7 Best Christmas Tree Types: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

It’s hard to beat the scent of a fresh Christmas tree filling your home. But what kind of Christmas tree exactly is it? These trees are usually evergreen conifers, but many different species are known for their sparkling lights and shiny ornaments. While the area you live in plays a big role in what types of evergreen trees are available locally, the most common trees include firs, pines, and spruces, primarily because they’re fairly easy to grow. Whether you prefer to cut one yourself or simply choose from pre-cut Christmas trees, choosing from a range of trees that all look alike can be a bit overwhelming. You really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose, but here are our favorite types of Christmas trees and the benefits each one offers.

01. For the Perfect Look: Douglas Fir

With its pyramidal shape and blue-green color, Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a long-lived deciduous tree that retains its needles well. This is one of the most popular Christmas tree species, available in most areas. We love its lush, full appearance, compact branches, and strong evergreen scent.

02. For the best scent: Grand Fir

With its glossy, bi-colored needles—bright green on top and streaked with white underneath—the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) makes a beautiful backdrop for twinkling Christmas lights. We love that its needles are softer to the touch than some other popular firs, and give the tree a beautiful appearance. Perhaps the most fragrant of the fir trees, this species has a strong, spicy scent that’s sure to make your home smell like the holidays.

03. For a Classic Look: Noble Fir

This beautiful fir (Abies procera) has well-spaced branches covered in upward-curving blue-green needles. The dense needles of the Noble Fir aren’t as prickly as some other firs, though its stiff branches are still capable of supporting plenty of decorations and lights. Noble Fir trees have a similar shape to Douglas Fir trees, but we think they have a more classic Christmas tree look with an almost layered appearance to their branches.

04. For heavy Ornaments: Fraser Fir

The Fraser spruce (Abies fraseri) is a fragrant evergreen tree with a rich scent, and has two-tone needles - dark green at the top, and silvery white at the bottom. It has a more conical shape than pyramidal, so this type of Christmas tree fits well in a small room or tucked into a tight corner. If you have a collection of heavy jewelry or a lot of lights and garlands, the Fraser is a good choice because it has very strong branches.

05. For a Tidy Tree: Scotchs Pine

The Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a popular cut tree for the holidays because of its conical shape, pine scent, and excellent needle retention. Even if the tree dries out, the soft green needles remain on the branches, so you won’t have much cleanup to do if you forget to water it for a day or two. It often has slightly twisted trunks, which can be a plus if you like a tree with a distinct personality.

06. For a Simple Look: Eastern White Pine

The fresh green color and tiered branch structure make the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) a standout at Christmas. Its long, thin needles make for a more textured Christmas tree, and it’s a popular choice for fresh greenery and wreaths. We especially like the white pine because of its simple Christmas tree look — its flexible branches aren’t great for supporting heavy decorations, but you can still decorate it with garlands and lights.

07. For a Defined Look: Eastern Red Cedar

Native to the eastern half of North America, the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a beautiful cut tree with a homey appeal and a strong scent. It has a very distinctive look compared to a traditional Christmas tree because its decorative needles are arranged in feathery clusters.

Before you head out to shop for your Christmas tree this year, consider the benefits of the different types you’ll encounter. Think about which features are most important to you to help narrow down your choices, but know that any tree you bring home will fill your home with beauty and fragrance all holiday season long.

Tip:

If you bring an Eastern Red Cedar home for Christmas, keep a close eye on the tree stand. These trees can dry out quickly, so make sure you give them plenty of water.