18 Types of Christmas Trees to Stay Away From: Ranked Worst to Best

A woman bending over dressed in hat and scarf looks at types of Christmas trees to choose for the holiday from among types of real Christmas trees.

Traditionally, the most well-known and recognizable types of Christmas trees are evergreen fir or pine trees.

In ancient times, before various types of Christmas trees were identified and popularized, families hung evergreen boughs across their doorsteps and windows.

The modern Christmas tree tradition began in Germany during the 16th century when the first decorated trees were put up inside homes during the Christmas season and the tradition was continued when made popular by Queen Victoria.1

18 Types of Christmas Trees: Ranked Worst to Best

If you’re learning about how to cut your own Christmas tree, you should understand that not all Christmas trees are created equal, and some varieties are preferred over others because of the benefits they provide, while a handful of varieties are avoided because their disadvantages outweigh the benefits.

Below is a complete list of 18 types of Christmas trees: ranked worst to best:

Worst Christmas Tree: Norway Spruce

This type of Christmas tree ranks worst because they droop quickly and are shade-intolerant. If the lower branches of the tree receive too much shade, the shape of the tree can become uneven.

Close up photo of a Norway Spruce tree with other trees in the background.

(Image: Lauri Poldre31)

Close up a Norway Spruce tree green needles with a blue sky background.

(Image: Hans32)

Worst Needle Shedding: Norway Spruce

The Norway spruce also has the distinction of being the fastest needle shedder of the popular Christmas trees. This tree is not recommended for lengthy indoor use.25

Worst For Allergies: Pine Tree

Pine trees may be covered in residual pollen which could cause an immune system overreaction when breathed in. In addition to this, artificial Christmas trees that have been stored away and are covered in dust can also cause an allergic reaction in asthma and allergy sufferers.

Close up image of a Pine tree green needles with a blue sky background.

(Image: Lucas Pezeta33)

Image of a Christmas tree with decorations and glowing lights in a dark room.

(Image: NastyaSensei34)

Pesticides used on certain varieties of Christmas trees are harmful to the environment. Some Christmas tree farms ship trees to different states, which leads to increased carbon emissions.26

Worst For Environment:

Live Christmas Trees vs Artificial Christmas Trees

The manufacturing of artificial Christmas trees releases extra carbon emissions, especially because most of these trees are produced in China and shipped worldwide. Discarded trees become harmful plastic waste filling up landfills9

Worst For Bugs: Norwegian Pine

Norwegian pine trees are well known to be covered in bugs most of the time, and this type of live Christmas tree should be shaken thoroughly before being taken indoors.

Close up image of a Norwegian Pine tree and its drooping green needles.

(Image: SandeepHanda35)

Close up photo of a Fir tree with its brown thin bark and green needles.

(Image: Chait Goli36)

Worst For Affordability: White (Concolor) Fir

White Fir Christmas trees generally take a long time to grow, which can make them more expensive.

Worst For Heavy Ornaments: Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir trees have very flexible branches, which means they cannot hold heavy ornaments.

Close up image of a Balsam Fir tree with its green needles and light decorations.

(Image: Peggychoucair37)

Close up photo of Blue Spruce Tree with its blue needles.

(Image: omid bonyadian38)

Worst For Scent: Blue Spruce

One of the biggest reasons live Christmas trees are so popular is because of the fresh, woodsy scent they produce. The Blue Spruce doesn’t have much of a fragrance, and when the needles are broken, it releases an unpleasant scent.

Worst For Color: Scotch Pine

The Scotch Pine is among the worst of the options when it comes to choosing a vibrant-looking Christmas tree, because of its dull coloring.

Low angle shot of a young scotch pine tree,

(Image: Coilin39)

Image of a Christmas tree with white and gold Christmas ornaments, gift boxes wrapped in brown and silver paper, in a living room with blue couch and wooden decor with paintings on the wall.

(Image: Dima Valkov40)

Best Christmas Tree: Balsam Fir

Even though the Balsam Fir is not great for heavy ornaments, it is the best all-around Christmas tree with a classic shape and dark green color. The tree emits a strong scent, and it has great needle retention.

Best For Needle Retention: Scotch Pine

When a Scotch Pine tree is properly watered, it won’t lose its needles for a long time. Proper watering will ensure that the Scotch Pine retains its needles for up to four weeks.

