Buying a Christmas Tree
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when your hear "Christmas"? Many people may imagine something completely different, but I dare say that the majority will agree on a Christmas tree. Of course, I mean the real one which smells so wonderful. The sense of smell is one of the strangest senses. Has it ever happened to you that you smelled something familiar and within a few seconds memories popped up in your mind? Well, it happens quite often to me and the smell of Christmas pine needles is my favourite one.
Tree types
Fir
If you crossed the entire North America, you would find out that firs are most frequently used trees. Their needles are small, densely encircling the branches. One of the reasons why are firs so popular is that you don't have to run around with your vacuum cleaner, because they hold their needles longer than other trees. And also, there are several genera you can choose from - Grand, Fraser, White Fir, Red, etc - and you can buy the hue you like the most.
Pine
Once very popular, but today it is in the shadow of the already mentioned firs.(at least in North America). Pines be recognized by longer needles, usually on two sides of the branches.
They not only hold the needles shorter, but they are also rather sappy, what can be annoying. the most common pine types are Swiss, Pinyon or Jeffrey.
Spruce
The cheapest Christmas tree and the most popular one in Europe at the same time. Typical is the quadrangular growth of the needles. A spruce should be watered, in order to stay beautiful throughout the whole Christmas time, so putting the trunk into a jar is a helpful trick. Colorado Blue or Norway are the most common ones.
Leyland Cypress
Usually an ornamental tree, but in some in the southeastern region of the United States, it is a very popular tree. This Cypress is a hybrid, and thus it cannot be found in the wild - maybe the best choice for nature-friendly individuals. Unfortunately, it has almost no smell.
Where to buy a tree?
Well, there are many places in the Toronto neighbourhoods where you can buy a Christmas tree. The most frequently visited places are Horton's Magic Hill Tree Farm, Fiesta Farms, Evergreen Gardens and East End Garden Centre. The prices differ from place to place, starting from $2.48 for a small tree and can reach $200 for a giant one. At the Horton's Magic Hill Tree Farm you are even supposed to bring your own saw, in case you have one.
Tree types
Fir
If you crossed the entire North America, you would find out that firs are most frequently used trees. Their needles are small, densely encircling the branches. One of the reasons why are firs so popular is that you don't have to run around with your vacuum cleaner, because they hold their needles longer than other trees. And also, there are several genera you can choose from - Grand, Fraser, White Fir, Red, etc - and you can buy the hue you like the most.
Pine
Once very popular, but today it is in the shadow of the already mentioned firs.(at least in North America). Pines be recognized by longer needles, usually on two sides of the branches.
They not only hold the needles shorter, but they are also rather sappy, what can be annoying. the most common pine types are Swiss, Pinyon or Jeffrey.
Spruce
The cheapest Christmas tree and the most popular one in Europe at the same time. Typical is the quadrangular growth of the needles. A spruce should be watered, in order to stay beautiful throughout the whole Christmas time, so putting the trunk into a jar is a helpful trick. Colorado Blue or Norway are the most common ones.
Leyland Cypress
Usually an ornamental tree, but in some in the southeastern region of the United States, it is a very popular tree. This Cypress is a hybrid, and thus it cannot be found in the wild - maybe the best choice for nature-friendly individuals. Unfortunately, it has almost no smell.
Where to buy a tree?
Well, there are many places in the Toronto neighbourhoods where you can buy a Christmas tree. The most frequently visited places are Horton's Magic Hill Tree Farm, Fiesta Farms, Evergreen Gardens and East End Garden Centre. The prices differ from place to place, starting from $2.48 for a small tree and can reach $200 for a giant one. At the Horton's Magic Hill Tree Farm you are even supposed to bring your own saw, in case you have one.
