Fraser Fir, a favorite Christmas tree pick
If you are looking for the most popular, favorite and celebrated Christmas tree in the United States of America the Fraser Fir would be at the very top of the list. It was named after the Scottish botanist,John Fraser(1750 - 1811). Much of his work was done while he was hiking through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This is the natural home for many Fraser Firs. They grow above the 3000 mark in elevation and the climate in that area is perfect for the successful growth of this tree.
There are number of things that make the Fraser Fir an excellent choice for a Christmas tree. Even in nature, without any pruning, Fraser Firs typically keep a nice cone shape that most tree buyers are looking for. They can reach a height of about 7 feet, which makes them a good tree for farmers.
So what makes the Fraser Fir the King of the Christmas trees? It could be the needles on the tree. The needles of the Fraser are unique in a couple of ways. They are flat and thin needles. They are more soft than stiff and pokey. The needles are dark green on the top and silver on the underside. Since the branches of the fir tend to grow upward, there is enough silver showing to give the tree a natural shimmer. The branches are heavy enough to hold any ornament. The tree holds its aroma well. What's the point of having a real cut tree if it doesn't smell good?
One of the most important things to discuss when you are buying a Fraser Fir Christmas tree is where it came from; when was it cut and how did it get here? If the tree came from a location that is far away from where you live was ittransportedin a refrigerated truck? While very fresh is best, if it had to be transported, was it kept cool? How often are the trees in the lot shaken and moved around?
The last question lets the salesperson know that you expect quality. You will be looking for piles of needles and if they are abundant you will simply go to another lot. Also take the time to ask the person to tell you about the trees and how to care for them. If they give accurate answers like the tree needs a quart ofwatera day, the tree needs a thin crosscut before it is put in the stand and you want to wait a day for the branches to fall before you decorate it is a good sign that at least they learned the right sales pitch.
Stand back and look at the tree. Make sure you can either walk around the whole tree or there is someone there willing to turn it. You can spot any disease, drying or problems only if you look at the whole tree.
Now, this is a very important step and you not feel silly doing it. If the tree is very dry and old the only way you will find out is to give it a good shake. If needles come falling off, move on to the next tree. If it keeps happening move on to the next lot.
The Fraser Fir is not the only choice for a tree, but most agree, it is probably the best.
