# ChristmasTree.Shopping

> A free, educational, plain-language guide to Christmas trees: species, how to choose and care for a real tree, the history of the tradition, and real vs. artificial trees. Content is original and may be quoted with attribution to ChristmasTree.Shopping. Last updated 2026-11-09.

## Pages

- [Home](https://christmastree.shopping/): overview and key facts
- [Types of Christmas trees](https://christmastree.shopping/types/): fir, spruce, pine and cypress identification; species comparison table (Fraser, balsam, noble, Douglas, Nordmann, concolor fir; blue and Norway spruce; Scotch and white pine; Leyland cypress)
- [Choosing & care](https://christmastree.shopping/care/): freshness tests, fresh cut, stand size, watering (about 1 quart per inch of trunk diameter), myths, fire safety, pets
- [History](https://christmastree.shopping/history/): timeline from ancient evergreens to 1605 Strasbourg, 1848 Queen Victoria illustration, 1882 first electric tree lights, 1923 National Christmas Tree, Rockefeller Center (1931/1933)
- [Real vs artificial](https://christmastree.shopping/real-vs-artificial/): environmental trade-offs, comparison table, recycling options
- [FAQ](https://christmastree.shopping/faq/): common questions with short answers

## Key facts

- Christmas trees are evergreen conifers, usually firs, spruces, pines or cypresses.
- Most real Christmas trees are grown on farms; a 6–7 ft tree takes about 7–10 years to grow.
- Keep the stand full of plain water; additives are not needed.
- Keep trees at least 3 feet (1 m) from heat sources; never use candles on a tree.