A red, white and blue ... Christmas tree?

Here’s the 101 on holiday trees, from natural and artificial to truly funky

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By Ahmed Hassan

TODAY

updated 1:55 p.m. ET Dec. 8, 2008

What's Christmas without a tree? Each holiday season, shoppers find themselves confronted with a choice: Celebrate with a fresh, natural tree, or an artificial tree made of plastic or aluminum? Landscape designer Ahmed Hassan, host of DIY's “Yard Crashers,” offers a rundown of natural, artificial and even funky tree options.

Natural trees
One benefit to choosing a natural tree, of course, is authenticity, right down to the pine-y aromas. Plus the use of real trees is more earth-friendly, as they are 100 percent biodegradable. Here are some options:

Fraser fir tree

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Trees grow to almost perfect shapes
Attractive one-inch needles are silvery-green and soft to touch
The space between branches makes them easier to decorate
The firm branches hold heavier ornaments
If properly watered, fir has excellent needle retention
Average cost is $10 per foot

You can use an evergreen watering system with this tree. This one from Evergreen Seasons comes in a variety of styles. It looks like a present but contains water in a 3.5 gallon reservoir for your tree.

To protect your tree from fires, try No-Burn's nontoxic Christmas Tree Fire Gard spray ($19.95; www.noburn.com). Spray your real Christmas tree 24 hours before decorating.

Live Ball and Burlap Norway Spruce trees

You can use these as your Christmas tree, and then plant in your yard the week after Christmas
In the house, put it in a pot and keep it moist (but not soaked)
After Christmas, you can plant in areas of country where the ground isn't frozen
Make sure to add mulch to keep the roots protected
Water regularly for first two weeks to ensure the roots take
Check out your local Christmas tree grower association to find out locations in your area that carry these
Average cost: $55

Artificial trees
One of the benefits of an artificial tree is that it is less work — 80 percent of artificial trees sold today come with lights, in fact. You'll always get a perfect shape, there's no watering involved, plus they are made with fire-retardant foliage. Finally, they are an investment, and may even save you money over time. Here are some artificial tree options:

Balsam fir

Size range: 4.5 ft. to 9 ft.
Price range: $179-$999
Two-toned needles
Soft slender branches
Full and dense to cradle ornaments
Comes with either clear or color lights with remote control to switch between the two

More info at www.balsamhill.com

Instant evergreen