Douglas Fir - 100 Most Common North American Trees

By Steve Nix, About.com Guide

Douglas-Fir is most commonly used as a screen or occasionally a specimen in the landscape. Not suited for a small residential landscape, it is often a fixture in a commercial setting. Allow room for the spread of the tree since the tree looks terrible with lower limbs removed. It is grown and shipped as a Christmas tree in many parts of the country.
The tree prefers a sunny location with a moist soil and is not considered a good tree for much of the South. It grows but struggles in USDA hardiness zone 7. Douglas-Fir transplants best when balled and burlapped and has a moderate growth rate. It tolerates pruning and shearing but will not tolerate dry soil for extended periods. Protect from direct wind exposure for best appearance. Some occasional watering in summer dry spells will help the tree stay vigorous, especially in the southern end of its range.
Cultivars are: ‘Anguina’ - long, snake-like branches; ‘Brevifolia’ - short leaves; ‘Compacta’ - compact, conical growth; ‘Fastigiata’ - dense, pyramidal; ‘Fretsii’ - dense bush, short broad leaves; ‘Glauca’ - bluish foliage; ‘Nana’ - dwarf; ‘Pendula’ - long, drooping branchlets; ‘Revoluta’ - curled leaves; ‘Stairii’ - variegated leaves.

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• Introduction To Douglas Fir
• Description and Identification of Douglas Fir
• The Natural Range of Douglas Fir
• The Silviculture and Management of Douglas Fir
• Insects and Diseases of Douglas Fir

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