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The Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana)
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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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