Of all the Christmas traditions, there's nothing quite as magical as picking out a tree. Picture this: You're strolling through rows of luscious pine, fir, and spruce trees on a brisk afternoon at a ...

One of the most popular varieties of Christmas tree. These trees are valued for their strong branches, pleasant smell, good needle retention and more open growth habit, making them easier to decorate.

Female (left) and male spruce cones at the Arnold Arboretum. It's a more common sight to see separate male and female cones like this. (Courtesy William "Ned" Friedman) Every spring the conifer trees ...

Some aspects of choosing a live Christmas tree, like shape, color, and aroma, are subjective. But certain Christmas tree species are better at keeping their needles and holding ornaments. Two ...