Don’t know Fraser from Douglas?

Here’s our guide to the most popular varieties in the UK.

NORDMANN FIR

Originally from southern Russia, this is the UK’S most popular tree. The dark green needles, with excellent retention, and symmetrical, strong branches are great for tree ornaments.

FRASER FIR

Great fragrance, with dark green needles that are silvery underneath. The tree’s pyramid-shaped, strong branches turn upward. Popular in the eastern US, it’s a newcomer to the UK.

NOBLE FIR

Has good needle strength and a fresh fragrance. Its bluish-green needles and short, stiff branches are great for heavier displays and it keeps well. Arrived in the UK from North America in 1830.

DOUGLAS FIR

Probably has the strongest scent of all Christmas trees. A true fir with great shape, but it is a little harder to decorate with baubles, as the foliage is usually much denser.

NORWAY SPRUCE

Keep them well watered to keep the needles happy and enjoy this traditional Christmas tree, which is dark green and has a rich, sweet scent along with a great conical shape.

BLUE SPRUCE

This smaller, slow-growing tree has beautiful, unique colouring and good, strong branches, great for heavy decorations. A good choice for a second tree or for tight spaces

LODGEPOLE PINE

A low needle-drop tree with beautiful tapering branches that rarely lose their needles if well hydrated. The needles are green/yellow in colour. The traditionalist’s Christmas tree.

SERBIAN SPRUCE

Tall and slender with graceful, upswept branches. Its glossy, dark green needles with streaks of white give it a more unusual look. First popular in Central Europe.

Visit bctga.co.uk to find where you can buy a real Christmas tree locally.