Close up photo of the Scotch Pine Tree needles and brown cones.

(Image: pitinhs41)

Image of Norwegian Pine tree on a pot with its drooping leaves in a room with a glass window.

(Image: Skylar Kang42)

Best For Least Bugs: All Except Norwegian Pine

Most of the time, live Christmas trees are not covered in bugs, which means that most can be brought inside without any trouble, except for the above-mentioned Norwegian Pine, which should be shaken out first.

Best For Allergy And Asthma Sufferers:

Fir Trees, Leyland Cypress, and Eastern White Pine

Pine pollen is a major allergy trigger, which makes firs, spruces, and cypresses a better option.

Close up image of a Christmas tree with small red ornament decoration.

(Image: Alex Blokstra43)

Image of a huge Christmas tree with Christmas lights and a star on top of the tree situated outside a church on snowy evening.

(Image: JarkkoManty44)

Best For Environment:

Locally Grown Live Christmas Tree

Any locally grown live Christmas tree is the best choice for the environment, as it cuts down on the carbon emissions associated with shipping. Most real Christmas trees are grown on Christmas tree farms – the numbers totaling 350 million – which means that forests are left mostly unscathed over the holidays.10

Best For Affordability: Real Christmas Trees

Real Christmas trees are still cheaper than their artificial counterparts – with real trees retailing between $80 and $95, while artificial trees can cost as much as $325.

Close up image of a Christmas tree with hanging decorations and Christmas lights.

(Image: music4life45)

Close up photo of a red Christmas ball ornament hanging on a Christmas tree.

(Image: neelam27946)

Best For Heavy Ornaments: White Spruce

The White Spruce has short, stiff needles which make the tree an excellent choice for ornaments of different shapes, sizes, and weights.

Best For Scent: White Fir

The White Fir releases a citrus fragrance when its needles are crushed.

Close up image of a White Fir and its silver needles.

(Image: MikeGoad48)

Close up photo of a Colorado Blue Spruce and its silver-blue needles.

(Image: Dids47)

Best For Color: Colorado Blue Spruce

The Colorado Blue Spruce has a silvery color, making it a perfect choice for a wintry Christmas holiday.11

Types of Real Christmas Trees

There are several different types of real Christmas trees16 to be found around the world, especially in the US. These include:

  • Fraser Fir trees come in several sizes – up to eight feet
  • Korean Fir trees come in several sizes – up to 6 feet
  • Nordmann Fir trees come in several sizes – up to eight feet
  • Real Norway Spruce trees come in several sizes – up to seven feet2

Types of Artificial Christmas Trees

As an alternative to real Christmas trees, there is a wide variety of different types of artificial Christmas trees available in the US and other locations worldwide. These artificial options include look-alike versions of:

  • Spruce Tree
  • Douglas Fir Tree3
  • Fraser Fir Tree
  • Red Fir Tree
  • Norway Spruce
  • Silvertip Fir Tree
  • Yukon Spruce Tree

Types of Christmas Trees in USA

Christmas trees grow in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. There are currently more than 35 different types of Christmas trees in USA, grown specifically for the holiday season.

The most popular types of Christmas trees in the US include the following:

  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Red Cedar Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree17
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree

Types of Christmas Trees By State

The largest producers of real Christmas trees in the US are North Carolina18 and Oregon.

In 2012, more than 16 million trees were cut in the States, and 51% came from six counties in North Carolina and Oregon. 4

Photo of many natural christmas trees planted on a farm.

(Image: Any Lane49)

The below table indicates the most popular types of Christmas trees by state:

 

