'TIS THE SEASON
What is the best fresh-cut Christmas tree to get for the holidays?
September 14, 2026 | by Jennifer Loyall
Choosing the best tree is all about your priorities.
Do you remember a crafty ornament that you made as a kid? I must have been 5 years old when I made that sheep ornament, with glued-on macaroni for wool. It barely has any silver glitter left now. As I run my fingers tips across it, I feel pockets of old glue that once held noodles in place. It’s nearly bald, but the childhood memory is full because it’s been kept alive on the Christmas tree each year. My parents treated our homemade ornaments as sacred heirlooms. And they are! Now I, like so many of you, have generations of special ornaments, preserved and lovingly passed down, that all need a safe place to hang for the holidays.
The Christmas tree has an important job to do! So, how do you decide which one is best?
Well, it’s a matter of your priorities.
Planning to load up your tree with decorations? Go with a Noble or Fraser Fir.
For my family growing up, the best Christmas tree was the one that would hold the ornaments the best. If you feel the same, I would reach for a Noble Fir (or Fraser Fir as a close second). Noble firs have long upward-facing needles and strong, steady branches. In the wild, this sturdy tree can grow up to 200 feet! We carry two varieties of Noble, one more rugged and natural-looking, and one more symmetrical and “perfect.” The Noble also gets its name because it’s so long lasting. If you have jumped on the band wagon of decorating the tree before Thanksgiving, I would go with this type of tree. Fraser Firs are also great for holding ornaments. Their branches turn upward slightly, and they’re nice and strong.
Want the freshest scent? Choose a Fraser Fir.
For some of you, the best tree is all about the smell. A potent evergreen aroma makes you the happiest! At Hemingway Hill, we can always spot these customers as they walk around with their noses in the trees. In our experience, hands down, Frasers give off the strongest evergreen smell. The Fraser is a slower grower than the Noble and sometimes we will see a slightly higher price point on the taller trees, as someone had to personally tend to it several years longer than other varieties…but for true scent aficionados, it’s worth it! Nobles and Nordmann Fir also give off a wonderful scent, but if smell is your number one goal, go for the Fraser.
Looking for a classic? Pick Noble, Fraser, Douglas, and now… Nordmann!
Some families value the comfort of tradition. You want the type of tree you always had growing up. Noble, Fraser, and Douglas fir are all classic Christmas trees that have been staples for decades…you’ll probably recognize “your” type on sight! Nordmann fir is a newer variety, whose beauty has convinced some families to make it their new go-to. Its scent is milder than other varieties. However, it is majestic to look at: thick and bushy with a cool two-toned needle (I call it our “bougie tree”). We only bring Nordmanns to Hemingway Hill if our growers have had good rainfall, as this variety needs a healthy amount of water. This past fall (2026) they’ve had plenty of rain, and we are anticipating the arrival of some gorgeous trees!
For value at a great price, go with a Douglas Fir.
Some of you want the best tree for your buck. You don’t want an artificial tree but also don’t want to go overboard in cost. The best tree for this is the Douglas Fir. They grow faster than other varieties, so they take fewer years of tending and fewer resources to produce. With the mildest evergreen smell and tightly-spaced branches with few gaps, this is a great tree for lights and small-to-medium ornaments. Because their needles are shorter and thinner, it takes a bit more effort to keep them hydrated and looking green through the holidays. Still, they are a classic for a reason! Treat them well, and they make lovely Christmas trees.
Still not sure how to choose your tree? Come see us at Hemingway Hill in Terrell, TX!
If this is your first time ever getting a real Christmas tree, all this is new, right down to where to get the best tree stand. At Hemingway Hill, we love helping first-timers find their perfect tree! When it comes to the stand, the main thing is making sure it’s not too small. You don’t want to whittle down the sides of your tree’s trunk to make it fit, as these outer layers of wood help your tree drink water and should not be removed. At Hemingway, we stock several sizes of Cinco stands (started in Texas!). These stands are reasonably priced, made of sturdy thick plastic, and are Labrador proof (ask me how I know).
A fresh-cut tree is a tradition that gives back.
Getting a real tree is special. There are over 350,000 acres of Christmas trees in the US, and for every tree harvested, 3 more seedlings are planted each spring. Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource, while artificial trees, 80% of which must be shipped across an ocean, contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible lead. When you buy a fresh tree, not only will you enjoy a truly special tradition, you’ll also be part of supporting and preserving precious green space in our country.
This Christmas, keep the tradition alive (no pun intended) and get a real tree. The third week in November, our freshly cut trees arrive on ice at Hemingway Hill, and we open the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. The taller trees go first, so if you’re dreaming of anything 10’ or more, don’t wait! We look forward to helping you find your favorite tree (plus hot chocolate, apple cider donuts, and the cutest holiday photo ops!) Can’t wait to see you there.
Jennifer Loyall
Jen Loyall, CEO turned flowerpreneur and agritourism expert, is the founder and lead farmer of Hemingway Hill in Terrell, Texas. When she’s not planting flowers, hosting thousands of people at her farm, or running HH’s corporate division, she’s probably somewhere reading a book or looking for her dogs.