Christmas Tree Types

40. Different Types of Christmas Trees

The tradition of Christmas trees in America came from German

immigrants who had settled in Pennsylvania. It is believed that the

tradition of Christmas trees started in Germany from as early as 700

A.D and was practiced by many Germans in the 1800s. It's also since

that period that Christmas trees have also been available for sale in

the United States. While artificial Christmas trees are popular, many

people like to have a fresh Christmas tree in their homes, or outside

on their lawns. And similar to all other trees, Christmas trees also

have different shapes and qualities that make some types more popular

than others.

Along with other decorative Christmas items such as wreaths and

garlands, having a Christmas tree in your home is very essential in

creating a special atmosphere for the season. It is believed that

Christmas trees have been available for sale in America since the

1800s, which is about the same time that the former Woolworth's

department store started selling ready-made ornaments for Christmas

trees.

Choosing the right type of Christmas tree is important because

Christmas trees are often a focal point for many family activities and

traditions. Given the many types of Christmas trees that are available,

it is important to think about how the tree will be used. While a tall

tree may look very elegant, it may not be suitable if there aren't many

adults around who can reach the tree's heights. And a very short tree

may be dwarfed by other furniture in the room. It's therefore very

important to carefully consider and get a tree that has a suitable

height and also one that has sturdy branches to hold heavy ornaments.

Artificial and real Christmas trees can often be bought from the

same retail stores these days as local businesses and retail chain

stores often sell both types of trees. The best place to get a real and

fresh Christmas tree, and also to see a wide variety, is likely a

Christmas tree farm however. Using modern technology, both types of

trees can also be obtained through online transactions, via telephone

as well as by mail-order through catalogs.

Among Christmas trees there are certain types that are

always favorites and which are bestsellers. These include: Douglas,

Fraser, Noble and Balsam firs, and Scotch, Virginia and white pine

trees.

These evergreen trees all have all have one or more excellent

features related to shape, color or sheen and fragrance, which makes

them favorites for Christmas trees.

The most favorite Christmas trees basically have a pyramid or

cone shape. A pyramid-shaped tree is likely taller and has somewhat of

an elegant look. Douglas Fir, which ranks first among Christmas tree

favorites, is an example of a pyramid-shaped tree. Other examples are

Fraser, Balsam and Noble firs.

A cone shape tree tends to be short with dense branches, which makes

them excellent for holding many ornaments and other decorations.

Families that have a strong tradition of making their own ornaments, or

putting mememtos on Christmas trees may consider a cone-shaped tree.

Virginia and Scotch Pines, Norway Spruce and the Eastern White Pine all

have cone shapes.

Another feature that makes Christmas trees appealing is their

color. While all trees have a green appearance, a closer look at their

needles will reveal differences such as a bright or dark-green, blue-

green or yellowish-green hue. The needles may also emit a silvery sheen

with the right lighting. Fraser and Noble firs both have needles with a

silvery sheen, and the branches of both trees are also used for

garlands and wreaths.

Most people choose a fresh Christmas tree for its fragrance,

which can be fairly strong or just subtle, giving off just enough of a

whiff of scent. Douglas Fir, which is the most popular Christmas tree

in homes and public places, is a very fragrant tree. The Balsam fir is

also fairly fragrant. The Eastern White Pine is however, a tree that

doesn't have much fragrance.

Whether you have a favorite type of Christmas tree or will choose

one from its appearance, there are many choices to satisfy the desire

to have a fragrant and well-decorated tree for Christmas.