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A living Christmas tree may be the perfect choice for your family this year. Just take the time to fully consider the type of tree, timing & indoor care, and it’s future life outside.
The first thing you want to think of is what kind of mature tree do you want growing on your property for the years to come:
Fraser Fir, Abies fraseri, is an awesome tree; grows slowly, limbs are strong when mature, pretty shape, and keeps shape as it matures, sheds snow. Lighter green than the Norway Spruce. A classic Christmas tree.
Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea, is similar in appearance to the Frasier Fir and may be available where Frasier is not. Known as a source of food for wildlife.
Scotch Pine or Scots Pine, Pinus sylvestris, A good tree when little, good shape; when out in open they fluff out, like the Eastern White Pine. Certainly a good looking tree, but not as conical shaped unless it gets a lot of room to grow. Slower growing than the Eastern White Pine.
Norway Spruce, Picea abies, is easily compared to the Frasier Fir for all it’s good qualities. Darker green than Frasier Fir. Also the classic Christmas Tree.
Colorado Blue Spruce, Picea pungens, is also a very amazing tree. Has the whitish blue needles. It actually looks smokey grayish blue in the landscape.
White Spruce, Picea glauca a beautiful well formed, conical. A slow grower, needs full sun.
White pine, Pinus strobus, is beautiful fluffy tree when little, but a rapid grower requiring pruning to keep branches from breaking. Planted near a house or driveway will only spell trouble in the long run. Planted by itself away from other trees it will grow very full. Pruning on the maturing tree will prevent unsightly damage from snow, ice and wind.
To help you decide on what type of holiday tree you may want, consider visiting the Arbor Day Foundation. They have a database of trees and their growing requirements, including pictures of mature trees. Certainly your local nurseries can add to your knowledge.
 Fraser Fir, also spelled Frasier, or Fraiser! |
 Norway Spruce, adolescent |
 Norway Spruce, Maturing |
 Colorado Blue Spruce, young |
 Colorado Blue Spruce, Mature |
 White Pine, young |
 White Pine Adolescent |
Go to Page 2: Consider planting location, careful buying, indoor care
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