The main commercial Christmas trees are: Nordmann the Caucasian Fir (Abies
Nordmanniana), Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) Norway Spruce(Picea
Abies) and the Blue Spruce(Picea Pungens Glauca)
Which
one is the non drop? Is there such a thing as a non drop tree? Is a
well watered late cut basic fir just as good as a non drop variety? What
makes the wonderful fragrance of a true Christmas tree?
The answers are simple and there are pros and cons of all the different trees:
Nordmann Fir (common none drop)
This tree is native to the Caucasian mountains which are between Russia and Iran. It looks a lusher deeper green than most other firs and its needles are soft almost plastic to the touch.
Nordmann Fir (common none drop)
This tree is native to the Caucasian mountains which are between Russia and Iran. It looks a lusher deeper green than most other firs and its needles are soft almost plastic to the touch.
We
frequently refer to this as the non drop tree and it is the best none drop. In the UK it has overtaken the Norway Spruce and become the most popular. The needles will eventually drop over time, like any tree brought
into an unnatural in door environment, that is in a house and often sat by the radiator but it is still much slower to drop. The needles are larger than most firs and
therefore able to retain their moisture longer. Like any tree in a warm indoor environment it will drop a bit.
Fraser Fir
Originating from the Appalachian or Smokey Mountains Mountains of North America.The Fraser Fir is a natural pyramid shape making it a better fit in many living rooms, when often Nordman trees are a little wide at the base. It also has a wonderful Christmas fragrance with slight citrus overtones.
This tree forms cones fairly early in its life cycle and the foliage is a blue green tinge and with excellent needle retention and the slightly upturned branches have silvery undertones. This tree does have a distinctly festive appearance.It is the most popular Christmas tree in the States.
This is the original Christmas tree introduced into Britain in the 16th Century from Northern Europe and Russia. It became fashionable when Prince Albert brought it to Windsor Castle. It is the only tree that truly smells like a Christmas tree. The smell is the moisture or sap in the needle as it dehydrates in our warm houses. It has soft green needles that we have all learned to love, and its conical shape is as good as the grower who tended and pruned it in its infancy. This is the tree that truly smells of Christmas. It is also the most economic to buy.
Blue Spruce(Picea Pungens Glauca)
Originating from the Rocky Mountains of North America. This tree is easily identified by the silvery blue grey pine needle. It has a frosted look about its appearance. It retains moisture reasonably well, especially when sold as a smaller potted tree. It has a unique smell not as pungent as the conventional Norway spruce, but more than the non drop. When the tree is kept moist the aroma is quite limited. Of all the trees it is quite spiky but it more than makes up for than with its winter silvery colour and even shape.
To have a successful tree it needs to be cut and brought into the house as late as possible, preferable stood in some water and the water needs to be topped up regularly.
Caring for your Tree
If you have the heating up high spend the extra and go for the
best none drop and water it well.
If you want the wonderful aroma at it's best then you need the traditional Norway Spruce or Fraser Fir.
If you choose a potted or bare rooted tree, they will absorb moisture from their roots and stand the very best chance of not drying out. They can also be replanted in the garden after the festive season, in a pot or straight in the ground.
If you buy a cut tree and can allowed to stand in water (like cut flowers) than it will retain its needles even longer.
If you want the wonderful aroma at it's best then you need the traditional Norway Spruce or Fraser Fir.
If you choose a potted or bare rooted tree, they will absorb moisture from their roots and stand the very best chance of not drying out. They can also be replanted in the garden after the festive season, in a pot or straight in the ground.
If you buy a cut tree and can allowed to stand in water (like cut flowers) than it will retain its needles even longer.
If you saw an inch of the base of your cut tree this will open it up to absorb more water.
It is a good idea to leave your tree outside for a few days stood in water until you're ready to decorate.
If you can have a water reserve under the trunk and can keep it topped up it will stay fresher longer.
What No tree!
What No tree!
If you want a festive tree feel but its not safe with dogs or babies consider decorating a large potted twiggy shrub like a hazel or an alternative evergreen such as a pyramid box, bay or holly. There are lots of evergreens that can look very festive.
