Which Real Christmas Tree Is Best? A Guide to Christmas Tree Types

Choosing a real Christmas tree is one of the loveliest parts of the festive season - but with several varieties available, how do you know which one is right for your home?

Some trees are known for excellent needle retention, some have an unmistakable Christmas scent, and others are particularly well suited to small rooms or heavier decorations. There is no single “best” Christmas tree: the right choice depends on what matters most to you.

At Rainfords Farm, we grow thousands of real Christmas trees in a range of shapes, sizes and varieties. This guide explains the main advantages and considerations of each tree we sell.

Nordmann Fir: the popular all-rounder

The Nordmann Fir is the UK’s favourite real Christmas tree, and it is easy to understand why. It has a naturally full, symmetrical shape with glossy dark-green foliage.

Advantages of a Nordmann Fir

• Excellent needle retention when watered properly
• Soft, broad needles that are comfortable to decorate
• A full, balanced shape
• A good family choice for homes with young children

Things to consider

Its scent is lighter than that of a Norway Spruce or Balsam Fir. Its dense, wide shape also deserves a little extra floor space.

Best for: families, early decorators and anyone who wants reliable needle retention.

Norway Spruce: the traditional Christmas tree

The Norway Spruce is the classic tree many people remember from childhood. Its traditional outline, finer foliage and rich forest scent create an unmistakably festive atmosphere.

Advantages of a Norway Spruce

• A strong, traditional Christmas tree fragrance
• The classic shape associated with Christmas
• Fine branches that look beautiful with lighter decorations

Things to consider

Norway Spruce naturally sheds more needles than fir varieties. It performs best when bought closer to Christmas, placed away from heat and kept consistently watered. The needles can also be pretty sharp too, so little hands may not appreciate it.

Best for: traditionalists and anyone who puts festive fragrance first.

Fraser Fir: compact, fragrant and decoration-friendly

The Fraser Fir has dense blue-green foliage, a pleasant scent and strong branches. Its naturally narrower profile often fits beautifully into smaller rooms.

Advantages of a Fraser Fir

• Very good needle retention
• Strong branches for heavier decorations
• A slimmer shape for tighter spaces
• Attractive silvery undersides to the needles

Things to consider

Fraser Firs can be a more premium choice and availability may be more limited than Nordmann Firs.

Best for: smaller rooms, heavier ornaments and customers wanting both scent and needle retention.

Blue Spruce: a striking statement tree

The Blue Spruce is immediately recognisable by its silvery blue-green foliage. It has a dense, architectural shape that can become a real focal point.

Advantages of a Blue Spruce

• Distinctive colour
• A dense, well-defined shape
• A fresh spruce scent
• Sturdy branches

Things to consider

Its pointed needles feel sharper than those of a fir and it will shed some needles. Gloves can make decorating more comfortable.

Best for: statement interiors and anyone looking for something visually different.

Balsam Fir: the fragrance favourite

Balsam Fir is loved for its rich, traditional fragrance. Its dark-green foliage and classic shape make it feel instantly Christmassy.

Advantages of a Balsam Fir

• One of the strongest festive scents
• Good needle retention with proper care
• A rich green colour and traditional appearance

Things to consider

Shape and availability can vary, so it is worth visiting early if Balsam Fir is your first choice.

Best for: customers who want their home to smell wonderfully festive.

Lodgepole Pine: relaxed and distinctive

Lodgepole Pine has long, flexible needles and a more open, natural structure. It offers a characterful alternative to the formal shape of a fir.

Advantages of a Lodgepole Pine

• Long, softer needles
• Good needle retention
• A distinctive natural appearance
• Plenty of space between branches for decorations

Things to consider

Its open shape is less conventional, which may not suit someone seeking a dense, perfectly symmetrical tree. 

Best for: relaxed decorating styles and anyone who wants something a little different.

**Please note; we have a very small supply of these and cannot guarantee we will have them when you come to visit**

Which Christmas tree should you choose?

• Best for needle retention: Nordmann Fir
• Best traditional scent: Norway Spruce
• Best for a smaller room: Fraser Fir
• Best for heavy decorations: Fraser Fir
• Best statement colour: Blue Spruce
• Best fragrance: Balsam Fir
• Best unusual choice: Lodgepole Pine

Individual trees naturally vary, which is part of their charm. Visiting the farm lets you compare them side by side and choose the exact shape that feels right.

Choose your tree at Rainfords Farm

Walk through our Christmas tree fields in St Helens, find your favourite and let our team cut it fresh and net it for you. You can also choose from our instant forest or order for collection or local delivery.

Explore real Christmas trees at Rainfords Farm, and read our real Christmas tree care guide to keep your choice looking its best.