Decorating a live Christmas tree is traditional in many homes. Many different species of evergreen trees are sold at tree lots near you. Frazier Fir (Abies fraseri) is the most popular Christmas tree in the southeastern U.S.

Named for Scottish botanist John Fraser (1750-1811), it makes its home in the higher mountainous elevations of Tennessee, North Carolina and southwest Virginia. Fraser fir is now produced in northern areas of the U.S. and Canada. Growers ship trees hundreds of miles to tree lots where you live.

Fraser Fir offers a nearly perfect pyramidal tree form, glossy dark green needles, and exceptionally good needle retention. Needles are soft and emit a pleasant evergreen aroma inside the home. Fraser fir is the only fir species endemic to the Southern Appalachian mountain range and grows best above 3000 feet elevation. The mountain climate, soil, and rainfall nurture it for 7-8 years before it is harvested and shipped to a tree lot where you live.

Other tree species grown for holiday trees include balsam fir, Douglas fir, noble fir, Norway spruce, white pine, and white spruce. Leyland cypress is catching on in the deep South. In very traditional homes the red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is harvested from farmland and woodlots (occasionally from roadsides).

Whatever the tree species you choose, the cut tree should have long needle retention, so that needles don’t wind up all over the carpet before New Year’s Day. Buy a fresh tree, re-cut the butt end another 4-6 inches, set in the tree stand, and water with warm tap water. Check the water level daily and add more as needed.

Happy Holidays!