Pine

Nurseries and garden centers sell pine branches around the holidays, but you can also forage your own from pine trees you find in nature. The needles release a pleasant, resinous scent, but unlike the needles of other conifers, pine needles are relatively soft on your fingers. To create your own garlands or wreaths, you need just a bit of wire. Or, simply display a few branches in empty window boxes or planters with a few Christmas balls to give the front of your home a welcoming look.

Holly

Many types of holly remain produce bright red berries that hang on into winter, and some are evergreen. Add a pop of color by adding holly sprigs to window boxes, wreaths, and garlands. Or, make your own kissing ball with a florist ball, craft wire, and ribbon. Just keep in mind that wild birds rely on holly berries during winter, so don’t overharvest holly and never pick more than one-tenth of the branches and berries on a shrub.

Fir

Fir trees typically keep their needles longer than pines. The needles have a strong Christmas tree aroma that makes front door wreaths a treat for all the senses. Fir branches tend to be quite sturdy, which means they’ll support ornaments well, though the needles aren’t as sharp as spruce needles.

Whether you buy greenery or forage it, it stays fresh longer if you keep it outdoors in cool temperatures.

Ivy

Use English ivy to accentuate wreaths or slip it into porch planters as a “spiller” element. Because this ivy is an invasive plant that grows aggressively, you won't have to be concerned about taking too much. If you can’t find English ivy growing wild, garden centers often sell potted plants for holiday crafting.

Spruce

Like eucalyptus, some types of spruce trees have bluish-green needles that add unexpected color to holiday decor and complement the look of pine and fir branches. Because these conifers have relatively sharp needles, handle them with care, and preferably wear gloves.

If you're out in nature foraging for greenery and unsure what type of tree you're looking at, check the needles. Spruce needles are square, pine needles are rounded, and fir needles are flat.

Magnolia

The big, shiny leaves of southern magnolia trees stand out wherever you place them. Use them alone or as accents to create one-of-a-kind Christmas wreaths and garlands. When kept outdoors, fresh magnolia branches stay fresh for months, which means you can potentially reuse them after the holidays to decorate for spring. If you dry magnolia leaves, they’ll last even longer and, with proper storage, can be reused for years.

Juniper

Juniper shrubs are frequently found in backyard landscaping. They are prized for their hardy nature and colorful needles that are often bluish-green in color. Use upright conical varieties as focal points in outdoor winter planters. If you're cutting fresh branches to use in decor, only harvest in moderation to avoid stressing the plant. It doesn't take much to accent a wreath or garland.

Boxwood

Another popular landscaping plant, boxwood, keeps its glossy, rounded leaves year-round. Boxwood looks best with frequent pruning, and the best time to trim boxwood is in the spring, but cutting a few branches for holiday decorations won't harm the plant. Just make sure to use sharp pruners to minimize plant damage. Snip the stems you’d like to harvest back to a leaf node and make even cuts around the plant to maintain an even look.

Arborvitae

Arborvitae (Thuja) is often planted for privacy and easily recognized by its slender and upright growth habit. These members of the cypress family have soft, scale-like needles that look lacy in floral designs and won’t prick your fingers. Fresh arborvitae has a smell reminiscent of citrus, making homemade wreaths, garlands, and other holiday designs even more festive.