Different Types of Christmas Trees

The tradition of Christmas Trees in America came from German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. It is believed that the tradition of Christmas Trees started in Germany 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 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 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 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. A very short tree may be dwarfed by other furniture in the room. It's therefore very important to carefully consider these issues and to 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 best sellers. 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. The Douglas Fir, which ranks first among Christmas tree favorites, is an example of a pyramid-shaped tree. Other examples include 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 mementos 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 scent. The 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, however, 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.