Abies fraseri - Fraser Fir

A popular Christmas tree in the South, this tall evergreen tree is valued for its spire-like shape, but it's not for every location; avoid windy, dry sites

Height: 35 feet. Spread: 20 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Fraser Fir is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The needles remain dark green throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape

Fraser Fir is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Vertical Accent.

Planting and growing

Fraser Fir will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.