Nordman - Norway Spruce - Fraser Fir

Nordman Fir (Abies nordmanniana)

The most popular Christmas tree variety by far. With a classic Christmas tree shape and long, soft, dark green needles, it has excellent needle holding properties.

Nordman Fir originates from the Caucus Mountain range which divides Turkey and Georgia.

Seed from Ambourlaui, Georgia, on the northern side of the mountain range is preferred. This produces trees that are later flushing and slower growing. (Slower growing trees produce more branches which are ideal for Christmas trees. Trees that flush into growth later in the season are less likely to suffer from frost damage, which can make the foliage unsightly) 

Nordman Fir can be grown on a number of different soil conditions. The most favourable soils produce uniform crops of trees with a pleasing shape, which with careful pruning creates the perfect Christmas tree.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

The traditional Christmas tree with short, green needles.                                                                 

For many years it was the most popular Christmas tree variety in the United Kingdom. Its popularity stems from the fact that it grew throughout the British Isles and it naturally produced the classic Christmas tree shape.

Norway Spruce grows naturally throughout most of Northern Europe and tolerates most soil conditions but requires good drainage.

Regular pruning and shearing can produce a bushy, well-shaped tree. If it is allowed to dry out when brought into the home it can drop its needles quite badly. However, if kept in a water holding stand which is regularly topped up with water then it should remain fresh throughout the festive period with minimal needle drop.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)

A Christmas tree with unique fragrance and excellent needle holding properties.

Fraser Fir is often refered to as looking similar to Norway spruce but has the needle holding qualities of Nordman fir.

It originates from the mountains of Eastern USA and only thrives in specific locations, therefore it is not widely grown and availability is limited each year.

This species suffers badly from attack by an insect, the Balsam Woolly Adelgid, which can quite easily kill the tree. Some growers have found it impossible to eradicate this pest and have stopped growing Fraser Fir completely. Production is limited and its future is uncertain. However, at its best, it is a well shaped tree with an extremely pleasing fragrance of balsam.

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