Types of Christmas Trees by StateChristmas Trees
Types of Christmas Trees in Alabama
  • Arizona Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Carolina Sapphire Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Red Cedar Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Murray Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Alaska
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Lodgepole Pine Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Arizona
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree5
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Arkansas
  • Carolina Sapphire Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Murray Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in California
  • Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Monterey Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine Christmas Tree
  • Aleppo Pine Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Colorado
  • Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Concolor Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Connecticut19
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Concolor Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
  • No Silver Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Delaware
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Serbian Spruce Christmas Tree
  • South Western Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Florida20
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Red Cedar Christmas Tree
  • Sand Pine Christmas Tree
  • Spruce Pine Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Georgia
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Red Cedar Christmas Tree
  • Scrub Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees by StateChristmas Trees
Types of Christmas Trees in Hawaii
  • Cook Island Pine Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree (shipped to Hawaii)
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree (shipped to Hawaii)
  • Norfolk Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Idaho
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Concolor Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Illinois21
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • West Virginia Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Indiana
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • West Virginia Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Iowa22
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • European Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Red Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Kansas
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • South-western White Pine Christmas Tree
  • West Virginia Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Kentucky
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Louisiana
  • Arizona Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Redcedar Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Scrub Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Maine
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norfolk Pine Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Maryland
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees by StateChristmas Trees
Types of Christmas Trees in Massachusetts
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Red Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine)
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Michigan
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Minnesota
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Red Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Mississippi
  • Arizona Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Redcedar Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Missouri
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • Soft Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Montana
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Subalpine Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Nebraska
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Nevada
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Lowland White Fir Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in New Hampshire
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Serbian Spruce Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in New Jersey
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Cork Bark Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Korean Fir Christmas Tree
  • Larch Christmas Tree
  • Meyer Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Nikko Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Serbian Spruce Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees by StateChristmas Trees
Types of Christmas Trees in New Mexico
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Nut Pine Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Soft Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in New York
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree6
Types of Christmas Trees in North Carolina23
  • Arizona Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Soft Pine Christmas Tree
  • Thuja Green Giant Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in North Dakota
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Redcedar Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Ohio
  • Austrian Pine Christmas Tree
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Red Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Serbian Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Southwestern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Oklahoma
  • Arizona Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Oregon
  • Caucasian Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Red Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Pennsylvania
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Rhode Island
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Noble Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in South Carolina
  • Carolina Sapphire Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Redcedar Christmas Tree
  • Jersey Pine Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Murray Cypress Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees by StateChristmas Trees
Types of Christmas Trees in South Dakota
  • Black Hills Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Eastern White Pine Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Silver Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Tennessee
  • Blue Ice Christmas Tree
  • Carolina Sapphire Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree7
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Texas
  • Carolina Sapphire Christmas Tree
  • Eastern Redcedar Christmas Tree
  • Elder Pine Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Utah
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Nut Pine Christmas Tree
  • Subalpine Fir Christmas Tree
  • Shore Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Vermont
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Oregon Pine Christmas Tree
  • Red Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Virginia
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine)
  • Virginia Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Washington
  • Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Grand Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Red Fir Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in West Virginia
  • Austrian Pine Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree
  • Norway Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Red Pine Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Wisconsin
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • Spruce Christmas Tree
  • West Virginia Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
Types of Christmas Trees in Wyoming24
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Tree
  • Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
  • Canaan Fir Christmas Tree
  • Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
  • Korean Fir Christmas Tree
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas Tree
  • White Fir Christmas Tree
  • White Pine Christmas Tree
  • White Spruce Christmas Tree

Types of Christmas Trees by Growing Zone

Christmas trees are the same as any other tree in the sense that they all thrive in specific hardiness zones. The following table indicates the types of Christmas trees by growing zone:8

Types of Christmas TreesGrowing Zones
Balsam Fir TreeGrowing Zones 3-6
Noble Fir TreeGrowing Zones 4-5
Douglas Fir TreeGrowing Zones 4-6
Fraser Fir TreeGrowing Zones 4-7
Scotch Pine TreeGrowing Zones 3-8
White Pine TreeGrowing Zones 3-8
Virginia Pine TreeGrowing Zones 4-8
Sand Pine TreeGrowing Zones 7-10
Colorado SpruceGrowing Zones 4-7

Real Christmas Tree Options

A real Christmas tree27 can be found in every US state, as well as Canada. In the US alone, around 30 million real Christmas trees are sold every year.

The states that produce the most real Christmas trees are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.12

Whenever a single real Christmas tree is harvested, up to 3 seedlings are planted during the next planting season. Throughout Northern America, there are at least 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs.

Because it takes a long time for trees to mature, recycling efforts are commendable and can be considered a tree planting carbon offset. If you are one of those people who are uncomfortable cutting these trees and want to do more to mitigate these actions, you can seek assistance from carbon offset providers but before doing so, make sure to take the ecological footprint quiz as it’s the first step in achieving this goal.

