To achieve the look of realistic Christmas trees, companies create molds that mimic the branches and needles of actual living Christmas trees. Artificial plastic polymers are placed into these molds, which are modeled after various types of trees found in different states. The result: Very real-looking artificial trees that provide the ambiance and look needed for a merry Christmas!

Most artificial trees are modeled after the actual tree produced in a state. Specific species of pines are found all over the Pacific Northwest, especially in tree-growing states that cultivate them, such as Washington and Oregon. Christmas tree species available in these states include the Noble fir, Douglas fir, Grand fir, Fraser fir, Nordmann fir, Norway Spruce and Scotch and White Pines.

Types of Christmas Trees

Douglas Fir – Douglas firs are evergreen Christmas trees that have flat, soft and linear leaves that encircle the branches. The Douglas fir is known by many names, including the Oregon Pine, Oregon Douglas fir, Coast Douglas fir, and Douglas tree. The name Douglas actually comes from David Douglas, the Scottish botanist responsible for introducing these native conifers to Europe.

With a furrowed bark, the Douglas fir has unique 3-forked bracts on the cones that resemble the hind legs and tail of a mouse. Its cones have papery scales and they can grow from 5 to 11 cm long. While young, the cones are green in color, but they turn brown as the tree ages. The Douglas fir’s needles are flat with pointed tips. They are bright yellowish-green in color, but turn paler on the lower surface.

Aside from being used as a Christmas tree, the Douglas fir can be used in heavy duty construction and as fuel, fishing hooks, fish traps, boughs, and floor covering.

Noble Fir – The Noble fir is one of the most popularly grown Christmas trees in the Pacific Northwest because of its traditional look. Resembling the spruce, the Noble Fir has a pleasant mild fir scent. With its soft blue-green needles on equally spaced branches, this Christmas tree can be styled with heavy decorations or embellishments.

The Noble Fir has stiff branches and can be kept longer than most Christmas trees in the market. This tree stands for around 30% of the fresh Christmas trees produced and sold in the Pacific Northwest, making it a leading source of greenery. The Noble Fir can also be used in airplane construction, ladder rail stock, greenery, ornamental planting and landscaping.

The Grand Fir – Also known as Balsam fir, Lowland White fir or Yellow fir, the Grand fir, is an impressive fir exclusively grown in the Coast Ranges and Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. This tree has a glossy dark green color with 1 to 1.5-inch long needles. The Grand fir however may not be able to hold heavier adornments because of how soft the tree is to the touch. The tree also gives off a nice scent – a powerful aroma that is similar to the citrus scent. It is considered as the most fragrant Christmas tree.

The shiny dark green needles of the Grand fir have rounded and notched ends and are assembled as flat sprays that reveal both the lower and upper exteriors of the twig. As a young tree, its grayish-brown bark is smooth with white blisters stuffed with gummy resin. But such quality fades with time as the bark becomes scaly and wrinkled with age.

Nordmann Fir – The Nordmann fir is new in America, but the species has been used as a Christmas tree in Europe and is one of the most popular Christmas tree in Norway and Germany. This tree was grown experimentally in Oregon for the last two decades. As methods of production and seed sources were improved, Oregon was able to grow beautiful trees, leading it to produce the “perfect Christmas tree”.

The Nordmann fir has shiny soft deep green needles that are arranged in even rows on the twig. Since these needles are very durable, the Christmas tree itself can last until January. This tree is also an ideal Christmas tree for those who want to flaunt their heavy and large ornaments.

Choosing the right Christmas tree, whether artificial or real, should depend on your taste and personality as well as how you want to design and embellish it. Christmas trees beautify the home, making them look lovelier and more relaxing, but the real essence of the Christmas tree is tradition and family.