Fraser Fir, The Number One Selling Christmas Tree

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Each year more than 25 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States. Every buyer seems to have their favorite, but overall the Fraser fir is the best-selling evergreen for the Christmas season.

This holiday favorite is native to higher elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

The flattened blue-green needles won’t pierce when touched. Their undersides have two silvery white bands, creating additional interest. This along with the full upturned branches, pleasant fragrance, perfect form and long needle retention has led to its popularity.

It’s northern cousin the balsam fir is found in cooler climates with moist soil conditions. Its dark green needles, pleasant fragrance and long needle retention have made it a popular Christmas tree for decades. It now ranks third in popularity after Frasier and Douglas firs.

A bit more information: The number two selling Christmas tree is the Douglas fir. It’s not a true fir, but it has some similar characteristics to a true fir. The needles are soft and blue green with a pleasant fragrance. Select a fresh tree, recut the stem before setting it in the stand and keep it looking good throughout the holidays by keeping the stand filled with water.

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