Best Type of Christmas Tree

The Douglas Fir is one of the most popular options in the US, because of its pyramid shape and full growth.

However, the Balsam Fir is the best overall choice for the best type of Christmas tree when it comes to scent and color, as well as needle retention.

Types of Christmas Trees and Their Advantages

The below table lists the different types of Christmas trees and their advantages:13, 28

Types of Christmas TreesAdvantages
Nordmann Fir TreExcellent needle retention, and child/pet friendly
Norway Spruce TreeGreat scent
Serbian Spruce TreeChild/pet friendly
Alberta White Spruce TreeChild/Pet friendly
Silver Fir TreeExcellent needle retention, and great scent
Douglas Fir TreeFull growth and classic shape
Fraser Fir TreeExcellent needle retention and good for heavy ornaments
Colorado Blue Spruce TreeGreat color
Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) TreeExcellent needle retention
Eastern White Pine TreeBest for décor and sensitivity to strong scent

Most Popular Christmas Tree Species

There are more than 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the US alone, but Germany and Canada hold their own when it comes to growing some of the most popular Christmas tree species.

Types of Christmas Trees

The most popular types of Christmas trees around the world include:

  • Fraser Fir
  • Oregon Pine
  • Silver
  • Caucasian Fir

Best Affordable Christmas Tree

Any real tree makes for the best affordable Christmas tree, as most species of real Christmas trees come in under $100, whereas artificial tree prices can skyrocket to over $300 and more.

Photo of tall pine trees with snow on their leaves.

(Image: Stefan Straka50)

It makes no difference if you get the priciest Christmas tree. It would be fun to celebrate it with a challenging activity like exchanging eco-friendly Christmas gifts. A time for family togetherness and remembering the birth of our Savior – that’s what Christmas is all about.

Douglas Fir Christmas Tree

The Douglas Fir Christmas tree29 species was first reported by Scottish botanist, David Douglas. The Douglas Fir is not a true fir, which is why its name is often written as Douglas-fir.

Douglas Firs grow in central California, western Oregon, Washington, and Alaska and can reach heights of 76 meters.

These trees have been used as Christmas trees since the 1920s, and aside from their popularity during the holiday season, they provide valuable timber for Europe, New Zealand, and Chile.

Balsam Fir Christmas Tree

The Balsam Fir Christmas tree was first described in 1768. These popular Christmas trees prefer moist soil, and cooler temperatures and are typically found in Canada and southern Pennsylvania.

Balsam Fir tree growth chart showing full grown Balsam Fir tree on a line graph with Balsam Fir tree age on the x-axis and Balsam Fir tree height on the y-axis.

In addition to being used as a Christmas tree, the Balsam Fir’s resin is used to produce glue and cold remedies.14

Noble Fir Christmas Tree

The Noble Fir Christmas tree30 was introduced to Britain in 1830, after being discovered by David Douglas. The tree is native to Western North America and produces hard timber that is used for interior joinery.

Virginia Pine Christmas Tree

The Virginia Pine Christmas tree is extremely popular in the American South. The natural range of these trees includes central Pennsylvania, branching out into northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Virginia Pine trees also grow in Ohio, southern Indiana, and Tennessee.

Virginia Pine is a source of pulpwood and an effective component of strip mine site reclamation in the US.

Scotch Pine Christmas Trees

Before the turn of the 18th century, the Scotch Pine was known as the Scots Fir or the European Redwood. Scotch Pine Christmas trees are the only pines native to northern Europe, and they spread across the British Isles after the Last Glacial Maximum.

Scotch Pine Christmas trees are the most common, live Christmas trees in the US and have a reputation for holding up very well during harvesting and shipping.

Cedar Christmas Tree

While a Cedar Christmas tree is not the first option for many holiday revelers, the Eastern Red Cedar is a popular choice for some. Eastern Red Cedar trees are not true cedars but belong to the juniper family and is related to the Rocky Mountain Juniper.

The Eastern Red Cedar is found in several states, including Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. The fibrous root system of these trees is essential for erosion control and the Eastern Red Cedar also produces cedarwood oil, which is a key component in many fragrances.

White Spruce Christmas Tree

The White Spruce Christmas tree is one of the most sought-after Christmas tree varieties in the US. Apart from being a popular live Christmas tree, the White Spruce provides nutrition for various animals that eat the bark, needles, and twigs. Smaller animals eat the seeds from the White Spruce.

