Some people add aspirin, Sprite, or sugar to the water; we can’t say whether these help. Again, water is the vitalelement.

Foraging for Pine Needles (and other conifer needles)". Grow Forage Cook Ferment. December 23, 2015. Or, you can use entire limbs to cover your garden beds, which reduces frost heaves by insulating sensitive plants such as roses. Use boughs from your tree to shade broad-leaved evergreen shrubs, insulate perennials, or protect against frost andsnow.

Value to wildlife

Upon bringing your Douglas Fir tree home for Christmas, it is essential to provide the proper care to maintain its health and appearance. Firstly, ensure that any excess foliage or branches are trimmed neatly to your preference. This initial grooming process not only enhances the tree's appearance but also promotes healthy growth, allowing it to thrive in its new environment. Spacing and plant depth are two of the most important issues when planting tree seedlings. The basic guidance for most Christmas trees is that they should be planted in rows spaced 8 feet apart. Within each row, seedlings should be planted roughly 7 or 8 feet apart. Proper spacing is essential to allow airflow between trees to lessen the chance of disease and pest issues. Pollen strobili are small and reddish-brown. Young cones are small, oval shaped and hang downward. They are reddish-brown to gray, 3″ long and do not dissipate to spread seed as do true firs (Abies sp.). The cones open in the late summer to disperse the seeds and will continue to hang on the trees through the fall. Douglas-Fir". National Christmas Tree Association. Archived from the original on 2020-08-03 . Retrieved 2022-02-10.

One of the defining characteristics of the Douglas Fir is its exceptional resilience and longevity. These trees are known for their robust nature, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and thriving in various soil types, making them a favourite with UK planters. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for both commercial forestry ornamental landscaping and gardeners, as they can flourish in diverse environments, from coastal regions to mountainous terrains.

Associated Forest Cover

a b c d e " Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii ". Calflora. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database. The Douglas Fir grows in the regions that stretch from British Columbia southward to central California. It has been the major Christmas tree species used in the pacific Northwest since the 1920's. It is a very dense, soft limbed tree with a deep green colour. The Douglas Fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. The branches of our Douglas Fir are moulded from real Douglas Fir trees, in PE, and coloured the same shade of deep green for a completely authentic, natural appearance. These soft needles are dark green – blue green in color and are approximately 1 – 1 ½ in. in length. The douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. They are one of the top major Christmas tree species in the U.S.

After the first two or three years, young evergreen trees will need to be shaped by pruning or shearing each year after the trees flush their new growth (typically mid-summer). When shaping the tree, attempt to maintain a classic Christmas tree shape and remove imperfections, such as double tops. The year you’re going to harvest your tree, keep the shearing to a minimum to avoid visible cuts on exterior branches. Shedding Needles—Is This Normal? Farjon, A. (2013). " Pseudotsuga menziesii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42429A2979531. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42429A2979531.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021. The North American tree commonly known as Douglas fir is Pseudotsuga menziesii. It has several forms, one with reflexed bracts, that sometimes are considered to be separate species. These Douglas firs may reach heights in excess of 90 metres (295 feet) and have diameters of more than 4 metres (13 feet), but most contemporary stands are composed of trees that are much smaller because many old specimens have been logged. The species is one of the best timber trees in North America, as well as a popular ornamental and Christmas tree, and it is used for reforestation along the Pacific coast. Its seeds are produced first at the age of about 25 years and in large crops every 5 to 7 years.Douglas-fir pine leaves can be used to make pine needle tea. [46] They possess a tangy citrus flavor and may serve in some recipes as a wild substitute for rosemary. [47] See also [ edit ] One Coast Salish name for the tree, used in the Halkomelem language, is lá:yelhp. [25] In the Lushootseed language, the tree is called čəbidac. [26] Distribution [ edit ] Use the branches and pine needles as mulch to provide your garden with insulation and moisture throughout the winter (you can even add on top of snow). Break off the needles, cut the branches into small, one or two-inch pieces, and use them asmulch. To preserve the freshness and resilience of the tree, place it away from direct sources of heat and sunlight, as prolonged exposure can expedite needle shedding and diminish its longevity. Maintaining a moderate room temperature and humidity level will create an optimal environment for the tree, ensuring that it remains vibrant and lush throughout the holiday season. By following this guidance, your Douglas Fir Christmas tree will look stunning and last the whole festive period. Douglas Fir as an alternative festive decor Van Pelt, Robert (2007). "Identifying Mature and Old Forests In Western Washington" (PDF) (pdf). Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2020 . Retrieved 11 May 2021.

Seed is generally germinated in bare root nurseries and increasingly in container nurseries. It is usually sold as a two or three year old transplant. Finding the best real Christmas tree for the festive period is no easy matter. They come in different shapes to fit different homes, some are more strongly scented, some are less likely to drop their needles, some are more sustainable and some are just more spectacular. Overall, nine varieties have proved down the years to represent the best value. Tarantola, Andrew (23 May 2012). "The Navy's Wooden Avengers Are Real-Life Mine Sweepers". Gizmodo. wooden hulls—typically oak, Douglas-fir, or Nootka Cypress—coated in glass-reinforced plastic

Lipscomb, Barney (1993). " Pseudotsuga menziesii". In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (ed.). Flora of North America North of Mexico (FNA). Vol.2. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press . Retrieved 2018-11-07– via eFloras.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA. Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii, the coast Douglas-fir, grows in the coastal regions from west-central British Columbia southward to central California. In Oregon and Washington, its range is continuous from the eastern edge of the Cascades west to the Pacific Coast Ranges and Pacific Ocean. In California, it is found in the Klamath and California Coast Ranges as far south as the Santa Lucia Range, with a small stand as far south as the Purisima Hills in Santa Barbara County. [27] [28] One of the last remaining old growth stands of conifers is in the Mattole Watershed, and is under threat of logging. [29] [30] In the Sierra Nevada, it ranges as far south as the Yosemite region. It occurs from sea level along the coast to elevations of 1,500m (4,900ft) or higher, and inland in some cases up to 2,100m (6,900ft). [13]