Whether it is wreaths, roping, swags, or grave blankets, evergreen branches are used throughout the “season” to make our holiday decorations festive.  Which variety is the best?  Or, is it just a matter of preference or availability?

Norway Spruce – short stiff needles, however, releases needles when the branch begins to dry out

Colorado (Blue) Spruce – short stiff needles that have a blue hue in the sunlight, needles will last longer than the Norway

Scotch Pine – medium length needles on a pliable branch

White Pine – long length needles on a pliable branch, great for roping

Fraser Fir – short, dark green needle

Canaan Fir – has very good needle retention of the short needle

White Fir – longer needles that are soft to the touch and smell of citrus when the needles are rubbed

Douglas Fir – soft medium length dark green needles

The “firs” seem to be the choice of experts, since their needles are pliable, soft to the touch, and seem to hang on forever.  However, a “fir” wreath can be a little on the pricey side since they are not readily produced from greens from this area and are frequently imported from the pacific northwest and made from Noble Fir or Silver Fir, while Fraser Fir wreaths typically are shipped from North Carolina.

Pine and Spruce tree branches are pretty common in Northeast Ohio and therefore, are more the norm than not.  Although their needles don’t usual “hold on” as long as the firs, they will do just fine throughout the season when used outside in the cooler temps.