Douglas Fir   Christmas Trees		Douglas Fir Foliage

 

Concolor Fir:

Often also called "White Fir".  This is a true fir with seed origin in the Southern Rocky Mountains – same areas as Douglas fir.  They are strong branched (if properly shaped & pruned) and are the most aromatic (citrus) of all Christmas tree species.  The needles are generally about 1.5 inches in length and the color varies from green to blue/green to silver.  There are many seed sources planted - each having it's own characteristic color and growth habit.  But, it has been my experience that all sources produce a quality tree – IF grown on well-drained sites.  This tree is a premium tree that decorates well with heavier ornaments.  Needle retention is generally very good.

Swift Silver Seed Source Concolor Fir Tree (on left) (on right) Concolor Fir Foliage (Swift Silver)

Canaan Fir:

This is a sub-species of Fraser fir.  It is a true fir with it's origin about 30 miles West of our farm > Canaan Valley.  They have an appearance similar to Fraser Fir, but a little lighter in color and in branch stiffness.  Generally, they will be more open than Fraser Fir, thus a very decorative Christmas tree.  Needle retention is good.  They have a citrus aroma with needles of about 1 inch in length around top half of the stem.  They are adaptable to sites where Fraser Fir won’t grow – mainly because of tight heavy soils.

Canaan Fir Christmas Tree	Canaan Fir Foliage

 

Colorado Blue Spruce:

Most blue spruce has a bluish to silver color.  Needle length from 1 to 1 1/2 inch in length with a somewhat to very sharp point.  Branches are stout.  This tree has a unique resinous aroma.  With the sharp needles, it is good for areas where disturbances to the tree may occur by children or animals. Needle retention is good if not harvested very early.  Gloves are recommended when handling this tree.  It is suitable for planting on most all but the very wettest sites.

Colorado Blue Spruce Tree	Colorado Blue Spruce Foliage

 

Fraser Fir:

This species is widely planted in many areas of Eastern US.  It is very sensitive to planting site.  It requires well-drained, fertile, moist soils > no wet or tight soils.  Thus, there are many tree farms that cannot grow this species.  Needles are dark green on top and two silver bands on the bottom.  Length is from 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch.

Fraser Fir Tree

 

Scotch Pine:

Scotch pine is an introduced pine that is adaptable to many growing sites, thus widely planted for Christmas trees.  Needles are produced in bundles of two with lengths ranging from 1 to nearly 3 inches; with a generally green to blue / green color.  Needle retention is good - generally drying out before the needles fall from the tree.  It is important that old needles be shaken out of the center of the tree at harvest time with a mechanical shaker.  Scotch Pine should only be planted for Christmas trees – for all other uses, it is short lived and has many disease and insect problems.

Scotch Pine Christmas Trees	Scotch Pine Foliage

 

Norway Spruce:

Norway spruce is a most adaptable species; being able to grow in most all soil sites, even the moistest.  The tree has very few diseases and insects problems.  Needles are dark green and about three fourth of an inch in length.  It makes an attractive screen, border or windbreak.  Also, it is the best for wildlife planting borders, since it is somewhat shade tolerant and retains its lower limbs as it grows older.  Norway spruce is not recommended as a Christmas tree because it has very poor needle retention.

Norway Spruce Trees