Douglas Fir Tree
Pseudotsuga menziesii
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Evergreen, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Non-invasive, Fast-growing, Attracts pollinators |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 6b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Loamy, Peaty |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Native | Yes |
| Native To |
Arizona,
California,
Colorado,
Nevada,
New Mexico,
Oregon,
Idaho,
Montana,
Texas,
Utah,
Washington,
Wyoming
+6 moreshow less* Browse only. We cannot ship live plants to Idaho or Montana. |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Elegant, Soft-Needled Douglas Fir Tree
- Beautifully Soft Needles
- Outstanding Pyramidal Form
- Fast Growing
- Large Scale Tree
- Native Evergreen from Western North America
- Deer Seem to Leave Douglas Fir Alone
For a robust accent in your landscape, try the excellent evergreen tree Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). It features a very symmetrical, upright pyramidal shape and looks great in every season. It even smells wonderful!
You might see the name sometimes written as Douglas-Fir or Douglasfir, because it's actually not a Fir. This beautiful tree is actually a member of the genus Pseudotsuga, which means "False Hemlock".
Any way you want to call it, we bet you'll love running your hand over the soft, blue-green needles. They aren't stiff and pokey like other evergreens. Kids like to pet them, too.
This is also one of the fastest growing evergreen trees available. It will grow about 3 feet a year to quickly provide a wonderful focal point or privacy screen for you and your family.
It's lovely in its natural form, so no need to prune. Older trees can develop those romantic, pendulous lower branches that sway in the slightest breeze.
Create fun memories by decorating it for Christmas every year! Cute pine cones grow 3 - 4 inches long and can be used for fall and winter decorations, too.
Local birds love to nest in the shelter of a Douglas Fir. But deer seem to leave this tree alone.
Native Douglas Fir trees are found in the wild; from the slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest. The oldest specimen is nearly 1500 years old. As it ages, the fissured, reddish-brown bark brings a tremendous amount of visual interest.
It's a particularly hardy tree and grows in a variety of soils. For a fast-growing, hardy evergreen tree that is versatile and care free, you can't go wrong with a Douglas Fir. Order yours today!
How to Use Douglas Fir in the Landscape
This is a terrific specimen plant or focal point for larger landscapes. If you have the space, try an informal group of 3, 5 or 7 in an oversized lawn planting.
Imagine you are recreating the look of the Mountain West, and let your creativity run wild.
For Douglas Firs to touch and make a solid screen, plant them 12 to 15 feet apart. For the trees to stand alone as individual trees, give them at least 18 feet apart.
For the most natural look, try to vary the distances between them, and don't plant them in a straight line. Rather, stagger the trees off-center, keeping the design loose.
Keep your new trees in their nursery containers and play around with the spacing. Far easier to move potted plants around to make sure you love the design, before you plant your trees in your soil. It's a good idea to check from various vantage points.
Site this planting where you'll enjoy it from your deck. You want to be able to see it from inside your home. Leave room for a rustic fire pit, hammock or picnic table in the shade of your trees.
Douglas Fir has a big personality and can carry a "lot of look." Try mixing it with other evergreens, including smaller upright Junipers and Pine trees. Don't forget about the rounded evergreen shrubs, like Mugo Pine to soften the foreground.
They make a magnificent backdrop for smaller accent trees, like Eastern Redbud, Pink Flowering Dogwood or Japanese Maple. They stand up to exterior sculpture without stealing the show.
Partner with rugged Ornamental Grasses and the bright stems of Red Twigged Dogwood. Or, use a complementary color - like the chartreuse green of First Editions® Tiger Eyes® Sumac.
Another classic use for these trees is as windbreaks and in shelterbelts. Plant them in staggered, zig-zagging rows to create an interesting living fence to cut down on wind and blowing snow in big, open areas. Keep them tightly planted about 12 feet apart for the fastest screen.
It's best practice to mix other plants in these windbreaks, and we've got a huge variety of trees and large shrubs that will work together beautifully. Be sure to add Lilacs for fragrance and flowers.
