Fraser Fir vs. Balsam Fir: Best Christmas Trees for Chicago

If you’ve ever tried dragging a Christmas tree down a windy Chicago street or squeezing it through an apartment hallway, you already know—this city makes holiday decorating a little more… interesting.

Between lake-effect wind, dry apartment heat, radiators blasting 24/7, and tiny elevators, not every Christmas tree stands a chance here. That’s why City Tree Delivery makes it simple. We are Chicago’s premier Christmas tree delivery service, bringing fresh Fraser and Balsam fir Christmas trees to your home, setting them up securely, and even taking them away after the holidays. No frozen fingers. No pine needles in your car. No fighting with tree stands.

And more importantly, we turn the entire experience into something joyful rather than stressful—because buying a Christmas tree shouldn’t feel like a chore. From the moment you order to the moment we recycle your tree into mulch, our team handles everything with care, professionalism, and the kind of hospitality that turns a holiday task into a holiday tradition.

The two trees Chicagoans love most? Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir. Both are beautiful, classic, and winter-hardy—but they’re not the same. Here’s how to pick the one that fits your home.

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Fraser Fir: Chicago’s Most Popular Choice

If Chicago named an “official Christmas tree,” this would be it.

Fraser Firs are the best tree to hold up in dry apartments, heated condos, and lakefront temperature swings. It’s the tree that still looks great even after New Year’s. (We still recommend you follow our Tree Care Tips since every tree begins aging the moment it’s brought indoors.)

Why Fraser Firs Are Perfect for Chicago Apartments, Condos, and Homes

• Best needle retention

• Strong, sturdy branches that can handle heavy ornaments and lights

• Fresh pine scent with a slight citrus note—not overwhelming

• Naturally full, symmetrical shape from top to bottom

Fraser Firs are also the most resilient option for people with warm or dry homes. If you run your heat often or live in a high-rise with forced air, the Fraser is your safest choice.

Perfect for:
Apartments, families with lots of decor, homes with pets or kids, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance tree that still looks perfect weeks later.

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Balsam Fir Christmas Trees: Traditional Holiday Scent and Beauty

If you love the smell of Christmas the moment you walk in the door, the Balsam Fir is your tree. It’s softer to the touch, beautifully full, and brings that nostalgic holiday feel.

Why Chicago Families Choose Balsam Firs

• Strong, traditional pine scent that fills the whole room (most holiday candles mimic this scent)

• Soft needles—great for kids and pets

• Deep green branches with a naturally full, rustic look

• Handles cold weather well, but prefers to be kept away from strong indoor heat (like radiators)

• Grow faster and typically fill out faster at smaller sizes

Because of their aroma, Balsams are often selected for living rooms, family rooms, or entryways—anywhere you want the classic “holiday moment” when guests walk in. You can also boost the fragrance by adding holiday-scented candles or decorating with loose boughs.

Perfect for:
People who care most about scent and tradition, homes that aren’t overly warm or dry, or anyone going for a classic, cozy holiday look.

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Chicago Weather vs. Real Christmas Trees

Chicago winters are tough on trees—cold outside, dry heat inside. That’s why both Fraser and Balsam Firs work better here than trees like Spruce or Pine.

Keeping Your Tree Fresh in Chicago Homes

• We always give the trunk a fresh cut before delivery so it can absorb water.

• Keep your tree stand filled—trees can drink up to a gallon a day when they first arrive.
  Don’t panic if yours doesn’t—every tree is unique and absorbs water at its own pace.

• Keep the tree away from heaters, vents, fireplaces, fans, or sunny windows.

• Add a humidifier near the tree and keep the room slightly cooler when possible.

Chicago buildings vary widely—vintage walk-ups with radiators, mid-rise condos with forced air, modern high-rises with dry HVAC systems. Regardless of your home type, water and cool, moist air are the key to a long-lasting tree.

