Picking Your Real Christmas Tree: Which Is Best For You

There’s something special about bringing a real Christmas tree into your home. The fresh evergreen scent, the natural shape and the familiar ritual of decorating the branches all help make Christmas feel that little bit closer.

But when it comes to choosing the right real Christmas tree, there’s more to consider than its height. Different types of real Christmas trees have different needle retention, fragrances, shapes and care requirements. Some are perfect for a traditional Christmas, while others are better suited to busy households that would rather spend less time sweeping up fallen needles.

What are different types of real Christmas trees?

The most common types of real Christmas trees in the UK include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Frazer Fir. Each has its own characteristics, so the best choice depends on what matters most to you.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Needle retention and fragrance can vary with freshness, indoor temperature and watering. Even the best Christmas tree needs a little care to stay looking its best.

Nordmann Fir: the popular all rounder

If you’re looking for a real Christmas that holds onto its needles well, the Nordmann Fir is an excellent choice.

Known for its rich green foliage and naturally symmetrical shapes, it’s one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties in the UK. Its soft, glossy needles are comfortable to handle when decorating, while its strong, spreading branches create a lovely backdrop for baubles, lights and other favourite decorations.

Why choose a Nordmann Fir?

• Excellent needle retention when properly cared for.

• Soft, dark green needles with attractive pale undersides.

• A full balanced shape that works well in most living rooms.

• Strong branches that can support a good selection of decorations.

The Nordmann Fir has a gentler fragrance than some traditional spruce varieties, so it may be less suited to those who want a strong evergreen scent to fill the room.

Value, Premium or Slimline Nordmann Fir

At Almondsbury, there are different Nordmann Fir options to conside

Value Nordmann Fir: a great option if you’re looking for the familiar look and reliable needle retention of a Nordmann Fir while keeping an eye on your budget.

Premium Nordmann Classic: A traditional choice if you’re looking for a classic Christmas tree shape to take centre stage in your living room.

Slimline Nordmann Fir: Ideal if floor space is limited but you still want the height and impact of a real Christmas tree. Its narrower shape can work particularly well in smaller living rooms, hallways or corners.

The key difference between these options is the style and size of the tree rather than the underlying variety. Check the available product sizes to find the best fit for your home.

Fraser Fir: a beautifully shaped, fragrant tree

The Fraser Fir is another lovely option if you’re comparing different types of real Christmas trees.

It has a naturally neat shape, dense foliage and attracted green needles with silvery undersides. Its branches tend to angle slightly upwards, giving it a distinctive appearance and making it a lovely choice for displaying your favorite decorations.

Fraser Firs are also known for their pleasant evergreen fragrance and good needle retention, making them a strong alternative to the Nordmann Fir.

Why choose a Fraser Fir?

• A fresh, distinctive evergreen fragrance.

• Good needle retention with the right care.

• A naturally neat shape that looks beautiful dressed for Christmas.

• Attractive branches that suit a range of decorating styles.

A premier cut Fraser Fir is worth considering if you want a real tree with a lovely fragrance and a slightly different appearance from the classic Nordmann.

Is a Fraser Fir better than a Nordmann Fir?

Neither variety is automatically better. It comes down to the features you value most.

If keeping fallen needles to a minimum is your main priority, a Nordmann Fir is a reliable choice. If you want a fragrant tree with an attractive, naturally defined shape, a Fraser Fir could be the better fit.

Both can look wonderful in your home, provided they’re fresh when purchased and watered properly.

Norway Spruce: the traditional Christmas tree

For many people, the Norway Spruce is the tree that brings back Christmas memories.

Its traditional shape and distinctive evergreen fragrance give it plenty of nostalgic appeal. If you love the smell of a real Christmas tree and want to recreate that familiar festive atmosphere, the Norway Spruce is well worth considering.

However, it does have one important difference: its needles tend to drop more quickly than those of a Nordmann Fir, particularly in warm indoor conditions.

Why choose a Norway Spruce?

• A wonderfully traditional Christmas tree appearance.

• A stronger, classic spruce fragrance.

• A natural shape that suits traditional decorations.

• A lovely option for anyone who enjoys the familiar character of a real tree.

Is a Norway Spruce right for you?

If scent and tradition are top of your Christmas tree wish list, the Norway Spruce could be just what you’re looking for.

If you’re planning to put your tree up in early November and want it to look fresh well into January, a Nordmann Fir may be a more practical option.

Our pot grown Norway Spruce is also worth considering if you’d like a smaller living tree for a seasonal display.

Pot grown Christmas trees: a living alternative

Not every home needs a large cut Christmas tree. A pot grown tree offers a different way to enjoy a real tree during the festive season, particularly if you have limited space or would like greenery for your porch, patio or garden.

Unlike a cut tree, a pot grown tree is supplied with its roots and growing medium, making it a living plant that can potentially continue growing after Christmas.

It’s important to know that pot grown and container grown trees aren't always the same. Some have been grown in their pots, while others have been lifted from the ground and placed into containers. This can affect how well they establish afterwards, so check the details of the individual tree.

Why choose a pot grown tree?

• A good option for smaller homes, offices and cosy corners.

