it grows up to an astounding 230 feet tall! You're guaranteed to enjoy the fresh aroma of its citrus-scented needles and the bright yellow-green color. Bonus: Decorating will be a breeze thanks to its strong branches!
Newest to the Market: Canaan Fir
Canaan firs may be a new type of Christmas tree, but they're the best of all worlds! This is a medium-sized evergreen with the heartiness of a Fraser and the needle retention and rich color of a Balsam fir. The strong branches with soft needles make decorating a delight and its smell is on the milder side for anyone with a sensitive nose.
Best Smaller Tree: Virginia Pine
Don't have a living room with a fifteen-foot ceiling? Opt for the humble yet vibrant Virginia pine. It's known for its smaller stature and shorter branches. The needles have a fun twisted look, grow in pairs, and don't fall off easily.
Most Traditional Christmas Tree: White Pine
You really can't beat a classic Christmas tree with that traditional look. If you want something out of a movie, go for a White pine. The tree is known for its long, soft needles (that are exceptionally mild) and impressive stature. It's the largest pine tree in the country and one of the most popular in the mid-Atlantic states.
Best Christmas Tree for Ornaments: White Spruce
Why is the White spruce so great for hanging lots of ornaments? It's all in the branches, literally. The short, stiff, and strong needles will keep your heaviest decorations secure. The only drawback is its scent—when crushed, the White spruce needles are known for having an unpleasant scent, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. So, just don't crush those needles!
Most Fragrant Christmas Tree: Balsam Fir
Balsam firs have a spicy, fresh aroma that lasts throughout the holiday season. This tree's scent is so iconic, many Christmas-themed candles and home sprays are designed to smell just like it.
Best Low-Maintenance Christmas Tree: Scotch Pine
If you don't want to deal with cleaning fallen needles all season, the Scotch pine might be for you. This bright green variety is known for sturdy needles that hang tight to the branches even as they dry out.
Most Popular Christmas Tree: Douglas Fir
The Douglas fir is one of the top-selling Christmas tree varieties in the U.S., thanks to its soft, sweetly scented needles and full form. It's even exported to Hawaii!
Easiest Christmas Tree to Transport: Fraser Fir
You'll love how the Fraser fir smells, but its durability is also a benefit. The species tends to hold its shape no matter how far it travels, so it's often shipped all across the country.
Prettiest Christmas Tree: Colorado Blue Spruce
A Western species, the Colorado Blue spruce is known for its unique bluish-gray hue. Other benefits: limited shedding and an attractive symmetrical shape. Just watch out for the needles—they're sharp!
Best Minimalist Christmas Tree: Noble Fir
Minimalist decorators, this one's for you! Its near-perfect silhouette means it's an eye-catching tree, even if you don't hang many ornaments or lights. FYI: The Noble fir is Ree's personal favorite!
Best Christmas Tree for Allergies: Leyland Cypress
You don't have to miss out on having a real tree just because you have allergies. The Leyland cypress doesn't have a strong scent, shed many needles, or produce sap, making it a great choice for people who are sensitive to other types of real trees.
Traditional Artificial Christmas Tree
If you want to fool your holiday guests into thinking you have a real tree, go the traditional route. Some artificial trees are designed to look just like natural tree varieties, right down to the silhouette and needle texture. To save yourself an extra step, invest in a pre-lit tree.
SHOP ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES
Citrusy Smelling Christmas Tree: White Fir
Also known as the Concolor fir, this tree variety checks all the boxes for a Christmas tree: pretty shape, nice color and good needle retention. Its most appealing feature is the strong citrus scent its needles give off when crushed, according to the MSU Extension.
Best Christmas Tree for Small Spaces: Black Hills Spruce
A White spruce variety, the Black Hills spruce has strong branches for all your decorating needs, but it's more compact, according to the Michigan State University Extension's programming for Christmas tree growers. It's a great tree to display in a smaller room or on a table top.
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