The Top 5 Most Popular Types of Real Christmas Trees in the UK: Find the Perfect Tree for Your Home

The festive season wouldn't be the same without the presence of a beautiful and fragrant real Christmas tree in your home. The UK is home to a variety of tree species that make stunning holiday centrepieces. To help you choose the right one for your home, we've compiled a list of the top 5 most popular types of real Christmas trees in the UK. Among these popular choices, the Nordmann Fir stands out as a favourite for many families due to its exceptional needle retention and beautiful appearance.

1. Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)

The Nordmann Fir has become the most popular choice for a real Christmas tree in the UK, thanks to its impressive needle retention, symmetrical shape, and glossy dark green needles. This tree's soft and wide needles make it a safe choice for households with children and pets.

• Appearance: The Nordmann Fir boasts a pyramid shape and dense branches, providing ample space to hang ornaments and decorations. Its glossy dark green needles have a silvery underside, adding an extra touch of elegance to your tree.

• Needle Retention: One of the most significant selling points of the Nordmann Fir is its outstanding needle retention. This tree is less likely to shed needles, even when it begins to dry out, making it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their tree looking fresh throughout the festive season.

• Fragrance: The Nordmann Fir has a mild, subtle fragrance that won't overpower your home but will still add a gentle hint of the festive season.

• Price: Due to its high demand, the Nordmann Fir tends to be more expensive than other Christmas tree varieties. However, its durability and beauty make it well worth the investment.
  

2. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

The Norway Spruce is a classic choice for a real Christmas tree in the UK, often associated with traditional Victorian Christmas celebrations. This tree's sharp needles and strong fragrance make it a favourite among those who appreciate a more traditional tree.

• Appearance: The Norway Spruce has a classic triangular shape with thin, spiky branches. Its needles are short, sharp, and dark green in colour.

• Needle Retention: The Norway Spruce has a lower needle retention rate than the Nordmann Fir, making it essential to keep the tree well-watered and away from direct heat sources.

• Fragrance: One of the main reasons people choose the Norway Spruce is its strong, distinctive fragrance that fills the room with the scent of the festive season.

• Price: The Norway Spruce is generally more affordable, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious families.

3. Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)

The Fraser Fir is a lesser-known but increasingly popular choice for a real Christmas tree in the UK. Its compact size and excellent needle retention make it a fantastic option for smaller spaces.

• Appearance: The Fraser Fir has a slimmer profile and a more compact shape. Its needles are short, soft, and dark green with a silver underside.

• Needle Retention: Like the Nordmann Fir, the Fraser Fir has excellent needle retention, ensuring your tree remains looking fresh throughout the festive season.

• Fragrance: The Fraser Fir has a pleasant, mild fragrance that won't overpower your home.

• Price: The Fraser Fir is typically priced between the Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce, offering a balance between affordability and quality.

4. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

The Scots Pine is a native UK species and a popular choice for a real Christmas tree due to its striking appearance and strong fragrance.

• Appearance: The Scots Pine has a distinctive look, with long, twisted needles that are a bright green colour. Its branches are strong and sturdy, making it ideal for holding heavier ornaments and decorations.

• Needle Retention: The Scots Pine has good needle retention, with its needles staying on the tree for a relatively long time compared to other varieties.

• Fragrance: The Scots Pine has a strong, refreshing pine scent that fills your home with a festive atmosphere.

• Price: The Scots Pine is generally more affordable, making it a popular choice for those on a tighter budget.

• Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

• The Blue Spruce is a unique choice for a real Christmas tree in the UK, known for its striking blue-grey needles and symmetrical shape. Its excellent needle retention and strong branches make it a popular alternative to the more traditional tree varieties.

• Appearance: The Blue Spruce has a beautiful pyramid shape with dense, horizontal branches. Its most distinguishing feature is its blue-grey needles, which create a frosty, wintery appearance.

• Needle Retention: The Blue Spruce has excellent needle retention, similar to the Nordmann Fir, ensuring your tree stays looking fresh throughout the holiday season.

• Fragrance: The Blue Spruce has a mild, pleasant fragrance that adds a gentle touch of the festive spirit to your home.

• Price: The Blue Spruce is generally more expensive than the Norway Spruce but less expensive than the Nordmann Fir, making it a mid-range option for those looking for a unique tree.

 

Choosing the perfect real Christmas tree for your home is a delightful task that involves considering your personal preferences, the available space in your home, and your budget. The Nordmann Fir has emerged as the most sought-after choice among UK households, thanks to its exceptional needle retention, stunning appearance, and child-friendly soft needles. However, each of the top tree varieties available in the market offers a unique charm and a set of characteristics that cater to various tastes, ensuring there is an ideal tree for every home.

As you embark on your journey to find the perfect tree, you may find yourself drawn to the traditional fragrance of the Norway Spruce, evoking memories of Christmases gone by. Alternatively, you may appreciate the Fraser Fir, whose compact size and elegant form make it a wonderful choice for smaller spaces or minimalist holiday decorations. For those looking for a touch of local heritage, the native Scots Pine serves as a proud reminder of the UK's rich natural landscape. Its robust branches and refreshing pine scent create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any home.

On the other hand, the frosty elegance of the Blue Spruce offers a unique and eye-catching centrepiece for your festive celebrations. Its blue-grey needles give it a distinctive wintery look that is sure to make a statement in any room.

Whichever tree variety you select for your home, it is important to remember the essential care practices that will keep your tree fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season. Regularly watering your tree and keeping it away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, will help maintain its beauty and charm for weeks to come. By choosing the right tree and providing it with the proper care, you'll be able to create a warm and festive atmosphere that brings joy and cheer to your home during this magical time of year.

If you're in need of a beautiful real Christmas tree delivered to a location in London (within M25), whether this be a Nordmann Fir or Fraser Fir, please feel free to reach out to us at Creekside Christmas!