• Can be displayed outdoors as well as brought inside for a short festive period.

• May be planted in the garden after Christmas if it remains healthy and established successfully.

• Offers the possibility of enjoying a living tree beyond the festive season.

A pot gown tree is guaranteed to survive and thrive for years after Christmas. Its success depends on the condition of its roots, how long it spends indoors, watering and its growing conditions afterwards.

How to look after a pot grown Christmas tree

Living trees need a little more thought than simply placing them in a stand and decorating them.

Keep it cool: choose a cool room away from radiators, fires and other heat sources. A bright, sheltered outdoor position is generally preferable when the tree isn’t being displayed indoors.

Bring it indoors as late as possible: a short stay inside helps reduce stress. Aim for around a week or less where practical, and avoid keeping a living tree indoors for longer than about 12 days.

Water carefully: keep the soil slightly moist, but never leave the roots sitting in waterlogged compost.

Return it outdoors gradually: after Christmas, move the tree back outside, ideally allowing it to adjust in a sheltered position before returning it to its usual spot.

Plan for its future: if you want to keep your tree, check whether it can be planted in the garden or grown in a larger container. Remember that most Christmas tree varieties can eventually grow very large.

Which is the best type of real Christmas tree?

The best real Christmas tree is the one that suits your home, budget and Christmas traditions.

If you’re still deciding, these simple guidelines can help.

Choose a Nordmann Fir if you want a classic, full tree with excellent needle retention and soft foliage.

Choose a Fraser Fir if you love a fresh evergreen fragrance and a naturally neat shape.

Choose a Norway Spruce if you prefer a traditional tree with a distinctive scent and don't mind giving it extra attention.

Choose a Slimline Nordmann Fir if you want a taller tree without taking up as much floor space.

Choose a pot grown tree if you’d like a smaller living tree for a seasonal display, with the possibility of growing it on after Christmas.

Before buying, measure the height of your ceiling and the space available for the tree. Remember to leave room for a tree topper, a suitable stand and presents underneath.

How long will a real Christmas tree last?

How long a real Christmas tree lasts depends on the variety, how fresh it is when you buy it and how well you look after it.

As a general guide, a well cared for cut Christmas tree can last around four weeks indoors. Nordmann and Fraser Firs usually hold onto their needles better than Norway Spruce, although warm rooms and insufficient water can shorten their display life.

To help your tree stay fresh for longer:

• Choose a fresh tree with healthy looking, firmly attached needles.

• Keep it away from radiators, fireplaces and direct heat.

• If possible, saw around 2.5cm off the base of the trunch before placing it in water.

• Use a suitable stand with a water reservoir.

• Check the water level every day and top it up as needed.

• Avoid placing the tree in direct sunlight or beside other heat sources.

A cut tree needs a continuous supply of water, so don’t allow the reservoir to run dry. If you’re buying early, think about your preferred decorating date and choose a variety that suits how long you want to display it.

How long do you let a real Christmas tree sit before decorating?

If your tree arrives wrapped in netting, allow it a few hours to settle after removing the netting. This gives the branches time to relax into their natural shape before you start decorating.

If possible, let the tree settle in a cool area while you prepare its stand. For a cut tree, trim the base of the trunk and place it in water as soon as possible rather than leaving it standing dry for hours.

Once the branches have opened out, you can add your lights and decorations.

Choosing a real Christmas tree is part of the excitement of getting ready for Christmas. Whether you love the traditional fragrance of a Norway Spruce, the soft foliage of a Nordmann Fir or the distinctive shape of Fraser Fir, there’s a tree to suit different homes and decorating styles.

Find your perfect Christmas tree at Almondsbury and make it the centrepiece of your festive celebrations.

Frequently asked questions about real Christmas trees

What is the most popular type of Christmas tree in the UK?

The Nordmann Fir is one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties in the UK. Its soft needles, attractive dark green foliage and excellent needle retention make it a practical choice for many households.

Do Nordmann Fir trees drop needles?

Yes. Although Nordmann Firs are known for excellent needle retention, they can still lose needles, particularly if they dry out or are kept in a warm room. Regular watering and positioning the tree away from heat sources will help it stay fresher for longer.

Is a Nordmann Fir a good Christmas tree?

Yes. A Nordmann Fir is an excellent all round choice if you want a traditional looking tree with soft foliage and good needle retention. It is particularly suitable for households that want to minimise the amount of needle clearing during the festive season.

Which is better, Fraser Fir or Nordmann Fir?

A Nordmann Fir is a good choice if needle retention is your main priority, while a Fraser Fir is particularly appealing if you want a pleasant evergreen fragrance and a naturally neat shape. Both are excellent options, so your preference for scent, shape and appearance should guide your decision.

How do you look after a real potted Christmas tree?

Keep the tree in a cool position, water it carefully and limit the time it spends in a heated room. After Christmas, return it outdoors and consider planting it in the garden or growing it in a suitable container.

When should you buy a real Christmas tree?

The ideal time depends on the variety and when you want to decorate. Nordmann and Fraser Fir are generally good choices if you want your tree to last through much of the festive season. Norway Spruce is usually best bought closer to Christmas because it tends to drop its needles more quickly indoors.