What is the difference between Fraser fir and balsam fir?

The main difference between the Fraser fir and the balsam fir is the construction of their pinecones. The bracts, specialized leaves associated with the tree's reproduction, are longer than the scales on a Fraser fir pinecone, which makes them curve downward.

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Also, how can you tell the difference between a Fraser fir and a balsam fir?

The best way to tell the difference between Fraser and balsam firs is by looking at the cones. Frasers have bracts--structures that extend over the cone scales--that are longer than the cone scales and are curved. The bracts on balsam firs are shorter than the cone scales.

Furthermore, is a balsam fir a good Christmas tree? Fraser firs may be fantastic trees, but Balsam fir trees are the O.G. Christmas tree for a few reasons. One drawback: The branches are a bit more flexible than the Fraser firs, so keep the ornaments light. Luckily, they retain their splendor, fragrance, and needles arguably just as well.

In respect to this, which is the best real Christmas tree to buy?

The 10 Best Christmas Trees You Can Buy

01 of 10. Fraser Fir. F. D. Richards/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0.
02 of 10. Noble Fir. tasiapix/Flickr/CC BY 2.0.
03 of 10. Colorado Blue Spruce. Ed Ogle/Flickr/CC BY 2.0.
04 of 10. Grand Fir. S.
Balsam Fir. GeoStock/Getty Images.
06 of 10. White Fir (or Concolor Fir)
07 of 10. Eastern White Pine.
08 of 10. Douglas Fir.

Which Christmas tree is better Douglas fir vs Fraser fir?

Douglas firs grow wider (5–6 feet for a 6–7 foot tree) than Fraser firs (3–5 for a 6–7 foot tree). Douglas also have softer needles, and branches, but if you plan on hanging ornaments or lights on the tree, you will probably want a Fraser for its strength.

31 Related Question Answers Found

What does balsam fir look like?

Identification of the Balsam Fir: The Balsam Fir features aromatic foliage and a narrow, pointed, spire-like crown. The needles are flat, about 3/4 long, and dark green in color. The under side of the needle is pale with a few white lines. Balsam Fir bark is thin, gray and smooth, with many resin blisters.

How long will a Fraser fir last?

about five weeks

Does a Fraser fir smell?

And they last a long time — it's not uncommon for these trees to last as long as 6 weeks, and they retain their needles well. After Balsam Fir, Fraser Firs are especially fragrant. It's a popular Christmas tree because it rarely sheds its needles. But they are sharp, so be careful (but they're a good pet deterrent!).

Which is better Balsam vs Fraser?

Fraser firs typically reach heights of 80 feet, while balsam firs are shorter, at 40 to 60 feet. In Christmas tree farms, the Fraser fir matures slightly faster than the balsam. Fraser firs reach six to seven feet in seven to ten years, while balsams reach the same height in nine to ten years.

What does balsam fir smell like?

Balsam fir is one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties sold in New England. They are the first tree I ever loved. I loved their piney smell and soft, rounded needles. Northern balsam fir (Abies balsamea) look a lot like our more common Eastern hemlocks.

Do Nordmann fir trees smell?

In terms of scent, the Nordmann Fir does not produce a strong scent unlike Norway Spruce and Fraser Fir varieties but a fresh, clean, citrus smell can sometimes be detected.

Why do Christmas trees not smell anymore?

Pine, cedar, and hemlock all retain a strong, pleasing smell after they have been cut. A fir or spruce tree may not have as strong a smell or may lose its scent more quickly. In fact, some people strongly dislike the odor of spruce. Less odor is released because the tree has an undamaged trunk and branches.

How do you keep balsam fir fresh?

Here's How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Longer

Choose a healthy Christmas tree.
Trim the trunk (and then trim it again).
Make sure your Christmas tree always has enough water.
Keep it away from heat sources.
Take your tree down before it dries out.

Which Christmas tree has the best smell?

Let's talk about what's most important–the best smelling Christmas tree types! For a classic scent, go for the balsam fir–or really any fir. Or go unique with the white fir, which smells like citrus! Pines are generally fragrant, but avoid those unscented spruce trees!

Are Aldi Christmas trees any good?

Reduced Aldi Christmas trees

Nordmann Firs are famous for their strong needle retention, beautiful fresh scent and big, bushy branches. These qualities make the bargain Aldi trees outstanding value.

When should I buy a Christmas tree?

A fresh-cut, real Christmas tree is generally serviceable from just after Thanksgiving to somewhat after Christmas, if it is truly fresh when set up and then well cared for. If you buy a tree, but don't plan to set it up for a few days or longer, store it in a cool location out of the wind and sun.

How much is a real tree?

The average live evergreen cost $78 last year, which was up $3 (a 4% increase) from the roughly $75-per-tree price tag in 2016 and 2017, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, the official trade organization for the natural Christmas tree industry.

What is the longest lasting Christmas tree?

Longest lasting: The longest-lasting tree (if you take care of it!) is the Fraser Fir.

How can I make my Christmas tree smell stronger?

How to keep your Christmas tree fresh and fragrant through the holidays

Choose a tree with good needle retention.
Get an adequate tree stand.
Make sure your stand can hold enough water.
Trim the base of the trunk.
Check the water level daily.
Place your tree away from sources of heat.
Know when to say goodbye.

How much should I spend on a Christmas tree?

The National Christmas Tree Association said the average cost of a Christmas tree is now up to $75 dollars. Mehrl Mayne started growing trees more than five decades ago.

How do I keep my Christmas tree alive longer?

Make sure to fill the stand immediately after you cut the trunk. But, if you forget, most trees will be ok if you fill the stand within 24 hours. But your Christmas tree will stay fresh longer if you fill it as soon as possible. If you want to make a Christmas tree last longer, just use plain water.

Why is my Christmas tree losing so many needles?

Naturally, your Christmas tree will drop a few needles here and there before the holidays are over. But to prevent massive needle drop, keep your tree hydrated and away from heat and drafts. Your tree stand should always have water in it. Since they produce less heat, there's less chance of them drying out the tree.