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How Do I Know if My Christmas Tree Is Healthy?

A common question we hear every season is, “How can I tell if my tree is drying out?”
Fortunately, there are a few simple checks you can do at home.

1. The Gentle Pull Test

Lightly grasp a branch between your thumb and fingers and give a soft pull.
If only a few needles come off the branch—your tree is healthy.

2. The Bend Test

Pick a small outer branch and gently bend it. Healthy branches are flexible and bend without snapping.
If it breaks cleanly, the tree may be drying out.

3. Visual Color Check

A healthy tree keeps its deep green color.
Needles that look dull, brittle, or grayish may indicate the tree isn’t absorbing water properly.

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Understanding “One-Time Shedding”

It’s normal for trees to drop some old needles when they initially open up. Many are harvested in moist field conditions, and old interior needles can get trapped within the branches when netted. Once the tree settles indoors, those older needles fall—and that’s completely normal.

As long as the fresh green outer needles don’t snap when bent or shed heavily when touched, your tree is healthy.

At City Tree Delivery, we hand-select premium-grade trees to minimize interior shedding—but nature will always do a little of its own work. A small pile of needles in the first 24 hours is totally expected.

You can lightly shake the tree to release old needles more quickly, but always confirm your tree remains stable afterward. Trees can shift when bumped or decorated. When in doubt, call us—our crew can perform a safety check.

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What Size Christmas Tree Should I Buy?

Finding the right size depends on both your ceiling height and the amount of floor space you have.
Here’s a simplified guide based on the chart above, summarizing what works best for typical Chicago living spaces:

Recommended Tree Sizes for Your Home

• 4–5 ft: Very small or cozy spaces, studios, tight corners

• 5–6 ft: Small apartments, smaller living rooms

• 6–7 ft: Standard apartments with 8 ft ceilings

• 7–8 ft: Wider spaces with 9 ft ceilings

• 8–9 ft: Homes with 9–10 ft ceilings

• 9–10 ft: Large spaces or tall ceilings (10 ft+)

• 10–12 ft: Grand rooms, tall foyers, or dramatic centerpiece displays

For a full detailed guide—including width, suggested stand sizes, and tips for measuring your space—visit our complete size guide here:
👉 https://www.citytreedelivery.com/pages/tree-types-and-size-guide

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The Easy Way to Get a Christmas Tree in Chicago

With City Tree Delivery, you don’t need a car, a roof rack, or two friends to help carry your tree up the stairs. We make the whole process easy from start to finish. If anything comes up during the season, we’re just a phone call or text away.

And unlike a traditional tree lot, our service is designed to feel personal, thoughtful, and stress-free. This isn’t a transaction—it’s a holiday experience. Many customers tell us that delivery day is one of their favorite moments of the season.

Here’s what we do:

• Deliver fresh-cut Fraser and Balsam Firs directly to your home

• Set up the tree in your stand and make sure it’s straight and secure

• Clean up fallen needles before we leave

• Offer optional post-holiday pickup and recycling

• Partner with premium local farms that replant every year

We also bring commercial-grade lights, sturdy stands, and premium accessories if you want us to handle the entire setup. Our crew is trained, friendly, and careful—making installation seamless.

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Quick Comparison: Fraser vs. Balsam Fir

If you’re still unsure, our team can help match your home environment, ceiling height, and decorating style to the perfect tree at checkout.

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Ready to Skip the Tree Lot?

Order Your Fraser Fir or Balsam Fir from City Tree Delivery:

• Fresh Fraser or Balsam Fir

• Delivered straight to your living room

• Set up and stand installation available

• Optional post-holiday pickup and recycling

No parking. No cold. No hauling a tree through your apartment lobby.

Make this the year you upgrade from buying a tree to experiencing the season.
When we deliver your tree, all you need to do is turn on the holiday music and enjoy the moment.

Reserve now at CityTreeDelivery.com and make Christmas easier—Chicago-style.