Fortunately, thats not the case closer to civilization.
In fact, its a common sight during the holidays especially.
In the home landscape, this medium-size conifer makes an excellent specimen tree with year-round appeal.
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Homeowners love the blue-green foliage with silvery white undersides.
Meanwhile, Fraser firs strong, stiff branches and dense foliage make it a favoritenesting spot for birds.
Plant it as a living screen wherever you want some year-round privacy.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Or surround it with smaller evergreens in a mixed conifer garden.
In large landscapes, plant several Fraser firs in a small grove to recreate awildlife habitat.
It is often sold as a container plant but can be ordered bare root through mail-order nurseries.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Dig a hole that is as deep as the height of the root ball but twice as wide.
Remove the tree from its container.
Place the tree in the holeso the tapered base of the trunk is level with the surrounding grade.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Backfill the planting hole with the excavated soil, firmly tamping it to eliminate larger air pockets.
Spread a 2-inchlayer of mulchover the root zone, keeping the mulch several inches away from the trees trunk.
Water the tree slowly and deeply so the water seeps into the soil rather than running off.
Credit: Laurie Black
Light
Plant Fraser fir where it will receivesix to eight hours of sunlight each day.
Soil and Water
Fraser fir prefers a rich, moist, slightly acidicsoil that is well drained.
It is also intolerant of salt from winter de-icing, so keep it away from driveways and sidewalks.
Fraser fir requires regular watering the first two years after planting and supplemental watering during drought.
Fertilizer
Fraser fir doesnt require fertilizer.
An initial infestation causes swelling and dieback of buds and twigs and a heavy infestation can kill a tree.
Phytophthora root rotis the other prominent threat.
In hot conditions,spider mites may appear.
They will eventually shatter into bracts, seeds, and stems.
Rooting can take half a year or longer.
Outdoors, it is said to be more tolerant of wet conditions than Fraser fir.
Bob Stefko
Magnolias
Magnoliashave showy blooms, sometimes appearing before the leaves in spring.
Some have pretty fall color, others boast the ability to bloom a second time the same growing season.
Blueberries
Blueberriesare another companion plant with similar needs as Fraser fir.
They offer tasty berries for people or wildlife.
The plants themselves also have attractive fall color.
Although the two similar-looking species are both Christmas tree favorites, there are a few telltale differences.
Fraser fir grows slower than Balsam fir and has stronger branches.
The foliage has more contrast than that of Balsam.
Moreover, the pointy needles feel sharp when grasped in the hand.
While Balsam fir is more fragrant, Fraser fir holds its needles longer as a cut tree.
If given the right growing conditions, Fraser fir can live 150 years.
