Real possibilities
However you choose to decorate your tree, if you want a real tree, first things first: You've got to buy one.
To check prices for real trees available in Tucson, we called a sample of tree lots to find out the types, sizes and cost of their trees. We also asked tree salespeople, including Andy Scala from Brian & Andy's Pumpkins and Trees, to give us the lowdown on the different types.
Notes: This list is not comprehensive. Shorter trees are less expensive. Prices vary by type of tree and height.
The trees
● Douglas fir
These have soft, flat branches with flat needles. Compared to other firs, Douglas trees look fuller, with branches that are closer together.
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● Noble fir
The needles stand up in little clumps. Branches are in layers with ample space between them.
● White pine
This is the one with bluish needles.
● Fraser
The tree has long branches with smaller branches shooting off it like fingers. Short pine needles.
● Grand fir
A very fragrant tree, as bushy as a Douglas fir, but more durable.
● Turkish Nordman
A durable and rare variety from Turkey with a light green color, branches in layers.
● Scotch pine
"A standard pine tree," like on Mt. Lemmon, Scala described.
Target
Locations throughout town. We priced at 3699 E. Broadway, near El Con Mall, 917-0116
• Douglas fir (4-6 feet): $19-$35
• Noble fir (5-9 feet): $39-$74.99
n Brian & Andy's
Four locations across town: East Broadway at South Rosemont Boulevard; East Fort Lowell Road at North Campbell Avenue; East Fort Lowell and North Dodge Boulevard; West Cortaro Farms Road and North Thornydale Road.
• Noble fir (2-17 feet): $10-$500
• Douglas fir (3-12 feet) : $8-$200
• Turkish Nordman (4-9 feet): $40-$125
• White pine (5-7 feet): $25-40
• Scotch pine (2-9 feet): $8-$54
• Grand fir (3-12 feet): $15-$150
n The Home Depot
Locations throughout town; we priced at 3925 W. Costco Drive, 575-8750
• Douglas fir (6-7 feet): $23.90
• Noble fir (4-5 feet): $24.90
• Fraser fir: (7-8 feet) $59.99 and (8-9 feet) $99.88
n Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road., on the southeast corner of North Stone Avenue and Wetmore Road near Robinsons-May, 888-0664
• Douglas fir (4-12 1/2 feet): $30-$149
• Noble fir (4-12 1/2 feet): $38-$245
• Grand fir (4-12 1/2 feet): $33-$164
• Tabletop trees under 4 feet are $23.
● Contact reporter Jennifer Duffy at 573-4357 or at jduffy@azstarnet.com
. Erin White contributed to this report.
Branching out
● For more Christmas tree options, read the story in Sunday's Home section about a colorful trend in articial trees.
