Among the most popular Christmas trees, balsam fir has dark green needles and good needle retention.
Strong, well-spaced branches hold even the heaviestornamentsand produce a nicely shaped crown.
The needles are green to blue-green on top with silver undersides, giving it a frosty appearance.
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Its branches aren’t as strong as the other firs', so lighter-weight ornaments suit it better.
But its biggest draw is its fresh, citrusy fragrance.
Its perfect pyramid form and crisp fragrance provide a miniature version of the quintessential Christmas tree.
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Leyland cypress has bright green foliage and doesn’t drop needles like other trees.
On the downside, even though this tree has good form, its branches can’t hold heavy ornaments.
The white pine’s blue-green needles grow 3 to 5 inches long and have good retention.
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This species also has little aroma, which is ideal for allergy sufferers.
Its branches are not as strong as firs', so decorating with heavy ornaments isnotrecommended.
It also grows very tall and is commonly used to decorate two-story entryways or rooms with cathedral ceilings.
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Due to its excellent needle retention, noble fir branches are commonly used forwreaths, swags, and garlands.
It also has the grand fragrance of a traditional Christmas tree but with strong citrusy notes.
Traditional and classic, it’s chosen for itsweeping pendulous shapeand bright green, bristle-brush needles.
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Once cut, the Norway spruce needs consistent wateringat least dailyto keep it looking fresh and deter needle drop.
Nevertheless, itisnative to the Eastern U.S. and makes for a unique-looking Christmas tree.
Eastern red cedars have scalelike, pliable leaves and flexible twigs that make holding ornaments problematic.
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But the popularity of this Asian native as a Christmas tree is growing.
For an even bluer hue, look for this tree pop in’s corkbark variety.
Not known for producing a strong scent, the Arizona cypress is equally suitable for minimalist decorators and maximalists.
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As you might guess, you’re more likely to find this tree throw in in the South.
Also, they don’t readily shed their needles, so a daily cleanup isn’t required.
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Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), close-up, autumn.(Philip Nealey/Getty Images)
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