It's time to shop for your Christmas tree

Réjean Millette November 29th 2021 493 views

When someone talks about a Christmas tree, you probably imagine a Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris). Tall, triangular and bright green, the Scotch pine is the king of Christmas trees in America. Among other things, its great popularity is due to the fact that the Scotch pine hardly sheds its large needles, even when dried. Also, its strong and curved branches easily support decorations.

The balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is the best-selling Christmas tree, however, it has it all. It retains its needles, is heat resistant and gives off a sweet woody scent. Dark green in color, its branches are provided with tight needles. One small problem, it might be more difficult to hang larger or heavier decorations on it.

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is increasingly found in our nurseries. It has a more bluish tint; it keeps its needles longer than balsam fir and withstands the heat of our homes well. Robust and beautifully shaped, it is however odorless.

The fir shrub takes about ten years to reach the size necessary to make a Christmas tree. The first years of his life, he was in a nursery. Then, it is planted in the field to continue its growth.

Choosing the right tree: Better to buy a tree after seeing it unfolded. You can always repack it afterwards to transport it.

The first modern Christmas tree dates back to 1521 in the town of Sélestat, Alsace.

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