When you stand them side by side, the Douglas and Fraser species of fir tree look similar. They’re both tall evergreens with a pleasant smell that make good-looking Christmas trees.
But while the rounded needles of the Fraser fir give the sensation of “touching a pet,” getting an eyeful of a Douglas fir usually means “a good sticking,” according to Klenton Pickering. Mr. Pickering, the general manager of Groundworks BVI, said that his company has found that the Fraser fir is better suited to the Virgin Islands’ sunny climate. There’s an added benefit, too.
“They carry the pine scent for a lot longer than the other varieties,” he said.
The holiday season has brought hundreds of shoppers to Groundworks and other vendors across the territory. Many of them are looking for an evergreen under which they can store presents until Dec. 25.
See the Dec. 21, 2011 edition for full coverage.