The winter holidays aren’t complete without a beautiful Christmas tree taking center stage in your living room. Festooned in baubles and lights, with merrily wrapped gifts below, a Christmas tree is a beloved symbol of the most wonderful time of the year.
When it’s time to choose a Christmas tree, you don’t need to settle for just any tree – especially not a plastic one. Why not consider a real Fraser fir Christmas tree?
All About the Fraser Fir
Fraser fir or Abies fraseri is named after John Fraser (1750 – 1811), a Scottish botanist who traveled around the world to collect plant specimens. He discovered the Fraser fir while exploring the Appalachian Mountains and brought it to Britain.
The Fraser fir has a traditional Christmas tree-like pyramid shape. It has a distinctive blue-green color, with silver on the undersides of its needles. The Fraser fir’s branches are stiff and tilt slightly upwards, giving it a compact look.
Fraser firs grow naturally only in the southern Appalachian Mountains, at elevations over 3,000 feet. They are endangered in their natural habitat, so those who wish to have a Fraser fir Christmas tree should purchase one from a trusted farm rather than cut one down in the forest themselves. Be sure to choose a grower that abides by sustainable farming practices.
Fraser firs can grow up to 80 feet. However, most Fraser fir trees at Christmas tree farms are harvested when they are six to 10 feet tall. It takes approximately seven to 12 years for a Fraser fir to grow to this height.
In 2005, the Fraser Fir was named the official Christmas tree of North Carolina by the state’s General Assembly after a successful petition by middle school students. Today, the Fraser fir is one of the most popular natural Christmas trees in the U.S. and the U.K.
Read on for six reasons why a real Fraser Christmas tree is the best option for you and your family.
1. It Has a Wonderful Fragrance
Why settle for a plastic tree that smells of chemicals when you can have a fragrant, all-natural Fraser fir Christmas tree? The Fraser fir has a pleasing, woody aroma reminiscent of pine, with a top citrus note. It’s a comforting, nostalgic scent that truly speaks “Christmas time.” This is why “Fraser fir” is a popular scent for winter-themed candles.
In fact, some people love the fragrance of Fraser fir so much that they collect the needles to make potpourri. Another way to savor the scent of Fraser fir is to make balsam pillows. Fraser fir needle-stuffed balsam pillows not only smell great – they may also help repel mice and moths when placed in closets and cabinets.
2. It Holds Ornaments Well
Fraser fir branches curve upwards and are very strong. They can easily hold even the heftiest of Christmas ornaments, so you won’t have to worry about your treasured heirloom pieces falling off.
The spaces between the branches allow you to incorporate bigger bulbs for even more decorating possibilities. Feel free to adorn your tree with as many lights, trinkets and baubles as your heart desires!
3. It Has Excellent Needle Retention
Tired of sweeping or vacuuming up needles every day after putting up your tree? Choose a Fraser fir. It boasts excellent needle retention. If you keep it well-watered, you can expect its needles to stay firmly only for five to six weeks.
4. It Lasts a Long Time
Fraser firs are one of the longest-lasting natural Christmas trees. With proper care, you can enjoy your Fraser fir Christmas tree for up to six weeks. This is quite a long time compared with other Christmas tree species. For instance, spruce stays fresh for two weeks, while Scotch pine lasts up to three weeks.
5. It Holds Its Shape During Travel
Have you ever experienced choosing a tree at a farm, having it cut down and taking it home only to discover that its branches have gotten bent during the ride? This won’t happen if you choose a Fraser fir.
As discussed previously, Fraser fir trees have excellent needle retention and strong, firm branches. Because of these qualities, they can hold their shape no matter how far they travel.
6. It’s Non-Toxic to Pets
If you have dogs or cats at home, you might wonder if Fraser firs are safe for pets. You would be happy to know that Fraser fir is non-toxic to animals. Remember, though, that the same cannot be said for many other plants used as holiday decorations, such as mistletoe, lilies and holly. So, when you decorate your Fraser fir for Christmas, avoid using these plants to keep your pets safe.
Caring for Your Real Fraser Fir Christmas Tree
Fraser fir Christmas trees are already long-lasting, but you can help them stay fresh for longer by following these tips:
Choose a Fresh Tree
The surest way you can get a fresh Fraser fir Christmas tree is to cut it yourself at a trusted tree farm near you or have it delivered. If, for some reason, you can’t immediately put your tree up when you get it home, keep it outside. Put it in a cool and shady spot, with the cut end in a bucket of water.
Water It Regularly
For your real Fraser fir Christmas tree to stay fresh for up to six weeks, ensure it gets plenty of moisture. When you first take your Fraser fir tree home, saw off .5 to one inch from the bottom of the trunk. This is because the stump begins to dry out when the tree is cut at the farm. Resin can end up blocking the pores that absorb water.
Once done, place it in a water-holding tree stand. Avoid using any additives to help preserve the tree, like aspirin or bleach. All you need is tap water. Keep the water level to about five quarts daily.
Your Trusted Source of Healthy Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
When the holidays arrive, and it’s time to get a tree, turn to Trees for Tuition. We are a one-stop shop for everything related to Christmas trees in Atlanta. Our services include:
- Full-Service Christmas Tree Lots: There is no need to lift a finger (or an axe). Simply pick out your tree, and our team will do the rest! What’s more, we offer our trees at competitive prices.
- Christmas Tree Delivery: Save time by ordering a Fraser fir Christmas tree online and having it delivered to your doorstep.
- Christmas Tree Installation: Choose a date and time, and our team will deliver a freshly cut Fraser fir tree to your home. We will unload it, secure it in your tree stand and place it anywhere you like.
- Christmas Tree Recycling: When the holiday festivities are over and it’s time to recycle your tree, we’re the ones to call. All the trees we remove from our customers’ homes are recycled through the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation.
Beyond providing our customers with beautiful, all-natural Christmas trees, in our shop, we also help provide well-paying jobs to Atlanta college students, helping them cover their tuition and other school expenses. Hence our name – Trees for Tuition!
To learn more about us, feel free to get in touch.
