evergreen tree
White Fir: pruning, storm risk and removal
Abies concolor. Also called Concolor fir, Colorado fir, Silver fir.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
White Fir at a glance
| Height | 40-70 ft in yards, up to 100 ft or more in the wild |
|---|---|
| Spread | 15-30 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow to medium |
| USDA zones | 4-7 |
| Lifespan | Typically 200-350 years in the wild, shorter in yards |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Mountains of the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, the Sierra Nevada and southern Oregon, usually at mid to high elevation |
| Roots | Moderately deep, with a spreading system. It prefers well-drained soil and dislikes soggy ground and compacted fill. |
| Wood | Soft, light and low in resin compared with pines. It is used for lumber, pallets and paper. As firewood it is fair at best, and it burns fast with little heat. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is soft and the tree can get tall. Older trees often have internal decay, and trees stressed by drought or root disease can lose limbs or fall in wind. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a white fir
Best time to prune
Late winter to early spring before new growth, or late summer. Remove dead and damaged branches. Fir usually needs little pruning if the site is right.
Avoid pruning
Avoid cutting off the leader, and avoid heavy cuts into bare wood, because firs do not regrow from leafless branches. Do not shear the tree.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Plant in well-drained soil with room to grow. White fir does poorly in wet, heavy clay.
- It tolerates heat and drought better than most firs but still needs deep watering in long dry spells.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk and avoid digging under the branches.
- The soft, bluish-green needles are gentle to the touch, which makes it a popular holiday tree.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on white fir
- 1Look for decay at the base and for dead tops, which can point to root rot or drought.
- 2Branches bend upward at the ends and can be hard to read. Check each limb before loading it.
- 3Sap is sticky, so plan for glove changes and tool cleanup.
- 4In dry regions, keep brush chipped or hauled quickly in fire season.
Removal notes
Mature trees are tall with soft, heavy wood, and many have rot inside. In mountain areas, check for slopes and dead trees nearby. Stumps do not resprout, so grinding is up to the customer. Expect a lot of branches.
Wood
Soft, light and low in resin compared with pines. It is used for lumber, pallets and paper. As firewood it is fair at best, and it burns fast with little heat.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for white fir
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where white fir grows
Native range: Mountains of the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, the Sierra Nevada and southern Oregon, usually at mid to high elevation
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
White Fir: common questions
How can I tell a fir from a spruce?
A fir has soft, flat needles that attach to the twig singly. A spruce has stiff, sharp needles that sit on small woody pegs and roll between the fingers. Fir cones also stand up on the branch, while spruce cones hang down.
Is white fir a good landscape tree?
It can be, in cooler areas with well-drained soil and room to grow. It looks tidy, has soft needles, and tolerates heat and cold better than many other firs.
Why are the needles on my white fir turning brown?
Common causes are drought, root problems, winter injury and spider mites. Check soil moisture first, then ask an arborist to look at the needles and the trunk base.
How fast does white fir grow?
It grows slowly to moderately, typically about a foot a year when young. Growth is slower in dry soil and cold climates.
Can I use white fir as a Christmas tree?
Yes. It has good needle retention and a pleasant smell, which is why it is a common choice for cut trees in the West.
When should a white fir be removed?
Removal is usually a good idea when the tree is dead, has a decayed base or leans toward a building. A certified arborist can inspect it and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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