Some say that artificial Christmas trees have become a work of art, largely because of how they are crafted to resemble genuine Christmas trees. In the southeast, what began as a tradition of finding the perfect Christmas trees with family and friends has turned into a quest for buying the best-looking artificial trees.

It is very interesting how these artificial trees can resemble actual trees, down to the details like the tiny needles of spruces, firs and pines. Makers of artificial Christmas trees mold each needle and branch, which are made from plastic polymers. These molds are modeled after species of trees typically grown for Christmas use. While artificial trees allow a Southerner to have a New England tree, many folks like to have Christmas trees that are native to their region – artificial or real. Here is the information for the Christmas trees of southeastern America.

Types of Christmas Trees from the South

There are many common types of trees after which artificial Christmas trees are modeled. One of the Southern species made into Christmas trees is the Fraser Fir.

Fraser Fir. The Fraser fir is similar to Balsam fir, although the Fraser is native to the South. Its fir needles are dark green and ½-1 inch long; as natural trees, they ship well. The Fraser fir has excellent needle retention, and come with a nice scent that contributes to the Christmas ambiance. It can naturally grow in places that are above 5,000 feet, which is why people call it the southern extension of the Balsam fir. This tree was named after Scot botanist John Fraser, who in the late 1700’s explored the southern Appalachians. It is also one of the most popularly mimicked for artificial Christmas trees.

Eastern Red Cedar. Another type of Christmas tree found in the south is the Eastern Red Cedar, or ERC. The needles of the Eastern Red Cedar give off a nice aroma, although they may be sharp and prickly to the touch. The ERC, which has dark, shiny green needles, is considered as a traditional Christmas tree of the South. Its branches are light but compact and when it is still young, it already forms a pyramidal crown.

The Virginia Pine. The Virginia Pine is available at some tree farms in the southeastern US, even though oftentimes its winter color is faded. An alternative to the Scotch pine from the North, the Virginia Pine can subsist in warm areas and has foliage that comes in gray to dark green and has fat limbs with woody branches. Although it recently come into use as a Christmas tree, the Virginia Pine has become one of the most purchased Christmas trees in Southeastern US. One important reminder about the Virginia Pine is that it has to be mechanically formed to be shaped well. Southerners who love the look of the Virginia Pine but want an artificial tree should choose the Scotch Pine artificial Christmas tree.

Although tree picking is a tradition that still continues to this day, artificial Christmas trees have become more and more popular because of their convenience. Technology helps manufacturers to create trees based on real tree species, which translates into a realistic-looking artificial Christmas tree for the homeowner. Manufacturers now offer a variety of artificial trees in pines, firs, and spruces, allowing Southern homeowners to choose a tree native to their area. Whether you are purchasing an artificial or a real one, the Christmas tree will always be part of the holiday traditions.