Tree species available Tree types and a bit about them White Pine. The largest pine in the U.S., the white pine has soft, flexible needles and is bluish-green in color. Needles are 2½ – 5 inches long. White pines have good needle retention, but have little aroma. They aren’t recommended for heavy ornaments. Fraser Fir The Fraser fir branches turn slightly upward. They have good form and needle-retention. They are dark blue-green in color. They have a pleasant scent, and excellent shipping characteristics as well. Balsam Fir These needles are ¾ to 1½ in. in length and last a very long time. This tree has a dark-green appearance and retains its pleasing fragrance throughout the Christmas season. Colorado Spruce Sharp needles, stiffer branches, needle retention isn’t great. Good for cats, they stay out of the tree.