Firs are some of the most successful commercial Christmas trees sold today. The popularity of firs is due to their fragrant scent, beautiful colors and ability to retain their needles. Most fir species tend to grow best in cooler climates or in areas of higher elevation with the Douglas and Concolor firs able to handle slightly warmer conditions. Douglas-fir seeds are an extremely important food source for small mammals such as moles, shrews, and chipmunks, which consume an estimated 65% of each annual seed crop. The Douglas squirrel harvests and hoards great quantities of Douglas-fir cones, and also consumes mature pollen cones, the inner bark, terminal shoots, and developing young needles. [12] USDA, NRCS (n.d.). " Pseudotsuga menziesii". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team . Retrieved 2018-11-07. Or, create a living bird feeder. String your tree with fresh orange slices, popcorn, cranberries, homemade suet, and other bird-friendly goodies, and put it in a sheltered location. Eventually (within a year), the branches will become brittle, and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in achipper. The Douglas Fir tree transcends just decoration, encompassing a heritage of tradition, natural strength, and practical applications. By buying a Douglas Fir tree, you not only enrich your seasonal décor but also partake in a legacy that spans generations and maintains a connection to the natural world.

Freshly cut Christmas trees are farmed specifically for their purpose and to support localagriculture.

Christmas Tree Planting Tips

The Douglas Fir grows in the regions that stretch from British Columbia southward to central California. It has been the major Christmas tree species used in the pacific Northwest since the 1920's. It is a very dense, soft limbed tree with a deep green colour. The Douglas Fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. The branches of our Douglas Fir are moulded from real Douglas Fir trees, in PE, and coloured the same shade of deep green for a completely authentic, natural appearance. Van Pelt, Robert (2007). "Identifying Mature and Old Forests In Western Washington" (PDF) (pdf). Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2020 . Retrieved 11 May 2021.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Douglas Fir contributes to a sustainable approach to holiday décor. As a renewable and biodegradable resource, choosing a live Douglas Fir tree promotes environmental consciousness, especially when sourced from responsibly managed sources (such as Alba). After the holiday season, the tree can be repurposed for mulch or composting, further reducing its environmental impact and exemplifying the cycle of natural renewal. What to consider when buying Douglas Fir And since there are so many different types, you may find it difficult selecting the right one for your home. Here are 20 types of popular Christmas trees to consider buying in 2023, along with their strengths and weaknesses. Some are known for their scent, others for their needle retention, others for the colors of the foliage or strength in the branches. Regardless of which one you choose, with proper care, your evergreen should last at least five weeks or more. The bigcone Douglas fir ( P. macrocarpa), a smaller species important only for erosion control, bears cones 10 to 15 cm (about 4 to 6 inches) long. These soft needles are dark green – blue green in color and are approximately 1 – 1 ½ in. in length. The douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. They are one of the top major Christmas tree species in the U.S. Use the branches and pine needles as mulch to provide your garden with insulation and moisture throughout the winter (you can even add on top of snow). Break off the needles, cut the branches into small, one or two-inch pieces, and use them asmulch.Farjon, A. (2013). " Pinus douglasiana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42357A2974933. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42357A2974933.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021. If you're not a fan of hanging lights on your tree each year, fake trees with built-in lights can also make your life a bit easier, so you don’t have to do all the tree decorations yourself. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about keeping your Christmas tree alive by watering it regularly or vacuuming up pesky needles that can be harmful to pets. Position the tree on a sturdy stand that can accommodate its size and weight, providing stability and support to prevent tipping. Once secured, hydrate the tree by watering it generously, allowing the trunk to absorb moisture and remain nourished. Regular watering is crucial to sustaining the tree, especially indoors, where central heating can accelerate moisture loss. Majestic, resilient, and steeped in tradition, the Douglas Fir stands as a symbol of everlasting beauty and strength. When you bring your tree home, you’ll need to saw an inch off the bottom of the trunk before setting it in water. When trees are cut, pitch oozes out and seals the pores.

Furthermore, the utilisation of Douglas Fir timber underscores the importance of responsible forest management, emphasising the value of sustainable and ethical practices in the woodworking and construction industries. Sourced from well-managed sources, Douglas Fir wood exemplifies the potential for harmonising human endeavours with ecological preservation, ensuring that these natural resources endure for future generations. Douglas Fir Tree FAQsTo evaluate which artificial trees deserve a spot in your home, we first set up Christmas trees in our Lab to see how easy they are to assemble and shape. We take note of how long the assembly process takes as well as how easy it is to remove the tree from the box, open it up and fluff the branches.Once set up, artificial Christmas trees are evaluated for their aesthetics, including how realistic the tree looks. To preserve the freshness and resilience of the tree, place it away from direct sources of heat and sunlight, as prolonged exposure can expedite needle shedding and diminish its longevity. Maintaining a moderate room temperature and humidity level will create an optimal environment for the tree, ensuring that it remains vibrant and lush throughout the holiday season. By following this guidance, your Douglas Fir Christmas tree will look stunning and last the whole festive period. Douglas Fir as an alternative festive decor Nationally, it remains one of the most popular Christmas trees species. It is shipped to the majority of the states and is also exported to the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and some Asian markets. Instead, use the needles for mulch. Then, cut the branches into small pieces to turn into compost faster. Learn more about composting. With those caveats, you’ll want to plant the tree immediately after Christmas. If you’re in a cold climate and the ground isn’t prime for planting, mulch around the tree’s base and set it aside in a cold, sheltered area until the temperature warms. In the meantime, water the tree every fewweeks. LearnMore