A Few Fun Facts About Balsam Fir

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!
In beauty green will always grow
Through summer sun and winter snow.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!

(traditional English translation of the German carol O Tannenbaum)

 Many people think of fir trees only during the holiday season. Balsam fir trees are important part of our ecosystem, providing food & cover for many regional species while their root system prevents erosion.

“First described in 1768, balsam fir is a medium-sized tree generally reaching 40-60 feet in height and 1-1 1/2 feet in diameter. It exhibits a relatively dense, dark-green, pyramidal crown with a slender spire-like tip. The scientific name "balsamea" is an ancient word for the balsam tree, so named because of the many resinous blisters found in the bark. Balsam fir and Fraser fir have many similar characteristics, although geographic ranges of the two species do not overlap.”

Prepared by Dr. Craig R. McKinley, North Carolina State University (found on realchristmastrees.org)

  One of our most popular products is the Balsam Fir incense from Paine’s. Made in Maine since 1931, Paine’s incense is 100% natural, as local woodsmen bring in boughs that are subsequently dried & pressed into molds. No balsam fir trees are “cut down” to make Paine’s amazing products. Bring the scent of the holidays, of wintertime, to your space throughout the year. Visit us for more information on Paine’s Balsam Fir incense.