Choosing a Living Christmas Tree for Your Home

It’s that time of year for many to decorate their homes for the holidays! Bringing in a freshly cut Christmas tree and decorating it is one of the favorite traditions and the showiest centerpieces of them all!

Entire rooms become arranged around these Evergreen trees and the presents just look like after-thoughts without Evergreen boughs to place them beneath! And citrusy, resinous Evergreen is one of those fragrances that sum up the entire holiday season!

Top Evergreens That Also Look Amazing As Cut Christmas Trees
Let's Look at a Few Options for Cut Trees
Tips for Keeping Your Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree Fresh Longer!
Year-Round Christmas Tree Enjoyment!

Top Evergreens That Also Look Amazing As Cut Christmas Trees

Living Evergreens not only enliven your landscape with year-round greenery and fragrance but your home too for the holidays! Evergreens used as Christmas décor and as cut Christmas trees will vary by what trees are able to be grown in any particular region.

Pines may be more common in the colder regions, Noble Fir for the Pacific Northwest, Douglas Fir for the Rockies, and Frasier Fir are grown in the Carolinas! However, they are increasingly becoming more common over a wider range. Sometimes even Junipers are used in the southwest.

Let's Look at a Few Options for Cut Trees:

Frasier Fir Tree

One of the very best cut Christmas trees because of their sturdy branches that can support heavy ornaments, a formal, classic pyramidal form with a clean resinous fragrance. The needles are short, only ½-1 inch long and dark green with a stripe on the underside. Fraser Firs are highly sought-after as cut Christmas trees because they hold their small needles tightly even as the season comes to a close. This plant is similar to Balsam and the Canaan but Frasier will remain king!

Balsam and Canaan Fir Trees

Balsam Fir trees and Canaan Firs are quite similar and both have a fantastic scent, so it’s no wonder that they are highly-regarded trees for holiday home décor, and as Christmas trees! Similar to a Fraisier Fir, the 1-1 ½ inch soft needles are held tightly along the branches even as the tree begins to dry. Open branches allow for hanging ornaments nicely into the tree's interior. The gorgeous dark green, fragrant needles are short and soft. The Canaan differs only in that it will have more needles along the stems.

Douglas Fir

The Douglas Fir tree is a fantastic evergreen with compact upward-pointing branches and a wonderful pyramidal shape. Their soft, 1-1 ½ inch dark green or blue-green needles and fast growth make these native evergreens great Christmas trees! These needles hold well as the season progresses and the fragrance is magical. Natural forms make excellent choices to hang ornaments and lights easily.

Concolor Fir Tree

Concolor Fir, also known as the Silver Fir or White Fir, is a fantastic cut Christmas tree with thick, almost fleshy-feeling needles that are 1-1 ½ inches and are densely arranged around the stems for an especially beautiful look. Long lasting when cut, the fragrance of this Evergreen is almost citrus or grapefruit-like and is sure to be one of the most elegant selections with a perfect pyramidal shape.

The Noble Fir Tree

Noble indeed! The Noble Fir is found along the West Coast in the more northern areas. The thick upward-turned needles are fantastic, completely surrounding the stems, are blue-green in color, and are just over an inch long. The stems are sturdy and hold the weight of lights and heavy ornaments well. This Fir is very long-lasting and one of our top picks if you are lucky enough to find them.

White Pine Trees

White Pine is more commonly found in the Northern and Eastern regions of the US, giving them other common names like Eastern White Pine. Rarely would you ever see a needle fall from this Pine! Held in graceful, fine-textured bunches, the soft needles are 3-5 inches long and feathery! They are arranged along the outer branches leaving the inside open and waiting for your magic. Sometimes grown sheared so they are denser, but are now more commonly grown more natural and open. Soft, fragrant, and long-lasting, you won’t go wrong with a White Pine!

Scotch Pines

Scotch Pine (or Scots Pine) has 2-3 inch long pointed needles arranged in a whirl around the branch tips. Many times, grown sheared and dense, the needles do remain on the branches as they dry, but will get prickly as they do. Scotch used to be a very common selection for Christmas trees and still sells well. They can be fatter trees but that will depend upon how the grower prunes them.

