As it gets colder outside and trees shed their leaves, we prepare for the holidays. The question arises: “Which Christmas tree should I choose? A real one or an artificial one?”
Opting for a real tree primarily offers the delightful scent filling your home. Appearance and needle retention are key factors. Christmas trees come in various types like Picea Abies (Norway spruce), Abies Nordmanniana (Nordmann), and more.
Which beautiful real Christmas tree will grace your home this year?
If you go for a real Christmas tree, decisions remain. With or without roots? What shape and color? Differences in scent and intensity?
Tips for Choosing a real Christmas Tree
- A potted tree lasts longer and can be reused, planted in your garden yearly. Smaller trees are easier to set upright before decoration.
- Acclimate the tree indoors by leaving it in a shed for 24 hours. This helps it adapt to higher temperatures.
- Avoid placing the tree too close to heaters, as warmth accelerates needle loss.
- Choose a draft-free spot to prevent drying out and needle shedding.
- Just like other indoor plants, your tree loves sunlight, not artificial light. Position it by a window without heating.
- Inspect the tree’s shape before purchase. Step back to see if it matches your preference.
- Christmas trees come in various shades of green, even green with a blue or silver hue.
- Adopting a tree is a sustainable option. Place this tree with roots in your home, then return it after Christmas to be replanted.
Types of real Christmas Trees
Here are some popular types:
Norway Spruce
The Picea Abies, also known as the Norway spruce, is the traditional green Christmas tree with a strong scent. It’s affordable but sheds needles quickly and has sharp needles. Suitable for short-term display.
Nordmann Fir
The Abies Nordmanniana, commonly called Nordmann fir, is sturdy with non-prickly, dark green needles. It retains needles well and has a cone-shaped structure. A pricier option.
Serbian Spruce
The Picea Omorica, or Serbian spruce, is a favorite in the Netherlands. Its slender form suits small spaces, with fewer needle losses than Picea Abies. The soft needles’ undersides are silver.
Blue Spruce
Picea Pungens ‘Glauca’ is a robust tree with bluish-green needles. It’s compact with sharp needles and good needle retention.
Noble Fir
The Abies Procera, also known as Abies Nobilis or noble fir, features blue-green needles that don’t shed much. It has a pleasant fragrance.
Cedar Christmas Tree
Looking for an alternative to the traditional real Christmas tree? Nowadays, cedar Christmas trees are gaining popularity in trendy interiors. They’re slimmer and smaller than the ‘regular Christmas tree’.
Cedars are outdoor trees, so if used indoors, they might shed needles if left for too long. Planting them in your garden after Christmas ensures years of enjoyment. They’re winter-hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in sunlight or shade.
For indoor use, don’t overwater. Cedar trees dislike wet roots, so let them dry between waterings.
A bonus: due to their elegance, a few ornaments and lights are enough. Saves on decorations!
Which real Christmas Tree Doesn’t Shed?
An essential tip is to buy a fresh tree. Test by shaking it when purchasing; if needles fall, expect the same at home. Nordmann and Silver Fir are best for needle retention. Conica and Koreana come second.
Nordmann Fir, discussed earlier, is beautiful and sturdy with non-prickly needles.
Silver Fir is lesser-known, with similar properties as Nordmann but bluish-green needles for a chic look.
Special real Christmas Trees
Dwarf Spruce is unique, only 100 cm tall, suitable for small spaces or windowsills. Its slow growth makes it compact. Green with full, non-shedding needles.
Abies Koreana, a slow-growing silver fir, retains needles. Pyramid-shaped, close-packed branches with grayish-yellow needles.
Whatever tree you choose, enjoy it and have a festive season!
