“Picking a tree really comes down to personal preference,” says Joe Freeman, owner of Mistletoe Meadows, in Laurel Spring, North Carolina; champion of the 2007 National Christmas Tree Competition; and provider of this year’s official White House tree. Popular species are shipped across the country, so you’ll probably be able to find your favorite type no matter where you live. But if you’re buying a tree that’s not native to your region, pay extra attention to issues like needle freshness, since the tree has been in transit.

Fraser Fir

Often found on the East coast, it features dark green needles that are silvery underneath, strong branches, and a conical shape.

Balsam Fir

Grown in the northern United States and Canada, this fragrant species is very similar to the Fraser fir.

Douglas Fir

Native to the Pacific Northwest, you can identify this cone-shaped tree by its drooping branches and downward-facing cones.

Scotch Pine

Imported from Europe and Asia and grown in the eastern United States and Canada, this type flaunts tightly bunched, stiff branches and long needles that won’t fall off easily.

Virginia Pine

Often found in the South, this tree sports medium-length dark green needles.

White Spruce

Home to the northeastern United States and Canada, its flat blue-green needles help it stand out from the crowd and its spread branches can hold a lot of ornaments. Try not to crush its prickly needles, though, or you’ll find out how it earned the nickname “skunk spruce.”