Every year many people ask themselves whether they should use a Nordmann fir or a blue spruce as a Christmas tree. In this post we compare the two conifers to help you make your decision.
Nordmann fir or blue spruce – which is better for Christmas?
Whether the Nordmann fir or the blue spruce is the better Christmas tree for you essentially depends on what you focus on: The Nordmann fir has softer needles, the blue spruce has a more intense scent and is cheaper. Both last relatively long.
What is the difference between the Nordmann fir and the blue spruce?
Here is a small comparison of the Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) and the blue spruce (Picea pungens):
- The Nordmann fir comes from Turkey or the Caucasus, the blue spruce from North America.
- The needles of the Nordmann fir are deep dark green, flattened and soft to the touch, those of the blue spruce are bluish or green and sharply pointed.
- The Nordmann fir smells pleasant but rather subtle, while the blue spruce exudes an intense forest smell.
- The Nordmann fir costs around 18 to 24 euros per meter, the blue spruce only costs around 15 euros per meter.
In what details do firs and spruces differ?
Firs and spruces differ in many details:
- Needles
- Silhouette
- Bark
- Root system
Also interesting: Firs don't shed their cones, spruces do. And: Firs grow slower than spruces. That's why the latter play an important role in wood extraction.
How do the needles of fir and spruce trees differ?
In fir trees the needles are blunter and softer, whereas in spruce trees they are sharp and prickly. You can easily distinguish between firs and spruces using the following well-known mnemonic: “The spruce stings, the fir doesn’t.”
What characterizes the silhouettes of fir and spruce trees?
Fir trees have a narrow and light crown, their branches grow horizontally from the trunk in surrounding tiers. Spruce trees, on the other hand, are characterized by a strictly cylindrical conical shape with a pointed top and whorled branches.
What do the barks of fir and spruce trees look like?
Fir trees have a greyish to whitish, smooth bark that later becomes cracked. In spruces it consists of thin scales and is brownish to red until it turns gray-brown with age.
What root systems do firs and spruces have?
Firs are tap-rooted, spruces are shallow-rooted. The more stable root system makes fir trees more storm-resistant.
Tip
Nordmann fir and blue spruce as the most popular Christmas trees
The Nordmann fir is the most popular Christmas tree in Germany. The blue spruce is also in second place. Both are particularly impressive because of their long durability. Even if they are permanently exposed to warm heating air, the trees only begin to needle after about two to three weeks.
