For The Longest-Lasting Real Christmas Tree, This Is The Variety To Get

For those of us who still prefer to buy a real Christmas tree over the artificial kind, we know the price that must be paid for that decision — needles. That fresh pine smell, the magic of decorating the tree with the family, and ... needles everywhere. For many, stressing over keeping your tree fresh and lively-looking until the holiday season is over is absolutely worth it. Real tree enthusiasts generally have their own methods for maintaining their tree well into January. And maintaining the right amount of water so their Christmas tree doesn't drop its needles is just one tactic. Choosing the right variety of tree to begin with might be the solution to reducing a lot of that holiday stress, as well. At the very least, it will give you one less thing to worry about. Your best bet is to get the long-lasting, moisture and needle-retaining king of Christmas trees, the Fraser fir (Abies fraseri).

One of the biggest reasons people switch to artificial Christmas trees is that they're just easier. Not only are real trees living plants that need to be cared for, but they can also become fire hazards if they aren't properly watered and maintained. While there are about as many types of trees to choose from as there are types of holiday pie flavors, the Fraser fir stands out as a clear winner. The Fraser fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, and it's because of the climate in this region that it adapted to hold and maintain moisture extremely well. This means that for those who like to keep the holiday cheer going past the New Year, you will likely be able to do just that.

Not only will the Fraser fir help keep you from having to vacuum every day, but it also has a lot of other wonderful features that make it the perfect choice for a Christmas tree. It has a lovely silvery cast to its deep green needles. It also has a pine scent with notes of citrus, perfect for filling your home with a wonderful holiday aroma. Fraser firs have the perfect sturdy branches to hold tons of ornaments, as well. In addition to all of this, they are also non-toxic to pets. With proper care, these pines can thrive in your home for up to six weeks, outlasting the Spruce and Scotch pines by over four weeks.

To get the most out of your Fraser fir, you should follow a few tips that will keep your Christmas tree alive throughout the holiday season. Firstly, place your tree in the best location in your home, away from heat sources. You can also set your thermostat to an optimal temperature to help your tree thrive. Of course, remember to maintain the water level in your stand. Also, before you bring your tree into your home, you can trim the trunk a second time to help with water intake. Following these tips will ensure the Fraser fir becomes your favorite Christmas tree variety for years to come.