Austrian/Red Pine Tree

Austrian or Red Pines may sometimes be available in local markets but are not typically used for the commercial production of Christmas trees. Their very long needles will hold well on the plants but may make decorating them more difficult. Best used in their naturally grown form for a more informal look. This was one used for flocking in years past.

Spruce Tree Varieties

Spruce Trees, including but not limited to Colorado, Black Hills, White, Black, or Norway Spruce, may all be available in your area if they are grown there. Spruces typically have short needles that are sharp. They can be easy to decorate, and have a nice, natural, pyramidal form - sometimes may be quite fat. Spruce may not hold their needles as long as some other cut trees and are best for those who do not leave their trees up for long periods.

Leyland Cypress Trees

Leyland Cypress makes for a fat and fluffy Christmas tree that are very commonly used in the South and East. Leyland Cypress trees maintain a lovely bluish-green color, with a uniform upright shape. The foliage grows in a flat plane and looks scale-like and similar to Arborvitae. All the limbs grow outward in a pyramidal fan and lend a beautiful fine texture!

Arizona Cypress

Arizona Cypress is an unusual Evergreen with gray-green needles. The Arizona Cypress is fast-growing conifer that are soft to the touch and have a natural pyramidal shape and compact growth. Perfect for the southern US states that remain mostly frost-free! So look for them offered in your region for a less traditional choice.

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Redcedar), or most will know better as a Juniper. This native Juniper is more common in the drier southwestern regions of the US. Scale-like foliage may be somewhat prickly on the older growth and may sport some gray-green berries. The color may be slightly bronzy on the outer growth. They will have great fragrance and should hold up well as a cut tree.

Tips for Keeping Your Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree Fresh Longer!

Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the trunk and immediately put that trunk in water.
Consider spraying the foliage with anti-desiccant in the garage before bringing indoors
When you bring your tree in, the first thing to do is fill the water basin.
DO NOT LET THAT WATER RESERVOIR EVER GO DRY!
A constant flow of water up into the tree is best.
Clean fresh water should be added every single day or as the tree uses up that water.
Spritz the trunk with a spray bottle of water, if you can daily.
Keep away from heat sources and drafts if possible.

Year-Round Christmas Tree Enjoyment!

Want to enjoy the fragrance, majesty, and year-round beauty that only an Evergreen tree can provide all year long? Head over to NatureHills.com and check out all the quality Conifers and Evergreens available for your to make your outdoor Christmastime landscape look as great as your indoor holiday décor! What a way to beautify your home around Christmas and your landscaping the rest of the year with live Evergreen trees from NatureHills.com!

Happy Holidays and Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a healthy living Christmas tree that will survive indoors and still thrive when planted outside afterward?

Choose a living Christmas tree that is well-suited to your USDA hardiness zone, since it must survive outdoors in your climate after the holidays. Keep the tree indoors for no more than 7 to 10 days, as the warm interior air can cause it to break dormancy and struggle when moved back outside. Water it consistently to keep the root ball moist, and place it in the coolest, brightest spot available to reduce stress. Before planting outdoors, acclimate the tree gradually by moving it to an unheated garage or porch for several days, then plant it in a prepared hole before the ground freezes.

Which evergreen tree species make the best living Christmas trees for cold, moderate, or warm climates?

The best living Christmas trees vary by region, with Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir thriving in colder climates, Douglas Fir performing beautifully in the Rocky Mountain regions, and Noble Fir being the top choice for the Pacific Northwest. In warmer southwestern areas, Junipers are a practical and attractive alternative that can handle the climate. Fraser Fir is widely considered the gold standard overall, prized for its sturdy branches, short half-inch to one-inch needles, and excellent needle retention throughout the holiday season. Visit naturehills.com to browse species suited to your specific growing zone and find the right living Christmas tree for your home and landscape.

How do I match a living Christmas tree to my USDA hardiness zone so it survives long term in my yard?

Matching a living Christmas tree to your USDA hardiness zone is essential for long-term success, so start by identifying your zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map before purchasing. Fraser Firs thrive in zones 4-7 and are well suited to the Carolinas and similar climates, while Noble Firs perform best in the Pacific Northwest and Douglas Firs are ideal for Rocky Mountain regions in zones 4-6. Junipers are a smart choice for warmer southwestern yards in zones 6-9 where other conifers struggle. Visit naturehills.com, filter by your zone, and plan to transition your living tree outdoors within 7-10 days of bringing it inside to minimize transplant stress.

