Christmas Tree Varieties

Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana)

This is the most popular Christmas tree variety. It had a classic ‘Christmas tree shape’ with soft, longish dark green needles and has excellent needle holding properties. It is trimmed to create a full look and give that ‘Christmas tree shape’. Nordman’s are usually very bushy and can be wide so be aware if your space is limited.

Fraser Fir (Abies Fraseri)

This is the variety which we have growing on the farm. The trees are trimmed to give a true conical shape. The foliage is dense, a little erratic and it has a silvery blue tinge. The needles are short and soft. It has a unique citrus fragrance that will fill your house plus excellent needle holding properties. By nature they are a slim tree and are great if your space is limited.

Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)

The good old Norway Spruce, the classic Christmas tree. This was once the most favoured variety. It was most popular in the UK because it grew well throughout the country so was accessible and relatively cheap to grow. It required little maintenance as it naturally grows in the classic Christmas tree shape but regular pruning can produce a very well shaped tree. It has short, dark green needles but poor needle retention. Placing it in a water retaining stand can help needle loss (see our Tree Care). We know of customers who will only have a Norway spruce as it’s a part of Christmas seeing how few needles remain on the tree after Christmas!

The Norway spruce is the main Christmas tree used for outside display as if kept outside in the cold the needles do not drop.

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus Contorta)

This is another Christmas tree with excellent needle holding properties. It isn’t a very popular choice in the UK now as it doesn’t have a classic shape but is a very reasonably priced alternative. It has long green needles and a wonderful pine scent.

The Lodgepole Pine is very similar to the Scots Pine but not as easy to come by. Most people wouldn’t be able to spot the difference between the two.