Pine, spruce or fir? Choosing the most beautiful Christmas tree

Tradition dictates that a Christmas tree should be a conifer, as evergreen foliage is a symbol of eternal life, revered since pagan times. Pine, spruce and fir are the species we usually choose for our homes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Spruce, the choice for traditionalists

For many decades, the Norway spruce reigned supreme in Polish homes in December. Widely available on domestic plantations and relatively inexpensive. It also has two further advantages that are hard to resist: a characteristic conical shape and an intoxicating scent of resin. Its relatively thin branches provide plenty of room for decorating, so there will certainly be no shortage of space for baubles and chains.

However, spruce is not perfect. Its biggest drawback is its short lifespan. Once cut, it usually begins shedding needles abundantly after just two weeks, even if placed in water. This is made worse by dry and warm indoor air, which it tolerates particularly poorly. Some people also complain about its sparse structure and sharp needles. Even sharper, but more durable and exceptionally elegant, is the blue spruce, also known as silver spruce because of the beautiful colour of its needles.

Fir, beautiful and long lasting

The popularity of spruces declined with the introduction of Nordmann firs to the market. These exceptionally attractive trees are distinguished by a regular shape, dense branches and long, soft needles in a dark green shade. Most importantly, they are very durable and, with regular refilling of water, will please the eye throughout Advent and long after the holidays.

Compared to spruce, fir has very little aroma and its scent is practically unnoticeable indoors, which for some may spoil the festive atmosphere. It is also not the cheapest option, as most trees are imported from abroad, mainly from Denmark, which generates additional costs. With a budget already burdened by Christmas expenses, this may prove to be an important selection criterion.

Pine surprises with authenticity

Relatively speaking, pine is the least common choice in homes. Its obvious drawback is an irregular shape that does not resemble the characteristic Christmas tree cone. In addition, pine needles are long and the branches stick out in different directions, making decorating more difficult.

However, Scots pine has its own unique charm as a Christmas tree. It is natural, original and has a pleasant resinous scent. It fits perfectly into rustic interiors, where authenticity and a love of nature matter more than catalogue style elegance.

Real or artificial? Cut or potted?

The Christmas dilemma does not end with the choice of species and decorations. An alternative to cut trees are potted Christmas trees, which retain their form much longer and whose purchase is theoretically not associated with cutting down a tree. In fact, many potted trees can later be replanted in a garden or grown on a balcony. Not all of them, however.

Unfortunately, many producers, when transferring trees from plantations to pots, cut the roots so brutally that the trees are unable to survive longer than a few weeks. Temperature changes are also a problem, as plants grown outdoors often cope very poorly with several weeks spent in a heated apartment.

Another option is, of course, an artificial Christmas tree, supported by its durability, the lack of falling needles and long term savings. Unfortunately, as we wrote in Wodne Sprawy a year ago, artificial trees generate a significant ecological footprint and inevitably end up in landfills as yet more plastic waste. In a world weighed down by the growing burden of plastics, this is a decidedly non ecological and irresponsible choice.

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