How large will my living Christmas tree grow at maturity, and how much space should I plan for when choosing a planting site?

The mature size of your living Christmas tree will vary significantly by species. Fraser Firs typically reach 30 to 40 feet tall with a 15 to 20 foot spread, Douglas Firs can grow 40 to 70 feet tall, and Balsam Firs generally top out around 45 to 75 feet in ideal conditions. When selecting a planting site, choose a location that accommodates the tree's full mature spread, keeps it well away from structures and power lines, and matches the species to your hardiness zone for the best long-term success.

Where should I plant my living Christmas tree in the yard after the holidays, and what conditions does it need to thrive?

After the holidays, transition your living Christmas tree outdoors gradually by placing it in an unheated garage or porch for a week before planting, as sudden temperature changes can stress the roots. Choose a planting site that matches the species requirements: most Christmas trees like Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Balsam Fir prefer full sun, well-drained slightly acidic soil, and enough space to reach their mature spread of 15 to 25 feet or more. Plant as soon as the ground is workable, water deeply at planting, and apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and insulate roots through the remaining winter months.

How long can I safely keep a living Christmas tree indoors before it begins to decline or break dormancy?

Most living Christmas trees should stay indoors for no more than 7 to 10 days to prevent them from breaking dormancy prematurely. Bringing a tree inside too long exposes it to warm, dry indoor air and artificial light, which can trigger new growth that will be damaged when the tree is moved back outside into cold temperatures. Before bringing it indoors, acclimate the tree for a few days in an unheated garage or porch, and do the same when moving it back outside after the holidays. Water it consistently while indoors, keep it away from heat vents and fireplaces, and choose a cool spot in your home to extend its health and ensure a successful transition back to the landscape.

What is the best way to acclimate a living Christmas tree before bringing it inside for the holidays?

Living Christmas trees need a gradual transition to avoid shock from the sudden change in temperature and humidity. Start by moving the tree from its outdoor location to an unheated garage or sheltered porch for about a week, allowing it to slowly adjust before bringing it into your heated home. Once inside, keep the tree away from heat vents, fireplaces, and sunny windows, and limit its time indoors to no more than 7 to 10 days to preserve its health. Water it consistently during this period, then reverse the process by moving it back to a transitional space before returning it to its permanent outdoor planting site.

How should I transition my living Christmas tree back outdoors after the holiday season to avoid transplant shock?

To minimize transplant shock, avoid keeping your living Christmas tree indoors for more than 7 to 10 days, as the warm interior conditions can prematurely break dormancy. Begin the transition by moving the tree to an unheated garage or sheltered porch for several days, allowing it to gradually re-acclimate to outdoor temperatures before planting. Once outside temperatures are consistently above freezing, plant the tree in a pre-dug hole at the same depth it was growing in its container, water it thoroughly, and apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the root zone to protect against temperature fluctuations.

What container size and soil conditions does a living Christmas tree need to stay healthy before and after the holiday season?

Living Christmas trees do best when planted in a container that allows for 2 to 3 inches of space around the root ball, using a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Keep the tree indoors for no more than 7 to 10 days to avoid triggering premature growth, and water consistently to keep the root zone moist but never waterlogged. After the holidays, transition the tree gradually back to outdoor temperatures by placing it in a sheltered garage or porch for a few days before planting it in its permanent landscape location.

Can I buy a living evergreen Christmas tree online, and what should I look for to make sure it arrives healthy and ready to display?

Yes, Nature Hills Nursery offers a wide selection of living evergreen Christmas trees that can be shipped directly to your door, including Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, and Douglas Fir. When ordering, look for trees with short, firmly attached needles, typically ranging from half an inch to one and a half inches depending on the variety, as tight needle retention is the best indicator of a healthy, long-lasting tree. Fraser Fir is an especially reliable choice because its needles hold exceptionally well even as the season winds down and its sturdy branches can support heavier ornaments. Order early in the season to allow time for shipping and acclimation, and once your tree arrives, make a fresh cut at the base and place it in water immediately to maximize freshness throughout the holidays.

Choosing The Right Living Christmas Tree For Your Home!