Christmas Tree Real Name

Christmas trees have different designated names, including the Christmas tree’s real name, the Christmas tree family name, and the Christmas tree’s scientific name.31

The below list indicates the real names of popular Christmas trees.

  • Balsam Fir
  • Serbian Spruce
  • Fraser Fir
  • Caucasian Fir
  • Guatemalan Fir
  • Jeffrey Pine
  • Grand Fir
  • Norway Spruce
  • Nut Pine
  • Red Fir
  • Scotch Pine (Scots Pine)
  • Douglas Fir
  • Stone Pine
  • Swiss Pine
  • Virginia Pine
  • White Fir

Christmas Tree Family Name

In addition to the real names of Christmas trees, these types of trees also have a Christmas tree family name.

Most Christmas trees are grouped as follows:

  • Fir Trees (Abies)
  • Spruce Trees (Picea)
  • Douglas Fir Trees (Pseudotsuga)
  • Pine Trees (Pinus)

Christmas Tree Scientific Name and Family

The below table indicates Christmas tree scientific name and family:15

Type of Christmas TreeChristmas Tree Scientific NameChristmas Tree Family
Douglas Fir Christmas TreePseudotsuga menziesiiPine (Pinaceae)
Balsam Fir Christmas TreeAbies balsameaPine (Pinaceae))
Fraser Fir Christmas TreeAbies fraseriPine (Pinaceae)
Grand Fir Christmas TreeAbies grandisPine (Pinaceae)
Guatemalan Fir Christmas TreeAbies guatemalensisPine (Pinaceae)
Noble Fir Christmas TreeAbies proceraPine (Pinaceae)
Nordmann Fir Christmas TreeAbies nordmannianaPine (Pinaceae)
Red Fir Christmas TreeAbies magnificaPine (Pinaceae)
Silver Fir Christmas TreeAbies albaPine (Pinaceae)
White Fir Christmas TreeAbies concolorPine (Pinaceae)
Nut Pine Christmas TreePinus edulisPine (Pinaceae)
Jeffrey PineChristmas TreePinus jeffreyiPine (Pinaceae)
Scotch Pine (Scots Pine) Christmas TreePinus sylvestrisPine (Pinaceae)
Stone Pine Christmas TreePinus pineaPine (Pinaceae)
Swiss Pine Christmas TreePinus cembraPine (Pinaceae)
Virginia Pine Christmas TreePinus virginianaPine (Pinaceae)
Norway Spruce Christmas TreePicea abiesPine (Pinaceae)
Serbian Spruce Christmas TreePicea omorikaPine (Pinaceae)

Mini Christmas Tree Plant Name

Traditional Christmas trees also come in miniature versions, in both fresh and faux options.

One of the most in demand mini Christmas trees is the Douglas Fir Fresh Mini.

Other mini Christmas Tree plant name includes Mini Norway Spruce Christmas Tree, Dwarf Live Alberta Spruce, Mini Fresh Spruce Tree, and Fresh Tabletop Fraser Fir.

Alternate Names for Christmas Tree

Common alternate names for Christmas tree includes evergreen coniferous, fir, pine, and spruce. Live Christmas trees are also known as Yule trees.

Read More About: How Many Trees Offset Carbon Emissions?

It is believed that a fir tree was used as the first Christmas tree in Northern Germany during the 16th century.

Types of Christmas Trees

Different types of Christmas trees are planted per acre blocks in various states in the US. The most commonly found Christmas trees are Fraser Fir, the Colorado Blue Spruce, and Douglas Fir.

How Many Christmas Trees per Acre?

Time goes by so quickly that before you realize it, you’re searching for the ideal Christmas tree. Looking for one might be a fun family tradition. You’d be surprised at how many Christmas trees per acre are available in your area.

While a single acre can support up to 1,500 Christmas trees, most farms plant around 200 trees per acre every year. To calculate how many trees per acre, when planting new Christmas trees, different factors must be considered, including the type of land, the species of the tree, and the eventual sizes of the trees planted.

How Many Christmas Trees Are Cut Down Each Year?

A common question asked when the holiday season rolls around, is how many Christmas trees are cut down each year.

