Christmas Trees · November 12, 2026

Eight Trees, One Field: A Quick Guide to What We Grow

We grow eight species of Christmas trees on the farm in Brockport, about 30 minutes west of Rochester. Here is a quick guide to each one, so you know what to look for when tree season opens on November 21.

Christmas Trees at Fisher's → Tree Season Hours

Fisher's Farm Blog

Eight Trees, One Field: A Quick Guide to What We Grow

The Eight Species in Our Field

We grow eight kinds of Christmas trees at Fisher's Fruit & Christmas Tree Farm in Brockport, about 30 minutes west of Rochester: Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, White Fir (Concolor), Douglas Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Austrian Pine, and Eastern Red Cedar. Each one looks, feels, and smells a little different, so it helps to know what you're walking toward before tree season opens on Saturday, November 21. Here's a quick rundown of all eight. We don't grow Fraser, Nordmann, or Noble fir.

The Firs: Soft Needles and the Classic Scent

Balsam Fir is the one most people picture when they think of a Christmas tree smell. It has short, flat, dark green needles and the strongest fragrance in the field. Canaan Fir is a close cousin of the Balsam. It has a similar look and scent and is generally known for holding its needles a little better. White Fir (Concolor) has longer, soft, silvery blue-green needles and a light citrus scent when you crush them. Douglas Fir is soft, full, and sweet-smelling, with flexible branches that suit light and medium ornaments. Our Douglas fir guide goes deeper on that one. All four are comfortable to handle, which makes them easy trees to decorate with kids.

Spruce, Pines, and Cedar: Sturdy Branches and Different Looks

Colorado Blue Spruce stands out for its silver-blue color and stiff branches that hold heavy ornaments well. The needles are sharp, so wear gloves when you handle it. Our blue spruce guide covers it in detail. Scotch Pine is known as one of the best needle-holders of any Christmas tree, with sturdy branches and stiff needles. Austrian Pine has long, dark green needles and strong branches, for a fuller, bolder look than the firs. Eastern Red Cedar is the odd one out. It's actually a juniper, with soft, scale-like foliage and a woodsy scent, and it gives an old-fashioned, natural look.

Picking One and Planning Your Trip

If scent matters most, start with the Balsam or Canaan fir. If you have heavy ornaments, look at the Blue Spruce or the pines. If needle drop is your biggest worry, the Scotch pine is a safe bet. Whatever you choose, how long it lasts comes down to water, which our guide on how long a real Christmas tree lasts explains. Tree season opens the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 21 and 22, and runs while supplies last, so come early. We provide hand saws, or bring your own, and there's a tree-shaking station and a tree baler. Trees up to 7 feet are $70, and taller trees are priced by the foot. We accept cash and major credit cards. Bring boots, work gloves, rope or straps, and a blanket or tarp for the car roof. Check our Christmas tree page for hours before you head out.

Eight Species, One Trip: Find Yours

Tree season at Fisher's Fruit & Christmas Tree Farm opens Saturday, November 21, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and runs while supplies last. Saws provided, about 30 minutes west of Rochester. Come early for the best pick.

Plan Your Tree Trip → See Tree Season Hours