The Most Smelling Types of Live Christmas Trees
So you’ve decided to bring a living tree into your home for a few weeks. How festive! Now it’s time to determine what type of Christmas tree you need, or more specifically, what qualities you’re looking for in an indoor evergreen. A special look? A certain price? Persistent scent?
For many people, the woody aroma of pine is the main benefit of living wood. If you’re one of them, here are the smelliest Christmas trees, according to the Farmers’ Almanac .
The most fragrant types of Christmas trees
With 35 different types of trees grown in the United States especially for Christmas, it can be hard to narrow down the circle. These five are great choices for those who love a natural pine scent:
Scotch pine (or Scotch pine)
Also known as “Scots pine”, it is the most common pine in the US, according to the Farmers’ Almanac . Along with their pleasant scent, these trees remain popular year after year because they don’t shed much, their upwardly curved branches allow lamps and decorations to hang in the wind with ease, and they retain water well after pruning. One potential downside: Needles can be sharp, so wear gloves when handling them, and maybe choose a different tree if you have small children.
balsam fir
According to the Farmers Almanac , balsam trees are the most fragrant Christmas trees and also the most popular variety in the United States. On the other hand, trees are usually symmetrical and strong, and their needles are soft. But their branches are also soft , so they are not ideal for hanging heavy lamps or decorations.
They also dry out faster than some other trees, so make it a habit to check their water levels. In terms of shedding, balsam firs usually stay intact for about four weeks before shedding their needles, so if you plan on keeping your tree longer, you may want to choose a different species.
Douglas Fir
Named after David Douglas, a 19th-century botanist who studied the tree, Douglas firs are ideal for filling large spaces due to their conical shape and fullness. The needles of the tree are soft, as are its branches, so you should avoid cutting it with anything heavy.
Fraser Fir
In addition to being the second most fragrant tree, Fraser firs are perennial favorites because they are long lasting (surviving indoors for up to six weeks) and low maintenance (rarely shedding). The needles of the trees are their distinguishing feature: dark green above and silver below. In addition, their stiff, upcurved branches are suitable for any kind of decoration.
Colorado blue spruce
Like Scotch pine, this tree smells great, doesn’t shed much, and has tough branches (with sharp needles) that you can hang lamps and decorations from. They differ most in appearance: Colorado blue spruce trees are pyramid-shaped and, as the name suggests, have a bluish tint.
No matter which tree you choose, be sure to check it thoroughly for bugs and other pests before you bring it into your home.