Douglas Fir Christmas Tree in Various Sizes (1.5M (5ft approx))

Product Information

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. The data is in, and holiday revelers are loving real Christmas trees. According to a 2023 survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board, 20% of respondents are buying a real tree for the first time this year. And the ones who did last year are satisfied with the decision, with 84% of respondents of first-time real-tree buyers who switched last year saying they wished they'd done so sooner. A huge majority say it's worth the price (83%) and that the scent brings them joy (94%). Sure, the survey itself might be self-serving for the organization, but the data doesn't lie. Plus, it's easy to see why so many people are happy with real trees when you consider the other benefits to going for real over fake. The Douglas-fir has been the major Christmas tree species used in the Pacific Northwest since the 1920’s. During the following 40 years, nearly all trees were harvested from forest lands. Since the 1950’s, the transformation from growing trees in the wild to culturing them on plantations has been dramatic. Today, few trees come from forest lands.

Majestic, resilient, and steeped in tradition, the Douglas Fir stands as a symbol of everlasting beauty and strength. Below is our guide to the best real Christmas trees available in the UK, what makes them desirable and how to make them last – although it’s worth reading our guide to the best artificial Christmas trees too, since some are spectacularly realistic. Many different Native American groups used the bark, resin, and needles to make herbal treatments for various diseases. [38] British Columbia's Bella Coola tribe mixed the resin with dogfish oil for many medicinal applications. [13] Some tribes used the foliage as a hygienic freshener in sweat baths, and the leaves were used as a coffee substitute. [13] Native Hawaiians built waʻa kaulua ( double-hulled canoes) from coast Douglas-fir logs that had drifted ashore. [39] The wood has historically been favored as firewood, especially from the coastal variety. [13] In addition early settlers used Douglas fir for all forms of building construction, including floors, beams, and fine carving. Even today much of the Northwest chain saw art is completed on Douglas fir logs. [ citation needed] The structures built from fir have lasted 150 years and more. [ citation needed]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. Nationally, it remains one of the most popular Christmas trees species. It is shipped to the majority of the states and is also exported to the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and some Asian markets. The needles are dark green or blue green, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, soft to the touch and radiate out in all directions from the branch. They have a sweet fragrance when crushed. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). " Pseudotsuga menziesii". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team . Retrieved 2018-11-07.

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 ] Bigcone Douglas-fir (P. macrocarpa), the other Pseudotsuga species in western North America, has a very restricted range limited to Southern California and Baja, Mexico. It is not used as a Christmas tree. Asimov, Eric (August 15, 2007). "An Orchard in a Bottle, at 80 Proof". The New York Times . Retrieved February 1, 2009. Looking for a unique Christmas tree this year? Consider utilizing non-traditional species like the Leyland cypress or the native Eastern Redcedar. Both species require relatively little shaping and the Leyland cypresses can reach 6 to 7 feet in a relatively short amount of time: four years. Pre-lit vs. unlit: Many artificial Christmas trees today come pre-lit, making them easier to decorate. Plus, many newer Christmas trees have the ability to stay lit even when one bulb goes out. It's advantageous to look for this feature if you choose a pre-lit tree. The bulb type varies, and incandescent bulbs still tend to be more affordable than their longer-lasting LED counterparts. But in light of the recent incandescent light bulb ban in the U.S., some manufacturers might begin phasing out the use of these bulbs and replacing them with LED lights only. That being said, LED bulbs have the advantage of lasting longer and specialty LED trees may come with customizable color or lighting effects.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? Douglas fir was the first type of tree we learned to grow as seen in this 1981 photo of founder Mark Rohlfs hand shearing a Douglas Fir Christmas tree. Every one of our Douglas fir Christmas trees are to this day still sheared by hand in this same manner. With over 35 years experience handcrafting these trees we have the experience to bring you the finest quality Douglas fir Christmas trees. Times have changed, but Santa & Sons Douglas Fir Christmas trees are still monuments to the holidays that would make our grandfathers proud. Douglas fir timber is used for timber frame construction and timber trusses using traditional joinery, veneer, and flooring due to its strength, hardness and durability. [41] It has been commonly used as a Christmas tree since the 1920s, and the trees are typically grown on plantations. [44]

The distinctively sweet and citrusy fragrance of the Douglas Fir needles adds an aromatic charm to their allure. If possible, buy a freshly-cut tree from a reputable nursery or cut your own (with the land owner’s permission). Why? Any of the trees for sale were cut weeks before. Another use for your pine needles is to make them into tea. It’s as easy as steeping pine needles in boiling water, and then straining it into cups todrink. The common name honors David Douglas, a Scottish botanist and collector who first reported the extraordinary nature and potential of the species. The common name is misleading since it is not a true fir, i.e., not a member of the genus Abies. For this reason, the name is often written as Douglas-fir (a name also used for the genus Pseudotsuga as a whole). [22] [13]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 Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Douglas Fir contributes to a sustainable approach to holiday décor. As a renewable and biodegradable resource, choosing a live Douglas Fir tree promotes environmental consciousness, especially when sourced from responsibly managed sources (such as Alba). After the holiday season, the tree can be repurposed for mulch or composting, further reducing its environmental impact and exemplifying the cycle of natural renewal. What to consider when buying Douglas Fir Freshly cut Christmas trees are farmed specifically for their purpose and to support localagriculture. Are you bringing home a Christmas tree? Attending to that cut tree during the first few days is critical to making it last through the season! See our tips on buying and caring for your holiday tree, plus how to recycle thattree. 3 Essential Christmas Tree CareTips

Russell, Tony; Cutler, Catherine; Walters, Martin (2014). "Pseudotsuga menziesii". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees of the World. London: Anness Publishing Ltd. p.120. ISBN 978-1-4351-5597-8. It is straight grained and moderately hard. It is used widely in construction, laminated timbers, plywood and high grade veneer, interior trim, cabinet work, pallets, boxes, ladders and flooring.

Mythology and symbolism

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. Some people add aspirin, Sprite, or sugar to the water; we can’t say whether these help. Again, water is the vitalelement. Fungal diseases such as laminated root rot and shoestring root-rot can cause significant damage, and in plantation settings dominated by Douglas-fir monocultures may cause extreme damage to vast swathes of trees. [12] Interplanting with resistant or nonhost species such as western redcedar and beaked hazelnut [37] can reduce this risk. Other threats to Douglas-fir include red ring rot and the Douglas-fir beetle. [12] Uses [ edit ] A 9-ft log, scaling over 7,000 board-ft of timber, c.1937 As of 2012, the only wooden ships still currently in use by the U.S. Navy are Avenger-class minesweepers, made of Douglas-fir. [42] 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