All evergreens are not created equal. In any wreath arrangement, a variety of greenery will be used: spruce, fir, pine, and cedar, each with a distinct aroma, texture, and longevity after being cut. Buyers looking at wreaths from a functional point of view will want to know not only how full a wreath looks when it is first hung, but also what kind of evergreen was used.
This is why fresh Balsam Christmas wreaths are so special. Balsam fir is known to be among the very best of evergreens used in wreaths because of its smell, texture, and needle retention.
What Makes Balsam Different From Other Evergreens?
There are several unique characteristics that make the balsam fir distinct from other types of foliage used for wreaths in cheaper versions.
- Scent – the balsam gives off an intense pine aroma that most people associate with Christmas trees.
- Needle retention – needles of balsam firs are soft, flexible, and last much longer than the sharp, dry needles of other evergreen species.
- Color – balsam fir keeps its dark green color during all the season, while other varieties turn to a lighter shade of green.
- Texture – the branches of balsam are densely packed but soft and supple
All these factors have made balsam fir a choice for wreaths throughout history in the Northeast region.
Balsam vs. Spruce and Pine: What’s the Real Difference?
This analogy is frequently used because spruce and pine are also popular components in making wreaths and garlands.
As a rule, spruce has sharp needles that tend to fall faster than those of other trees after being cut down. It is not good to use spruce inside your house when there is heating, since it will dry faster and lose needles sooner. The pine tree retains needles pretty well; however, it has longer and looser needles, which means it is not that dense and makes a wreath less traditional. The balsam fir tree is the least rigid and most fragrant among the three types of trees and retains needles better than the other two.
So, when people make comparisons in stores, usually in the first week, they see that a balsam fir tree wreath looks great and fragrant, whereas others do not look that good.
Why Sourcing Location Matters for Balsam Wreaths?
Balsam fir is known to thrive in colder environments, and Maine has long since been recognized for supplying some of the finest balsam fir in the United States. The cold climate, combined with appropriate soil types, contributes to the development of the thick branches and aromatic natural oils characteristic of balsam fir.
Fresh Balsam wreaths, created using local Maine balsam, are guaranteed to last much longer than those created using imported balsam fir or any other form of greenery. This is not to say that balsam grown in Maine is superior to balsam anywhere else, but rather, the time that elapses from when the balsam is harvested and until it is incorporated into the wreath is much shorter.
Once balsam fir is cut, it begins to lose moisture; therefore, the faster the wreath is created, the fresher the evergreen will be.
Getting the Most Out of a Balsam Wreath
Even good balsam requires some care after it is hung up. There are several tips that will prolong its freshness during the season:
- Avoid placing it near any heat source such as a sunny window, radiator, or any heating vent
- Spray it with water occasionally if you keep it indoors
- Hang it in an area with good ventilation rather than keeping it in an enclosed area
- Try not to touch its branches because balsam needles tend to fall off when they are touched frequently
These tips are very useful in preserving the aroma, colours, and form that make balsam such a desirable choice.
Where Balsam Wreaths Work Best
Due to its sturdiness and elegant appearance, the balsam wreath can be put anywhere, front doorways, gates, shops, office spaces, and even displayed at windows. In addition, the balsam wreath is a good option as a gift because a well-made balsam wreath will remain fragrant and intact until it is delivered and hung up. The balsam’s combination of fragrance and durability makes it an ideal alternative to any fast-degrading wreath option.
Conclusion
In fact, it is not enough just to use an evergreen plant in making a wreath, because there are differences between species. The balsam fir produces a more distinct aroma, retains needles better and gives a wreath a better appearance than many other species do. Besides, harvesting such a product directly from the forests in cold regions like Maine and assembling the wreath promptly helps keep it fresh longer.
This is the philosophy behind all varieties of live fresh Christmas wreaths available to be produced individually according to orders on a working farm in Maine using fresh cuttings of balsam.
Want to buy a wreath with authentic balsam fragrance and durability? With Rockdale Wreaths, each wreath will be individually crafted with fresh-cut Maine balsam, offering you the classic look and fragrance of balsam.
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