Different Types of
Christmas Trees
The tradition of Christmas trees in America came
from German
immigrants who had settled in Pennsylvania. It is
believed that the
tradition of Christmas trees started in Germany from
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 also 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 also
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
very 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. And
a very short tree
may be dwarfed by other furniture in the room. It's
therefore very
important to carefully consider and 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 bestsellers. 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. Douglas Fir, which ranks first
among Christmas tree
favorites, is an example of a pyramid-shaped tree.
Other examples are
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 mememtos 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
whiff of scent. 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 is however, a tree that
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.