A Guide to Buying Real Christmas Trees: Top 10 Trees

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If you're looking to switch up your fake tree for a real tree, we think you've made the right decision! This guide to buying real Christmas trees will take you from A to Z, so you can make the correct decision for you and your family. If you've never purchased a real Christmas tree before, it can be a little daunting showing up at a tree lot. There are lots of different types of trees to choose from, and it can be hard to know the difference between each.

To make it easy for you, we've compiled a list of top 10 real Christmas trees you should consider. Having a real Christmas tree is not only reminiscent of the olden days, but it will seriously up your tree game – there's nothing that smells better than a freshly picked tree. The downside, of course, is that real Christmas trees cannot be put up very early, need water, and can also make a mess. But trust us when we say that it's 100% worth it!

#1. Fraser Fir

If you're looking for a pet and kid friendly Christmas tree, the Fraser Fir is your best bet. This stunning tree has very attractive one inch needles that are silvery-green and very soft to the touch, hence making it great for little ones if they tend to handle them a lot. Another great thing about the Fraser Fir is that there is a little bit of space between the branches, so there's plenty of room for your ornaments to stand out! When you're at the tree lot, look for the near-perfect triangle tree – it's most likely the Fraser Fir! To make sure your tree lasts longer, cut a slice off the trunk when you get home, place in water, and feed every day.

#2. Balsam Fir

Just like the Fraser Fir, the Balsam fir is one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties. It has soft dark green needles, making it perfect for wreaths and garland. Native to Canada and the northern United States, this tree smells absolutely enchanting! Keep your Balsam Fir away from high heat in your home.

#3. Douglas Fir

The Douglas Fir is another popular tree during the holidays, and this is mostly due to the fact that it's very budget friendly. That being said, although the Douglas Fir looks stunning, it can be hard to decorate as it's very dense, and also doesn't last as long as the other varieties. If you're picking up a Douglas Fir, do so a little closer to Christmas day!

#4. Noble Fir

The Noble Fir boasts stunning deep blue-green needles and cones, making it a holiday favorite. It's also the largest of the firs, so it's a great option for homes with high ceilings, office spaces, or two-story entryways. This variety is also often used to make fresh wreaths due to its sturdy but pliable branches. Like with the other trees, be sure to cut off a slice from the trunk, immerse in water, and feed every day.

#5. Scotcs Pine

If you're looking for a sturdy, long lasting tree, look no further than the Scotch Pine, also known as the Scots pine. Popular in Great Britain, the Scotch Pine needs to be handled with gloves as the needles are very sharp! But because of this, it's very hearty and resistant to drooping needles.

#6. Eastern White Pine

The Eastern White Pine is perhaps the most unique looking tree of the bunch. This pine has long, whisper-thin needles that grow in bunches and can reach about 5 inches in length. The branches from this variety are mostly used for Christmas decorations such as centerpieces, wreaths, and garlands. Because the branches are so pliable, it's not the best tree to hang heavy ornaments onto, but rather only garland and felt ornaments.

#7. Colorado Blue Spruce

The state tree of Colorado, the Colorado Blue Spruce is known for its perfect pyramid shape, strong limbs, and blue-silver foliage. This means that this tree can hold lots of heavy ornaments, but be warned, as the needles can be quite sharp, so it's recommended you wear gloves.

#8. White Fir

If you're looking for a hardier Christmas tree, the white fir is your best bet. This variety can withstand more neglect than others, so it's a great option if you travel a lot around the holidays. Its white and blue-green needles are simply stunning, but the thing that makes the White Fir really stand out is its pine-lemon scent which is simply irresistible!

#9. Grand Fir

The Grand Fir tree has dark green needles that are about one to two inches long. The branches are soft to the touch, making it a better option for wreaths and garlands, rather than hanging heavy decorations. These trees are also known for their fragrance, which is a combination between the classic Christmas tree scent and orange. If you're looking to bring a fresh, Christmas tree scent into your home, the Grand Fir is your best bet.

#10. Norway Spruce

The Norway Spruce, also known as the holiday spruce, is native to Europe, but has quickly gained popularity in North America. It has beautiful, firm branches, but unfortunately, it's very hard to keep alive. Once cut, it will only last for about 2 weeks, so it's best to bring this into the home only a week before Christmas. Once in your home, be sure to water every day!

Best Smelling Christmas Trees

Now that you know which real Christmas trees are most popular, you may be wondering, which ones smell best? Below, are the best smelling Christmas trees: