Going to the Christmas tree lot can prove overwhelming unless you know your way around the variety of trees there. Knowing what look you want to achieve is a great place to start, said Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow.
- Pines, firs, cypress, cedars and spruces are the typical trees used at holiday time.
- Take into account the scent of the tree, the trees ability to retain needles, and how well it retains its color.
- Balsam, White, Noble and Douglas firs are good bets because they have a softer needle -- so no getting a nasty stab when decorating. You can also see the trunk and network of branches with the fir.
- White and Scotch pine are common and easy to find. But Virginia Pine is best due to the gorgeous water green color, and it has a feathery appearance.
- Want a spruce, like a Colorado or blue spruce? Go with a live variety. You can only have them for a few days and you have to prep a planting hole in your backyard before you bring it home, but it lets the tree leve on through all the holidays to come.
