Fir Tree Needles Are Softer Than Spruce

Cardinal In Fraser Fir
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Male northern cardinal in a Fraser fir tree

Fir and spruce needles are attached to twigs one by one, while pines grow needles in bunches. Fir tree needles are soft and flat, while spruce needles are stiff and angular.

Check out the best types of evergreen trees to grow.

Fraser Firs Are Long Lasting Cut Trees

Christmas Tree Fraser Fir Isolated On White
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Fraser firs make great live Christmas trees

Lasting seven weeks or more, Fraser firs typically retain their needles longest after being cut. Learn how to care for your live Christmas tree.

Balsam Firs Have a Slow Growth Rate

Balsam firs grow about 12 inches a year, taking several years to grow to the ideal Christmas tree height. So be patient!

Douglas Firs Tower Over Other Trees

Douglas firs reach a height of 300 feet or more in the wild. Despite the name, this tree is not a true fir, pine or spruce.

Look to the Cones for a Fir Tree Clue

Spruce Branch And Cone. Fir Christmas Tree. Green Pine, Spruce Branch With Needles. Isolated On White Background. Close Up Top View, High Resolution.
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Fir tree cones stand upright from branches rather than hanging down. The cones vary in size from 1 1/2 to 10 inches.

Learn fascinating facts about conifer trees.

Fir Trees Have a Centuries-Long Lifespan

Firs are generally long-lived trees, with the Pacific silver fir sometimes surviving up to 800 years.

Plant these small evergreen shrubs for year-round curb appeal.

Some Fir Trees Prefer High Elevation

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Eastern bluebird in Fraser fir

Fraser firs are mountain trees. They grow wild only in the Appalachians at altitudes of 4,500 feet or higher.

Next, check out the best conifer tree species for landscaping.