Many like to use soft and natural looking Douglas Fir to screen out ugly views and buildings along an existing fence. No matter how you install your planting design, you'll easily create a beautiful backdrop for your property.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Plant Douglas Fir where it will receive at least 4 hours of sunlight a day. They love cooler climates.
They do demand a very well-drained soil, or they will not perform well for you. Moist, well-drained soils are best.
They won't tolerate standing water. If you see puddles that remain on your planting site, you'll need to improve the drainage. Bring in additional soil and mound it up 24 inches above the soil line. Plant directly in that mound.
Careful, regular watering is needed for the entire first season to keep your plants stress free. Once established, they can be very drought tolerant. After all, you will see them growing right out of the rocks in the Rocky Mountains.
It's usually best to allow the plants to grow naturally, but you can shorten up the new growth by simply breaking or snipping part of that new expanding growth, if needed. You could also prune back excessive long growth from the previous season in early spring, if necessary.
You'll love having your own living Christmas Tree in your landscape. Enjoy this magnificent native evergreen. Order today!
Planting & Care
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Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
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Good shape when we received it, looks very healthy. I look forward to it planting it in cooler weather,
A healthy, well-shaped Douglas Fir is a great start. Waiting for cooler weather to plant is a smart call since it gives the roots a chance to establish before the heat of next season kicks in. Thanks for sharing your experience, and we hope it settles in beautifully for you.
My tree arrived in good condition and is doing well. Highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in planting different trees.
Hi David,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience! We're delighted to hear your tree arrived safely and is thriving. It’s wonderful to know you’d recommend Nature Hills to others interested in planting—we truly appreciate your support!
If you ever need tips on care or have questions about expanding your tree collection, please don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our growing library of plant care resources on the site. We’re always here to help you nurture your planting journey.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
My country neighbors maybe 2 miles away or so I noticed have a screen of these (I went up to there door and asked what magnificent tree they had blocking an ugly view) they have them planted maybe 5 feet apart about 20 of them along the county road and it blocks there lot of farm equipment and parts to things those can be a total disaster for how your property looks but it also blocks the insane winds we get and provides wonderful shade I only knew it was blocking a bad view from when I was using navigation and it switched to satellite view and I seen a bunch of junk and was confused but realised it was hidden ! Awesome tree for privacy
Hi Liv,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful observations about these trees and how your neighbors are using them as a natural screen. It’s wonderful to hear how effective they are at not only enhancing privacy by cleverly blocking views but also providing much-needed shade and wind protection—traits that make a lovely combination for any rural setting!
You brought up a great point about spacing—the 5 feet apart planting creates a living wall, which can be fantastic for screening, but it’s always a good idea to consider how dense a planting might appear over time versus the maintenance needed. For anyone considering similar use, dend advice on regular pruning and ensuring proper air circulation helps keep such screens looking healthy and beautiful.
If you or your neighbors ever want help selecting trees with similar privacy and durability benefits, or tips on caring for established screens, we’d love to assist you! Our detailed plant care guides on NatureHills.com also offer creative ways to enhance landscape privacy while boosting overall plant health.
Thanks again for the lovely insight—it really paints a picture of how practical and pretty the right trees can be!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
My country neighbors maybe 2 miles away or so I noticed have a screen of these (I went up to there door and asked what magnificent tree they had blocking an ugly view) they have them planted maybe 5 feet apart about 20 of them along the county road and it blocks there lot of farm equipment and parts to things those can be a total disaster for how your property looks but it also blocks the insane winds we get and provides wonderful shade I only knew it was blocking a bad view from when I was using navigation and it switched to satellite view and I seen a bunch of junk and was confused but realised it was hidden ! Awesome tree for privacy
Dear Liv,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful observation! We love hearing how nature—and great tree choices—play unique roles in different landscapes. It’s wonderful to know your neighbors are using these trees as a screen not only to block an unattractive view but also to shield against strong winds and provide ample shade. Trees that offer both privacy and practicality are truly a gem for any property!
