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Real Christmas Trees
Noble Fir
 Long considered an
excellent Christmas tree because of its beauty, stiff branches and long
keepability, the species is growing in popularity.
The wood is moderately strong and light weight. It is valued for its light colour and uniform straight grain. It has thick, soft, blue-green needles and excellent needle retention and a beautiful fragrance.
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 It is also widely used in the greenery business to make wreaths, door swags, garland and other Christmas products.
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 Noble Fir wreaths are long lasting and fragrant, and ideal for indoors and outdoors. Cones are added for a very highly decorated look. |
Nordman Fir
 Otherwise known as the Caucasian Fir. It is a native of the Caucasus and
northern Anatolia in Turkey. In its native environment this tree can reach 70m
in height.It is becoming increasingly popular as a Christmas tree because of the glossy rich dark green colour of its needles and because of its needle retaining characteristics.
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Norway Spruce
 Norway
spruce is the traditional Christmas tree although in recent years its
popularity has dwindled in favour of non shedding trees such as Noble fir. The Norway is a beautiful tree when tended to
properly but it tends to loose its needles.
Commercial needle holding sprays have some effect. The Norway spruce also make wonderful outside display trees. |
Fraser Fir
This is the most favoured tree in America and is becoming increasingly popular in UK.
It has good needle retention and citrus fragrance.
Although the natural range for Fraser fir is rather limited, variation is sufficient to substantially impact Christmas tree production.
Based on current knowledge, lower
elevation trees from southerly sources are recommended. Their blue-green needles are short and
soft.
Trees should be fresh when bought. Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. If the tree is fresh, very few needles should come off in your hand. The foliage should not be dried and dull but soft and shiny. Shake or bounce the tree on its stump. You should not see an excessive amount of needles fall. However, if the tree is densely branched then the underside and inside of the tree may appear dead. This is only due to the fact that the light cannot penetrate inside so the growth concentrates on the outside foliage and the inside dies. This does not mean the tree is not fresh.
| Real Xmas Trees |