This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
What better way to immerse yourself in the magic of the Holidays than to choose the tree that will light up your home? Whether by browsing the bustling markets or going directly to the producer, you are surely looking forward to finding THE tree that will proudly sit in your home. Each tree carries with it the promise of wonder, but faced with the variety, how can we make the best choice? We guide you in your quest for the perfect tree.
Christmas trees grow for over eight years before finding their way into your living room! Each of them comes from a different seed and has unique genetic characteristics. It’s sometimes difficult to navigate. Let’s take a look at the different species grown in Quebec.
What to think about before choosing your tree?
When purchasing a tree, you absolutely must take into consideration its size (height AND width). The larger the tree, the more expensive it will be. So take the time to measure the space reserved for your tree. It would be sad to pay for a tree that doesn’t fit in the living room and that you have to trim! Also think about the silhouettes you like; some trees are more slender, while others have a more generous appearance. Right now, the trend is toward thinner, narrower trees, but you can always get a plumper tree.
The balsam fir (Abies balsamea)
The characteristic fir scent that balsam gives off is its greatest asset. Its aroma is more pronounced than that of Fraser, making it the ideal choice for those who want to fill their home with that classic scent of the holiday season. You can even cut small branches occasionally to revive the smell in the air. The balsam needles are arranged on two whorls on the branches. It is the most cultivated species in Quebec and it embodies the traditional “Mon beau sapin”!
The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri)
Increasingly popular in Quebec, the Fraser occupies second place among the most cultivated species here. It is not a native species, but rather comes from our southern neighbors in the United States. Its needles, arranged all around the branches, give it a denser and fuller appearance. Its stubby branches are ideal for hanging heavier ornaments. It keeps its needles longer after cutting, which consumers particularly appreciate. Although less traditional, its green-blue hue gives it a distinct and increasingly sought-after appearance!
The Korean fir tree (Abies koreana)
Among the more exotic options we find the Korean fir, which comes from South Korea and is now available on the market. Its presence in Quebec only dates back to the early 2000s. With short, rounded needles, this tree gives off a unique scent of its own. These different trees are, however, available in limited quantities.
“Hybrid” fir trees (Abies sp.)
Within the range of fir trees grown in Quebec, we also discover several hybrid species resulting from crosses between the balsam fir and the Fraser fir. Each individual can then present characteristics characteristic of both species. It’s up to you to carefully observe them to select the one that will make your heart beat!
Other species
Other species of conifers can also be sold as Christmas trees, although this remains uncommon in Quebec. You can find white pines (Pinus strobus), but it remains a rather rare practice. Elsewhere in the world, cypresses are grown (Chamaecyparis sp.) (cedars) as Christmas trees due to their adaptation to this climate different from ours. Spruce trees are not marketed as a Christmas tree because of their prickly needles and not particularly pleasant odor.
The anecdote
During our traditional family outing to choose our Christmas tree, my son always takes the opportunity to choose a small tree for his room. Although he had hundreds of trees to choose from, one year he was drawn to a particularly bare tree. I was very perplexed by his choice, because his tree just seemed… ugly to me. However, for him, this tree was exceptionally beautiful! This shows that all trees have the power to captivate attention, even the most “unique”.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.