| The
Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) |
 | The
most commonly available of the firs, more difficult to grow than the Norway Spruce
and from original Turkish or Russian stock. The Russian seeds produce a
fuller tree, darker in colour with heavier leaf. The Danes have produced
a seed stock of their own which is also interesting. As many growers have
invested heavily in the Nordman, prices are beginning to fall, although top quality
trees will continue to command a premium price. The Nordman fir has excellent
needle retention qualities. |
| The Norway Spruce
(Picea Abies) |
 | The
traditional Norway Spruce. Increasingly these are now shaped to provide a fuller
more uniform tree. The needle retention of the Picea (Spruce) genus is less
favorable to that of the Abies genus (Firs). The factors improving needle
retention are a wet growing season, selection of suitable strain, and slow drying
out period, keeping the base of the tree moist and the tree away from the radiator.
These factors are more important than the actual freshness of the tree, because
the tree is dormant in the Winter. |
|
Noble Fir (Abies Noblilis) |
 | Probably
the foremost Christmas tree in its perfect form. The most difficult to grow
and more expensive than the Nordman unless you are prepared to accept a number
of less than perfect trees with a load. Growth in these trees is more uniform
than the Nordman and many trees tend to be more open on top. They
have excellent needle retention and brings a pleasant fragrance into the home. |
| Scots
Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) |
 | Of
more bush like appearance, usually shaped and of long blue/green coloured needles,
resinous often with white tips to branches. The best needle retention qualities
but old yellow needles are sometimes trapped in tree from shedding in summer,
so must be shaken well, some growers have mechanised shakers used before loading.
Traditionally this tree is more widely sold in the North West. |
| Lodgepole
Pine (Pinus Contorta) |
 | Lodgepole
Pine is plantation grown and nurtured using modern techniques to produce a full
tree with its own unique charm. It has excellent needle retention and a fresh
green colour. Pine is a suitable choice for any home. More branches and shorter
more numerous green needles than the Scots Pine otherwise it has similar properties. |
| Fraser
Fir (Abies Fraseri) |
 | Brought
from the USA, similar but lighter in foliage than the Nordman fir, and is more
easily shaped in growing. Excellent needle retention qualities. we
have supplied many thousands of these plants for growing in the UK. As they
are a new species here, supplies of larger trees command the premium price.
Of increasing importance for the future but unlikely to supersede the Nordman.
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