Noble Fir vs Fraser Fir: Which Christmas Tree Should You Get?

TreeDrop delivers two kinds of fresh cut Christmas trees: Noble Fir and Fraser Fir. The price is set by size and is the same for either one, $465 for a 6 ft tree and $589 for an 8 ft tree. So the choice comes down to what you notice at home: needles, color, branches, scent and how long the tree holds up.

What is the difference between a noble fir and a Fraser fir?

Noble fir is a blue green tree from the Pacific Northwest with stiff branches and needles that sweep upward, while Fraser fir is a deep green tree from the southern Appalachians with soft, flat needles and a spicy scent. Both hold their needles well, and both can carry heavy ornaments. Here they are side by side.

Where do noble fir and Fraser fir grow naturally?

Noble fir grows wild in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and Fraser fir grows wild only on the high peaks of the southern Appalachians. They come from opposite corners of the country.

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) says in its noble fir profile that the tree is native to the Cascade and Coast ranges of Oregon and Washington and the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California. In the wild it grows tall and symmetrical, reaching over 200 ft.

Fraser fir has a much smaller home. The NCTA's Fraser fir profile says it grows naturally only above 4,500 ft in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and its highest native habitat is Mount Mitchell, North Carolina, at 6,684 ft. In the wild it tops out around 80 ft.

How do noble fir and Fraser fir needles look and feel?

Fraser fir needles are short, flat and soft, while noble fir needles are longer, roughly four sided and curved upward off the top of each branch. The colors differ too, with Fraser a dark green and noble a blue green with a silvery cast.

Fraser needles run ½ to 1 inch long. Penn State Extension describes them as soft, flat and dark green, with silver bands on the undersides. Run a branch through your hand and it feels smooth, not prickly.

Noble needles are over an inch long and shaped more like a spruce needle, according to the NCTA. They are blue green, but rows of white pores on the needles give the whole tree a silvery look. Because the needles twist upward, the underside of each branch stays in view.

Which tree is better for heavy ornaments?

Both can handle heavy ornaments, but noble fir is the one famous for it. The NCTA says its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, and Illinois Extension describes those branches as short and stiff.

Fraser fir is close behind. NC State Extension says it has strong branches that easily support heavy ornaments, and the NCTA notes they turn slightly upward, which gives the tree a compact look.

Which smells better, noble fir or Fraser fir?

Fraser fir is the one to pick for scent. Penn State Extension calls its fragrance spicy and resinous, and NC State Extension says it has a pleasing aroma. Noble fir is fragrant too, according to NC State Extension's plant database, but the NCTA's description of it focuses on its beauty, stiff branches and long life.

Which one holds its needles longer?

Both rank among the better trees for needle retention, so how you water matters more than which one you pick. NC State Extension says Fraser fir has excellent needle retention, good enough for shipping long distances. The NCTA credits noble fir with long keepability, and Illinois Extension says it keeps well.

Neither tree will last if the stand runs dry. Penn State Extension says a fresh tree can use about a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter each day in the first week, and that Fraser fir can take up even more at first. Our guide to keeping a real tree fresh in Southern California covers watering in detail.

How do their shapes compare?

Fraser fir has a uniform pyramid shape and a compact look, while noble fir is known for its symmetry and for showing more of each branch. That second part comes from the upturned needles, which leave the underside of the branches visible.

Keep in mind that a Christmas tree's shape comes mostly from the farm. The NCTA says most farm trees are trimmed to a set taper as they grow, so any one tree can be a little fuller or slimmer than the textbook description.

Which tree suits your room and decorating style?

Start with your colors: noble fir's silvery blue green looks great with white, silver and blue, and Fraser fir's deep green suits red, gold and plaid. Then look at the room itself.

In a bright space with white walls and light wood floors, a noble fir keeps the look light and airy. In a room with darker wood, leather or a brick fireplace, a Fraser fir feels classic. Just keep any tree well clear of the fireplace, and check how far a tree should be from heat before you pick the spot.

Which one would we pick?

We would let your decorations decide, since the price is the same at every size. Here is what we would pick for a few common situations.

• A big collection of heavy glass ornaments: noble fir, for its short, stiff branches.
• Kids doing most of the decorating: Fraser fir, for its soft needles.
• You want the house to smell like Christmas: Fraser fir.
• Silver, white or blue decor: noble fir, to match its silvery color.
• Red, gold and plaid: Fraser fir, for that deep classic green.
• Still torn: pick the color you like best. Both are sturdy, long lasting trees.

Whichever you choose, a crew carries it in, sets it in a sturdy loaned stand, straightens it and cleans up the needles from setup. Read about setup in your home and January pickup, check what size tree fits your ceiling, then choose your tree and delivery date.