Highland Tree Farm Varietals
Learn About Our Trees
We’re here to help you find your perfect Griswold Family Christmas Tree! Learn about the different types of trees and which one is best for you and your family.
Scots Pine
Also called Scotch Pine, this variety of Christmas tree is also Scotland’s national tree! Scots Pines have strong branches, excellent needle retention, and resist drying. They’ll last around three to four weeks and they have a medium scent that is herby, sweet, and piney.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Blue Spruce, or “Bruce'' as we fondly refer to them as, are highly fragrant Christmas trees that are iconically known for their frosty blue-ish branches. While these trees have strong branches and great needle retention, we recommend purchasing a Blue Spruce if you’re putting up your tree closer to the holiday, as they might not last in your home as long as other varieties. They’re also extremely pokey! So be sure to wear your gloves when handling.
Concolor Fir
This variety of Christmas tree has a powdery color and medium scent with hints of orange. They have strong branches great for heavier ornaments and good needle retention. They’re also famously long-lasting. In fact, some suggest that you could keep a Concolor Fir up until Easter with the right TLC, if you wished!
White Pine
This tree has a mild scent, and as such, is more allergy friendly for anyone sensitive to highly fragrant trees. While their branches are not as strong as other varieties, it’s a perfect tree for small and light-weight ornaments, and it will last around four weeks.
Norway Spruce
Offering a strong fragrance with notes of citrus, Norway Spruce have strong branches for ornaments. Like Colorado Blue Spruce, they might not last as long as other varieties in your home, so we recommend buying them closer to the holiday, or purchasing them potted!
Douglas Fir
One of the most popular varieties of Christmas trees in North America, these trees are highly fragrant with a sweet scent, and known for their soft needles and dark green or blue-green hue. They are often more dense than other varieties and have a fuller look. They typically last around four weeks when well cared for.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Firs have medium branch strength and long-lasting needles. Their fragrance is also well lasting and is sure to keep your home smelling like Christmas for the entire length of its stay in your care. When well-cared for, they should last four to five weeks. Fun fact: Balsam Fir resin has medicinal uses and was applied to the wounded in the Civil War!
Canaan Fir
Like Balsam Firs, Canaan also have a strong fragrance, but like Fraser Firs, they offer more superior needle retention. Needles are softer than other varieties, and branches have medium strength. They can typically last around four weeks.
Fraser Fir
This Christmas tree has dark blue-green needles with silvery undersides that are short and sturdy. Branches hold up well to larger ornaments, and the tree can typically last around five weeks. They offer a medium, pleasant scent and are named for the Scottish botanist, John Fraser!
The best Christmas tree choice for the environment is a real tree that is purchased locally and recycled. Highland Tree Farm offers a free recycle program to ensure your tree avoids the landfill and is disposed of in a way that is environmentally-friendly.
Environmental
Impact
Real Christmas Trees
Renewable & recyclable
For every 1 harvested, 1–3 more are planted
Preserves green space
Absorb carbon dioxide & other gasses
Produce fresh oxygen
Stabilizes soil & protects water supplies
Creates refuge for wildlife
Often grown on fields unsuitable for other crops
Support the local economy
Artificial Christmas Trees
Non-biodegradable
Petroleum-based
Can contain toxins, such as lead
Predominantly made in China and shipped to America
Used for 6 to 9 years on average and are then discarded in landfills*
*Read more about the differences between real and artificial trees at The National Christmas Tree Association.