Christmas Tree Types: Noble, Douglas, Fraser, Grand, Nordmann and Spruce Compared

Barb Bacon, Bacon's Christmas Tree Farm

Every year we get some version of the same question at Santa's Workshop: "Which type of Christmas tree is a good one?" Honestly, there isn't a wrong answer, it depends on what you're after. Here's how I'd walk you through it if you were standing in front of me at the counter.

Types of Christmas Trees on Our Farm

Noble Fir

Noble is the one I point families toward when they've got a lot of ornaments, especially heavier, handmade, or breakable ones. The branches are stiff and evenly spaced, so they hold weight without drooping. Needles are a soft blue-green, and this variety holds onto its needles about as well as anything on the farm. Mild fragrance, strong structure. It's also our most popular variety for wreaths and garland, for the same reason.

Douglas Fir

Douglas is the tree most people picture when they think "Christmas tree," full, conical, dense from top to bottom. The needles are soft (kids and pets will thank you) and the fragrance is what I'd call the classic Christmas tree smell, sweet and a little citrusy. Branches are a bit more flexible than Noble, so it's better suited to lighter ornaments and lots of lights woven through.

Grand Fir

If fragrance is your top priority, Grand Fir is the one to grab. The needles release a strong citrus scent when brushed, so this tree will fill a room. Glossy dark green needles, soft to the touch, with a nicely tapered natural shape.

Nordmann Fir

Nordmann is our best option for households that don't want to be vacuuming needles every other day. Needle retention is excellent, even after weeks indoors. Fragrance is lighter than Grand or Douglas, which also makes it a good pick if anyone in the house is sensitive to strong pine scent. Dark, glossy needles with a slightly silvery underside.

Fraser Fir

Fraser is a close cousin to Balsam, compact and a little more open between the branches, which actually makes ornament hanging easier since you can see more of each piece. Branches turn slightly upward, good for lighter to mid-weight ornaments. Excellent needle retention and a pleasant, mild scent.

Spruce

Spruce gives you that classic, symmetrical Christmas tree silhouette with a strong pine fragrance. Branches are stiff, similar to Noble, good for holding ornaments. One thing to know: needles on Spruce are a bit sharper than on the firs, so if you've got little ones decorating the lower branches, work gloves aren't a bad idea. Spruce also tends to be a bit more sensitive to drying out than the firs, so keep the water topped off.

Quick Comparison

Variety	Needle Retention	Fragrance	Branch Strength	Best For
Noble Fir	Excellent	Mild	Very sturdy	Heavy ornaments, wreaths
Douglas Fir	Very good	Sweet, classic	Moderate	Full, traditional look
Grand Fir	Good	Strong, citrusy	Moderate	Fragrance lovers
Nordmann Fir	Excellent	Light	Sturdy	Low needle drop, scent-sensitive homes
Fraser Fir	Excellent	Mild	Moderate	Easy ornament access
Spruce	Good (needs water)	Strong pine	Very sturdy	Classic shape, heavy ornaments

Not sure which is right for your space after reading all this? Come find me or one of the team at Santa's Workshop when you visit, we're happy to walk the rows with you. Ready to pick yours? See current pricing and this year's hours on our Choose-n-Cut page.