9 Different Types of Christmas Trees to Consider This Holiday Season

Douglas Fir

With soft and shiny green needles that radiate from its branches, the Douglas fir is a much-loved variety of Christmas tree (and one of the easier types to find). This fragrant species also grows in an attractive pyramid shape. If you’re a fan of large ornaments, take care to examine the branches: If the tree has been trimmed into a streamlined shape, they may grow too close together to hang your favorite bigger baubles. 

Fraser Fir

This Appalachian native is the most popular species of Christmas tree in America for a reason: Fraser firs keep their needles and hang onto that festive evergreen aroma well with proper care. The only downside to these trees is that its branches are pretty compact, meaning it can be a challenge to use larger ornaments despite its sturdy limbs.

Noble Fir

A favorite species for Christmas trees, the noble fir features long needles in a deep blue-green shade. Because the noble’s needles grow upward from particularly stiff branches, they keep everything from ornaments to candy canes to handfuls of tinsel from slipping off. So if your ornaments and decorations are on the heavier side, this is definitely the tree for you. If you try to hang your ornaments on a tree whose branches aren't super strong, you may run the risk of your treasured decorations breaking.

Plus, this tree is such a gorgeous shade of green that it would enhance any holiday décor scheme you're working on.

Balsam Fir

Want to avoid awkward gaps in your tree’s branches? For that perfect pyramid shape, look to the balsam fir—a variety known for its symmetrical growth habit. The trade-off is that their branches are less sturdy than other varieties, so stick with lighter decorations. With proper care, balsam firs can keep their needles and fresh scent for up to a month, so it’s also a go-to option for folks who make tree trimming a Black Friday tradition. 

Grand Fir

This is another variety that’s not the best for heavier decorations but works well for lighter ones. Instead, think garlands, tinsel, and light, hollow ornaments like small baubles or homemade construction-paper crafts. It’s got a full growth habit, soft needles, and a particularly heady aroma—so seek out a grand fir if that heady Christmas tree scent is your favorite part of the holiday season.

Scotch Pine

If you tend to forget about tree maintenance with all the seasonal hustle and bustle, the Scotch pine might be a great option for you. If you don't consider yourself the best plant parent, this may be a good option for you because even if you forget to water it, a dry Scotch pine will hold onto its vivid green needles. With sturdy branches, it can handle even your heaviest ornaments. Sold!

Concolor Fir

If you like a softer, fuller look to your Christmas tree branches, look for a concolor fir, also known as white fir. This species has longer-than-usual needles with an attractive blue cast, making them a good alternative to blue spruce. Concolor firs also bring another benefit—their refreshing, citrusy aroma—and keep their needles well, too. 

Blue Spruce

True to its name, this evergreen is known for the silvery-blue coloring of its needles. In fact, this tree is beautiful to look at for other reasons, too: It's got a lovely symmetrical shape and keeps its needles well in proper conditions. However, blue spruce needles can be sharp, so this tree type might not be best for homes with small children. It’s also not very aromatic, even smelling somewhat unpleasant when its needles break.

Norway Spruce

For a beautiful deep green color and classic triangle shape, you can’t go wrong with Norway spruce. This variety has a mild but pleasant scent that won’t overpower—a plus if you or anyone in your household are sensitive to strong smells. However, the needles are on the sharper side, and these trees tend to drop needles more quickly than other types if they’re not freshly cut and given plenty of water.