How to Pick a Real Christmas Tree

Not all Christmas trees are created equal, but Canada’s forests have something for everybody. We spoke to tree expert Shirley Brennan of Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario to get the lowdown on the season’s softest and prettiest picks.

Scots Pine

Thick, bushy branches and a long-lasting festive fragrance make the Scots Pine the most popular Christmas tree in Canada. Treat it kindly and it will still be with you in January, but its blue-or-yellow green needles may fall off if it doesn’t get enough to drink.

Fraser Fir

Similar to a Balsam Fir, Frasers are loved for their soft needles that cling to branches rather than floors. What they lack in aroma, they make up for in longevity and softness, so keep this tree in mind when hunting for a fresh pick.

Balsam Fir

A Balsam Fir is a true holiday gem if you decorate it as soon as December rolls around. Its dark, shiny needles usually stay on the branches (meaning fewer annoying prickles under our feet), but need regular watering to keep on shimmering and looking their best.

White Spruce

Growing in every province in Canada, the White Spruce is one of the most intensely scented trees and boasts strong, slender branches that hold the prettiest, heaviest ornaments. They’re fairly thirsty, but keep them hydrated and you will be rewarded with gorgeous dark or blueish green needles and a yummy Christmas tree smell.

Top Tree Tips

A tree cut at the end of November can last you into January, but only if you treat it nicely. Be sure to cut the trunk before you put it into water since it will start to seal by the time you get it home. Keep it outside (in water) away from the warm until you’re ready to put it up – but shelter its branches from the wind – and water it every day. Make sure you know where the bottom of the tree is in relation to the bottom of the basin, too, so you know just how much it has to drink. If you’re choosing a tree known for shedding its needles, don’t put it up until two weeks before Christmas.