It is estimated that up to 36 million Christmas trees are produced and cut down each year in the US alone. That number rises to around 60 million in Europe.

Whether artificial or real, there are enough types of Christmas trees around the world and especially in the US to satisfy a wide variety of requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Christmas Trees

How Many Types of Christmas Trees in US?

There are more than 35 different species of Christmas trees in the US alone.

What Are the Alternate Names for Christmas Trees?

Christmas trees are commonly known as firs, evergreen, pines or spruces.

What Is Fir Christmas Tree?

Fir Christmas trees are a genus of evergreen coniferous trees and sought-after during the holiday season. The most popular firs are Balsam, Fraser, and Noble.

What Is a Christmas Tree Plant?

A Christmas tree plant is a pine or fir and can also come in mini-versions.

What Is the Best Smelling Christmas Tree?

The Balsam Fir is well-known for being the most fragrant of all Christmas tree species.

What Tree Family Do Pine Christmas Tree Belong?

Most Christmas tree species fall under the Pine tree family.

What Is the Most Fragrant Pine Tree?

Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Scotch Pine, and the Colorado Blue Spruce are some of the most fragrant pine Christmas trees.

What Are Some Tips To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree?

When cutting down a Christmas tree in the woods, a permit will be required. Often, only axes and handsaws are allowed when cutting down the tree.

It is best to cut the tree between late-November and mid-December to ensure it stays fresh over Christmas.

What Is a Drill Holes in Christmas Tree Trunk For?

Drilling holes in a Christmas tree trunk will not allow the tree to absorb more water. The tree should be cut cleanly and then soaked in a bucket of water for a couple of hours before it is placed in the tree stand.


References

1History.com. (2021, December 8). History of Christmas Trees. History. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees>

2Christmas Trees Direct. (2021, October 15). A Guide to the Different Types of Real Christmas Trees. Christmas Trees Direct. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://christmastreesdirect.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-information/a-guide-to-the-different-types-of-real-christmas-trees>

3Kellogg, K. (2022, September 14). 23 Best Artificial Christmas Trees of 2022. Architectural Digest l Clever. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-fake-christmas-trees>

4Wu, J., & Chiwaya, N. (2018, December 12). MAP: Here’s where Christmas trees in the U.S. grow. NBC News. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/map-christmas-tree-farms-data-north-carolina-oregon-2018-n946776>

5Downs, J. (2019, December 6). The Ultimate Arizona Christmas Tree Info Guide. Moon Valley Nursery. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://blog.moonvalleynurseries.com/ultimate-christmas-tree-info-guide>

6Gellis, R. (2016, December 6). What Type of Christmas Tree Should You Get in NYC? StreetEasy. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://streeteasy.com/blog/type-christmas-tree-nyc/>

7Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers. (n.d.). Tree Types. Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://tennesseechristmastrees.org/christmas-tree-types/>

8Oelze, P. (2018, December 4). Growing Your Own Christmas Trees. Dave’s Garden. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/growing-your-own-christmas-trees>

9Kral, H. (2022, October 19). Are Christmas Trees Bad for the Environment? The Family Handyman. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/are-christmas-trees-bad-for-the-environment/>

10Kellogg, K. (2019, December 13). Choosing An Eco Friendly Christmas Tree. Going Zero Waste. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/is-a-real-or-fake-christmas-tree-better-for-the-environment/>

11LaScala, M., & Thomas, M. (2022, October 26). 16 Types of Christmas Trees to Spruce Up Your Home This Holiday Season. Good Housekeeping. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g29105524/best-types-of-christmas-trees/>

12Realchristmastree.org. (n.d.). Quick Tree Facts. National Christmas Tree Association. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://realchristmastrees.org/education/quick-tree-facts/>

13Jacksons Nurseries. (n.d.). Different Types of Real Christmas Tree. Jacksons Nurseries. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/different-types-of-real-christmas-tree.html>

14Farr, C. (2017, November 26). Most popular Christmas trees species. Agronomag. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://agronomag.com/popular-christmas-trees-species/>

15Manske, M. (2022). Types and names of Live Christmas Trees. Tree Names. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.treenames.net/types/christmas_trees.html>

16Indiana State Government. (2022). Real Christmas Trees. DNR Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/forestry-publications-and-presentations/real-christmas-trees/>

