Christmas trees have become one of the most enduring symbols of the holidays in Western culture. The current custom of erecting and decorating a Christmas tree goes all the way back to 14th century Germany, and even further back if you want to count its medieval roots.

Evergreens have been the trees of choice when it comes to Christmas. So with all of the experience that western society has with the Christmas tree, do we know which type of evergreen trees are best suited for the occasion and those that just don’t make the grade. The answer is “Yes” and here are good examples of both types.

Generally Considered to be the Best Christmas Trees (according to a poll found on About.com – Forestry)

1. Fraser Fir – This tree has nice dark green needles ( ? to 1 inch long) and can withstand shipping well. It retains its needles well and has a very nice scent.
2. Douglas Fir – This tree grows naturally in a cone shape which is very attractive as a Christmas tree. It has a nice scent and retains its needles well. It is a very common tree and can be found in most Christmas tree lots.
3. Balsam Fir – This tree also has a very nice shape naturally, has a nice aroma, and retains its needles well.
4. Colorado Blue Spruce – This tree has 1-3 inch needles which are dark green to powdery blue. It also has a nice shape and is considered to be the best tree in regard to needle retention.
5. Scottish Pine – This the most planted Christmas tree in North America, although not necessarily the most popular. It retains needles well and has a nice scent. The one drawback is that it is more susceptible to pests than other varieties.

Generally Considered to be the Worst Christmas Trees (compiled from various sources)

1. Austrian Pine – This tree does not ship well and should only be considered if grown locally.
2. Norway Spruce – This tree has very poor needle retention and can have issues with pests (which you do not want in your home).
3. White Spruce – This tree has an unpleasant odor and the needle retention is considered poor.
4. Scottish Pine – This tree has the distinction of being on both lists. The problems are that it is susceptible to pests and can often grow in irregular shapes which are not conducive to a symmetrical tree.
5. Eastern White Pine – This tree has problems with twig stiffness which is an issue with decorations and can also have problems with pests.

Having a nicely decorated Christmas tree can uplift anyone’s spirits. However, not all evergreen trees are created equal when it comes to being a good Christmas tree. Hopefully, this information will help you choose we in your search for the “perfect” Christmas tree.
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