Christmas trees - The history

The traditional Chrtistmas tree was first introduced into Britain during the 16th century, where the concept of 'ein Tannenbaum' was already popular in Germany. When Prince Albert erected a magnificent Christmas tree at Windsor Castle, shortly after he married Queen Victoria, the fashion for having Christmas trees in the home, quickly caught the public's imagination, and has remained a popular tradition ever since.

The development of the Nordman Fir Christmas tree

The traditional Christmas tree was the Norway Spruce (Picea abies). Native to Northern Europe, and relatively fast growing (in the right conditions it can reach 30 feet in 20 years) the Norway's dense dark foliage and even shape, made it the most popular candidate for the Christmas tree market. When customers were less discerning, and trees were sold locally, the Norway had few rivals.

However, with the spread of central heating, and the start of importation of Christmas trees - mainly from Belgium and Denmark, the Norway's one major flaw, it's poor needle retention qualities, began to count against it, and growers started to look for an alternative tree, with better needle retention, but with the same eveness of shape that was the great attraction of the Norway.

A number of different trees have been tried. Amongst them, the Noble Fir Abies nobilis, the Fraser Fir Abies Fraseri, and the Serbian Spruce Picea omorika, however, the most successful candidate for the replacement of the Norway Spruce is undoubtedly the Casucasian or Nordman Fir, Abies Nordmanniana.