Which Christmas tree is for me?

If you're like me you love all of the aspects of holiday decorating and that of course means going and cutting down your own tree! If you are also like me you - you can happily mix up 2 or 3 different tree types and think they are the exact same...as long as the tree is lush and full and basically perfection; you're good to go!

This year I thought I would approach my tree harvest a bit differently. I thought I'd get a little background information on the different types of popular Christmas trees and their attributes. In a household with dogs (as I'm sure many of you have....and likely children) I'm sure you can appreciate that ornaments go missing, needles make homes in nearly every crevice of your living space (leaving festive fun surprises for months to come!) and having water in the open just begs for a dog to drink from the Gin flavoured water bowl.

I thought it might be helpful to know which tree can provide you with the most longevity, sturdy limbs for hanging, and requires little to no maintenance until the holiday season comes to a close. Follow along through my tree by tree briefing and see what' the best pick for you and your family!

White Spruce: If you're optimistically hoping this is a white tree - it's not! The White Spruce has a

dense foliage to it that helps create balanced proportions throughout the tree. The White Spruce is thirsty however and requires a steady intake of water to retain it's needles which are 2cm in length, curved and possess a great dark green hue. The dense limbs are this spruce make hanging worry free!

Scotch Pine: Although this is the stereotypical Canadian Christmas tree, it's home is not even in North America. The Scotch Pine comes from Europe and Asia. This tree is a thick, hardy pine that will hold it's needles very well over the holidays and uses minimal water. (Although always put water in the tree stand to ensure the tree can drink if/when it needs to) The colours can vary on the Scotch Pine from a blue-green to a blue-yellow. The tree possesses needles that are usually grouped together and about 8cm long.

Balsam Fir: This is a primarily Canadian based tree - stretching from Alberta to Newfoundland. The Balsam holds it's needles well and for longer periods of time - making it ideal for decorating. The needles are 2cm thick with a rounded tip and a glossy green colour. However, the needles are flat as opposed to round and are most suitable to withhold the weight of lighter ornaments and decorations.

White Pine: The White Pine is a simply stunning and almost preferred tree when it comes to the overall desired look individuals would like to achieve. It's 5-12cm long needles are long and flexible but can be difficult to hang ornaments on effectively. Perhaps introducing White Pine branches in other decor areas of your home would be the best way to introduce this species.

Fraser Fir: This exotic species has become one of Canada's favourite Christmas trees! The Fraser's lower branches grow in two opposing directions while the upper branches curve upward almost forming a "U". These trees possess a beautiful blue-green colour and omit a true Christmas tree smell. It is the combination of these items that make it so highly sought after but with a longer growing cycle then other trees you've seen listed above - there's also a higher price tag on this beauty to...fair warning.

With the exception of a few species this about sums up the list of Christmas tree's to be found in Ontario and a few of their attributes. Which tree will you be on the hunt for this holiday season?!