Millions of Americans flock to farms to find the perfect Christmas tree every year. And it’s said that if you’re tall enough to ride a rollercoaster, you should know how to pick the perfect tree. Hey, we don’t make the rules! Usually, conifers make for great Christmas trees, especially the pine tree species.
Why pine, you ask?
Pine trees have been around for more than 150 million years, and we’ve used them as Christmas trees for hundreds of years for several reasons.
Pine is well adapted to cold environments. It’s the most diverse conifer in the world and is also abundantly found in North America. Because they thrive in cold temperatures, pine trees have naturally evolved to be softer during the winter, which makes them the perfect addition to your Christmas decoration checklist.
But when “’tis the season to be jolly,” and you’re completely clueless about which tree to go for, indecisiveness can be a bummer. So here’s a list of some of the best pine tree species that can instantly fill your home with the spirit of Christmas. Keep in mind, the options open to you will vary depending on where you live.
Douglas Fir
The Douglas fir, or Oregon pine, is native to western North America and a common option in the Pacific Northwest. They exude a lovely, fresh, pine scent.
Although the thin soft needles can handle decoration, you do need to be careful with the weight you put on Douglas fir trees. You can check out our guide on how to decorate your Oregon pine tree for Christmas on the Mr. Tree blog.
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Eastern White Pine
A native to the state of Michigan, the eastern white pine is often overlooked when the holiday season is around the corner. Its perfectly bushy appearance will give your home a festive feel.
This pine tree species has great needle retention and a feathery-soft texture, and it doesn’t dry out as quickly as the other trees. So it will last you throughout the holiday season. The eastern white pine tree also has a relatively mild fragrance, which is nice for the sensitive noses in the house.
The most exciting part about grooming this tree is that it retains its full, bushy appearance even after you’ve trimmed it to fit in your living room.
Scots Pine
Scots or scotch pine trees are probably the most commonly used pine tree species for Christmas in the United States. Because they remain fresh throughout the holiday season, they require very little maintenance. But the reason for their popularity isn’t just their easy upkeep. It’s the fact that its sturdy branches allow you to decorate them using both light and heavy decorative ornaments.
The tree flaunts various shades of blue, green, and red, which adds a little extra color to your holiday decor. It adapts well to your home climate and will stay fresh until you’re ready to kiss the holiday season goodbye. This means the needles won’t dry out quickly or fall off and create a mess in your living room.
While scots pine trees can be a tad more expensive than most other options, they are worth the splurge once a year.
Virginia Pine
The Virginia pine tree species naturally points toward the sky, which already makes them a great choice for Christmas. Once trimmed, these small- to medium-sized trees fit perfectly in your cozy living space. The Virginia pine is mostly found in central and southern parts of the US, and you can easily buy them from both choose-and-cut farms and retail lots. It’s the most popular species of Christmas tree in the South.
Norway Spruce
If you’re not someone who meddles with traditions in the name of aesthetics, the Norway spruce pine tree species might be the ideal choice for you. They’re a simple yet classic go-to Christmas tree option.
With a lovely dark green color, the Norway spruce is a bushy pine tree with sharply pointed tips. It stands gracefully amid all kinds of Christmas décor and can handle heavy snowfall head-on. If you have a Norway spruce planted in your front yard, it might be the ideal specimen for hanging outdoor decorations.
The only drawback of bringing this magnificent pine tree species indoors is that it has poor needle retention, which can create a mess beneath the tree.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Also known as the blue spruce, the Colorado blue spruce is a pine tree species that always popular during the Christmas season. Its bluish hue can take any Christmas décor to the next level, and its branches are sturdy enough for a variety of ornaments.
They grow in a trademark conical shape, which makes them a great selection for the holiday season. In fact, the blue spruce is actually considered to have “the perfect Christmas tree shape.”
White Spruce
The white spruce is another popular option during the holiday season. Contrary to the name, this northernmost-growing pine tree species is actually blue-green and will perfectly complement your Christmas festivities.
It also holds decoration fairly well without losing its symmetrical shape. And with needle retention that’s better than the other spruces, the white spruce will last you through New Year’s.
Balsam Fir
This dual-colored tree is a common sighting in the northeastern parts of the US. The hint of silver in the tree’s needles adds a beautiful shade to this dark-green pine tree species.
Although this is the go-to option for many Americans, it isn’t easy decorating the balsam fir. Because its branches aren’t especially sturdy, you have to keep the decorations light to prevent the tree from drooping.
Pines have the classic Christmassy look and feel to them. They warm up the house almost immediately after their installation. What’s amazing is that most pine trees require little to no maintenance, so you can enjoy your holidays without worrying about the mess.
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