Fraser Fir Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

30 - 50 Feet

Mature Spread

10 - 25 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 7

The classic Christmas tree is a Fraser Fir with its short needles and dense branching habit. Abies fraseri is a variety of fir found in the Appalachian mountains growing only at elevations above 4000 feet. Fraser firs are long-lived evergreens with a pyramidal shape that makes them popular for growing in the garden or a planter as a living Christmas tree. The dark green needles and purple colored cones give the Fraser fir a distinctive look that is restrained without requiring a rigid pruning schedule. In fact, pruning is not necessary. 

Once the root system is well established, Fraser fir is a relatively drought-tolerant tree that will only need supplemental irrigation during periods of prolonged heat or drought. The overall height of Fraser fir is 30-50 feet with a narrow spread of 10-25 feet at the base, making this conifer suitable for planting in a home garden. Use it as a specimen in a woodland garden or along a property line as part of a mixed windbreak hedge. 

Conifer evergreens like Fraser fir have few pests. Deer and rabbits rarely browse on the young growth of newly planted trees. However, many animals rely on this tree for shelter and food (cone seeds) throughout the year. Fraser fir is also able to tolerate moderate levels of urban pollution and is a great choice to plant in parks and larger backyard gardens. 

Fraser Fir Tree Care

Choose the location for your Fraser fir tree carefully. Keep in mind the mature size it will reach in 10-20 years and place it at least 20 feet away from building foundations and out of the way of any overhead utility lines. The root system is relatively shallow but will have a radius at least as wide as the top growth. Acidic soil and good drainage are essential to maintain healthy growth. A full-sun location is preferable, although shade early in the day or late in the afternoon is acceptable. Fraser fir prefers cool summer conditions and rarely can grow outside of zones 4-7.

Staking is rarely needed for Fraser fir trees. Young leaders are sturdy and the overall shape of the tree is naturally bottom-heavy. Fraser firs do not require regular pruning, although any damaged branches should be removed after planting. The mature trunk can reach a diameter of 1-2 feet. As the tree matures, its bottom branches can be limbed up to create space for underplanting with ground covers that tolerate dry shade. This kind of heavy pruning should be done when the tree is dormant in late winter or early spring.

Fraser Fir Tree Spacing

Fraser fir trees make fantastic specimen plants for medium to large backyard gardens. Plant it at least 15 or more feet from any building foundations, sidewalks, or driveways. Avoid planting it under overhead utility lines. Fraser fir will reach a mature height of 30-50 feet with a somewhat narrow spread of 10-25 feet. As the fir grows taller, it will cast shade over a larger