17Forest Research. (2018, January 5). Noble fir (NF). Forest Research. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/tree-species-database/noble-fir-nf/>

18Sidebottom, J. (2014). North Carolina Christmas Tree Associations. NC State Extension. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://christmastrees.ces.ncsu.edu/christmastrees-christmas-tree-associations/>

19Douglas, S. M. (2010, May). FIFTY YEARS OF CONNECTICUT CHRISTMAS TREES: A PLANT PATHOLOGIST’S PERSPECTIVE. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/DOCUMENTS/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Plant_Pathology_and_Ecology/FIFTYYEARSOFCONNECTICUTCHRISTMASTREESAPLANTPATHOLOGISTSPERSPECTIVE0510pdf.pdf>

20State of Florida. (2022). Christmas Tree Farms. Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Buy-Fresh-From-Florida/Christmas-Tree-Farms>

21UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA‐CHAMPAIGN. (2020, December 3). Christmas Tree Selection. Illinois Extension. Retrieved November 1, 2022, fro <https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-12-03-christmas-tree-selection>

22Iowa State University. (n.d.). Christmas Trees in Iowa. Natural Resource Stewardship. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/forest_products/xmas.html>

23Moore, A. (2021, December 5). 5 Christmas Tree Species Found in North Carolina. NC State College of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2021/12/5-christmas-tree-species-found-in-north-carolina/>

24US Government. (n.d.). Wyoming Christmas Tree Permits. Bureau of Land Management. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/wyoming-christmas-trees>

25Gov.uk. (2014, November 20). Oslo’s Christmas tree gift to Trafalgar Square. GOV.UK. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/oslos-christmas-tree-gift-to-trafalgar-square>

26Yale University. (2020, December 11). Where Did Your Christmas Tree Come From? Yale Sustainability. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://sustainability.yale.edu/blog/where-did-your-christmas-tree-come>

27US Department of the Interior. (2021, November 16). History of the National Christmas Tree – President’s Park (White House) (U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.nps.gov/whho/learn/historyculture/national-christmas-tree-history.htm>

28Kowalski, J. A. (2020, December 16). Promising new Christmas tree variety undergoing trial. OSU Extension Service. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/christmas-trees/promising-new-christmas-tree-variety-undergoing-trials>

29US Government. (n.d.). Conifers – Douglas Fir. Wayne National Forest – Home. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wayne/home/?cid=stelprdb5150069>

30Forestry and Land Scotland. (n.d.). Noble fir. Forestry and Land Scotland. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from <https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/trees/noble-fir>

31Lauri Poldre. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/evergreen-tree-in-the-forest-13969940/>

32Hans. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/spruce-cones-tap-tree-conifer-56007/>

33Lucas Pezeta. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photo-pine-tree-under-cloudy-sky-2422159/>

34NastyaSensei. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-christmas-tree-during-night-936706/>

35SandeepHanda. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/star-pine-triangle-tree-2773168/>

36Chait Goli. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-fir-tree-1796734/>

37Peggychoucair. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/gran-fir-green-grangren-gren-3875734/>

38omid bonyadian. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/twigs-of-evergreen-fir-tree-in-forest-3722218/>

39Coilin. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/scots-pine-pinus-sylvestris-burren-1103363/>

40Dima Valkov. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-christmas-tree-with-gray-gift-boxes-near-sofa-3314866/>

41pitinhs. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/pinus-sylvestris-tree-pine-cone-4083922/>

42Skylar Kang. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/potted-plant-and-candle-in-glass-near-window-6207328/>

43Alex Blokstra. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-tree-leaves-1566584/>

44JarkkoManty. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-tree-holiday-season-6895765/>

45music4life. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-tree-tree-decorations-3916054/>

46neelam279. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/no/photos/juletre-jul-pryd-dekorasjon-%c3%a5rstid-6870755/>

47Dids. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-view-of-green-pine-tree-2350884/>

48MikeGoad. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/no/photos/blue-spruce-detaljer-gran-n%c3%a5ler-4108615/>

49Any Lane. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-tree-farm-with-various-spruces-and-pines-5727706/>

50Stefan Straka. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/snow-covered-pine-trees-under-cloudy-sky-904382/>