How to Grow a White Fir Tree

The stately appearance of the white fir tree (Abies concolor) gives a formal feel to the landscape. Soft, two inch long needles have a lovely pale blue cast. A favorite nesting place of birds, it is also adaptable to a variety of conditions. It is also a popular Christmas tree choice. Planted in groups as a screen or as one specimen, the white fir is an excellent landscape choice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• White fir tree
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch

1. Select a white fir for planting. Specimens are available either containerized or balled-and burlapped. Keep the tree well watered if planting is delayed.
2. Select a sunny or partial shady planting site and prepare the tree for planting. Gently remove containerized trees from their pot by laying the tree on its side, rolling the pot back and forth, and easing the fir from the pot. Balled-and-burlapped specimens should have all wire and twine removed from around the branches and bark to prevent possible girdling, which can damage the tree. Half of the burlap should be cut away from the rootball. All plastic should be completely removed.
3. Dig the planting hole at least 4 times the width of the rootball and equally as high, slopping the sides outward from the bottom.
4. Place the white fir tree in the planting hole and secure it with several shovels full of the original soil. Fill the planting hole with water and allow the soil and rootball to absorb. Backfill the remaining soil into the hole and water deeply again.
5. Spread mulch over the planting site to a depth of 2 to 4 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• The white fir is a needled evergreen, pyramidal in shape, suitable for planting in hardiness zones 3 through 8.
• Plant the white fir in spring or in fall while the ground is still warm. Water the tree weekly until the ground freezes.
• White firs thrive in moist, well-drained soil. It is also known to tolerate rocky or sandy soil, but does poorly in clay.
• Like most evergreens, the white fir requires minimal maintenance. Prune only to remove dead branches.
• White firs can grow to a height of 60 feet and 30 feet wide. Its conical shape makes it ideal for smaller planting sites.

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