According to a recent report from the American Christmas Tree Association, approximately 95 million households in the US choose to celebrate the festive season by decorating a Christmas tree. This accounts for around 77% of the population – which is hardly surprising when you consider that the tradition has been around for thousands of years. 

However, while you may have already selected your baubles and lights for this year’s festivities, it’s equally important that you choose the right tree. While similar in color and shape – there are actually a wide variety of Christmas trees for you to choose from – and this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your home! 

What different kinds of trees are available?

Across the world, there are hundreds upon hundreds of different ‘Christmas’ trees to choose from – often selected because they are evergreen and therefore able to stay in good condition no matter the weather. However, some of the most popular styles include: 

Fraser Fir Trees. 

Fraser Fir Trees are probably the most popular tree on this list – and for a good reason. They have bright, bold needles that retain their signature green hue and are available in a wide range of sizes. Furthermore, despite their appearance, their needles are actually relatively soft, meaning they’ll be perfect for households with children or pets who may want to get involved in the festivities. Finally, their branches are often spaced out fairly evenly, meaning they’re great for showing off your favorite Christmas ornaments. 

Birch Trees.

Birch trees are a slightly less popular choice for Christmas decor, meaning they are great for those who want to stand out from the crowd a little. Furthermore, they are said to be a symbol of ‘rebirth, new beginnings, and growth,’ meaning that they align perfectly with the true meaning of Christmas and the upcoming new year. 

Noble Fir Trees.

Noble Fir trees make the perfect Christmas tree due to their bright evergreen branches, which are particularly strong and great for hanging a wide range of decorations. This includes lights and other ‘heavy’ decorations instead of simple baubles. As with all fir trees, their evergreen status means that they are often associated with eternal love – meaning they’re a great way to bring the Christmas magic into your home. 

Blue Spruce Trees.

The state tree of Colorado, Blue Spruce Trees, are beloved since they are a little different from traditional Christmas trees. Their soft pines give off a slight silver/blue hue, which helps curate the perfect Christmas atmosphere in your home – appearing almost as though the tree is covered in a dusting of snow. 

Artificial Trees.

When it comes to decorating my home for Christmas, I often prefer to stick to the real deal regarding trees. Not only do they look great, but it’s also just a fun way to celebrate the festive season, especially if you cut down the tree yourself. However, there are also a lot of benefits to using artificial trees. To start off with, they don’t need to be replaced each year, which can save you a great deal of time and money. They are also much easier to care for, and you won’t be finding pine needles across your floor for months to come. 

Where should I buy my tree? 

Once you’ve decided on the kind of tree you’d like to buy, it’s time to actually go shopping (or chopping, depending on your preference). Thankfully, there are plenty of different places for you to go tree shopping. For example: 

• You could visit a local farm. Local farms of Christmas Tree centers are (for obvious reasons) a great place to purchase your Christmas tree. For example, I always buy my trees from  Snickers Gap Tree Farm – and I’m always blown away by how gorgeous their trees look. Furthermore, this gives you a chance to support small, local businesses after a tough year. 

• You can buy trees directly from a vendor. If you don’t fancy venturing out into the open air to find your tree, you could always purchase them directly from a vendor. This way, your tree will already be cut-fresh on your behalf, saving you a great deal of time and energy in the long run. 

• You can buy trees online. If you are going to purchase an artificial tree from your home, then you should be able to find them at most stores. However, you can often get your best deal shopping for these kinds of products online. 

How should I take care of my tree?

If you choose to decorate a ‘real’ tree, then you must know precisely how to care for it – especially if you want it to stand strong throughout the entire festive period. With that in mind, here are some top tips for keeping your tree happy, healthy, and thriving!

• When selecting your tree, keep an eye out for ‘brown’ needles. While a few brown needles are okay, the greener your tree, the longer it will last. 
• If possible, keep your tree out of the way of heat sources, such as your fireplace and radiators.
• Ensure that your tree gets plenty of water; otherwise, it will dry out quickly. Ideally, you should water your tree once a day. 
• Add a small cup of sugar to the water when caring for your tree. The sugar water acts as ‘food’ for your tree and can also help it to soak up the water much quicker. 

So, there you have it! By following this guide, you’ll be able to find (and care for) the perfect Christmas tree this festive season. Then, once the hard work is done, you get to start decorating it – which is truly the fun part. 

How are you decorating your tree this Christmas? Share some tips and tricks in the comments below – I’d love to hear them!