If you ever decide to create your own natural screen or windbreak, planting them 5 feet apart, as your neighbors have, is a helpful tip for that dense coverage you mentioned. Should you want recommendations on similar privacy trees or expert planting tips suited for your specific location, our team is always here to guide you!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Arrived in very good condition, have new shoots!
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful update! We're thrilled to hear that your Douglas fir arrived in excellent condition and even has new shoots—what a promising sign of growth! If you ever have questions about care or want tips to encourage even more healthy development, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our planting guides and customer support are always here to help your tree thrive for years to come.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Arrived in very good condition, have new shoots!
Hello Guest,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful update! We're delighted to hear that your Douglas fir arrived in great condition and is already showing new shoots—that’s always such an exciting sign of healthy growth. To help your fir continue thriving, we recommend ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight, regular watering while it establishes its roots, and well-draining soil. If you need any tips on care or have questions as your tree grows, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Healthy nursery stock , better then expected after being shipped. Thanks , Mike C.
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with our nursery stock! We're delighted to hear your plants arrived in healthy condition and even exceeded your expectations despite the shipping process. It's always our goal to provide quality plants that thrive and bring joy to your space.
If you ever need tips for care or suggestions for complementing your new plants, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way toward a vibrant and flourishing garden.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Healthy nursery stock , better then expected after being shipped. Thanks , Mike C.
Dear Mike,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our nursery stock! We’re truly delighted to hear that your plants arrived healthy and exceeded your expectations after shipping. Your kind words mean a lot to us and inspire our team to continue delivering quality plants right to your door.
If you ever need tips on planting or care—whether it's watering suggestions, soil recommendations, or troubleshooting advice—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden thrive!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
Received in great condition
Hi Ken,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience! We’re delighted to hear your order arrived in great condition. We know how important it is for your plants to arrive healthy and ready to thrive, and your feedback reassures us that we’re meeting those expectations.
If you ever have questions about planting or caring for your new additions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way to ensure your garden flourishes beautifully.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
Received in great condition
Dear Ken P.,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your order arrived in great condition. We always strive to ensure our plants and products are well-packaged and arrive ready to thrive in your care!
If you have any questions about your new plants or need tips on how to help them flourish, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
this is a good fast growing tree that eventually is a great fir wood tree or even just a shade tree
Hi Doug,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Douglas Fir Tree! We’re delighted to hear you’ve found it to be a fast-growing and versatile tree—whether as impressive fir wood or providing lovely shade. Its adaptability certainly makes it a wonderful addition to many landscapes.
If you’re interested, preserving that beauty over the years can be easy with proper watering and mulching, especially in the tree's early growth stages. Also, routine checks for pests like adelgids can help keep your tree healthy and thriving.
Thank you again for your thoughtful review, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any growing tips or plant care advice in the future!
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
this is a good fast growing tree that eventually is a great fir wood tree or even just a shade tree
Dear Doug Fir,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Douglas Fir Tree! We’re delighted to hear that you find it to be a fast-growing—and versatile—addition to your landscape, whether as a majestic fir wood source or a welcoming shade tree.
If you’re looking to optimize its growth and health, be sure to plant your Douglas Fir in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering during its establishment phase will give it a strong start. Also, mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.
Should you ever need additional advice or plant care tips, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your green-thumb journey every step of the way!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
I grew up with a Douglas fir in the back yard. I always seemed to have the need to touch those soft needles. I have had to move several times so I have purchased several of these trees. I just purchased my latest one from Nature Hills. It came in great shape.
Dear Diane,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memories and trusting us once again to provide you with a Douglas fir tree! It’s heartwarming to hear how those soft needles have been a comforting touchstone throughout your moves. We're delighted to know your newest tree arrived in excellent condition.
Since you cherish the texture, be sure to plant your Douglas fir in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, which helps maintain those vibrant green needles. Regular mulching and proper watering, especially in the first few years, can really support healthy growth. If you ever want tips on pruning or soil care to keep your tree looking its best, we’re just a message away!
Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills for your planting journey. Wishing you many more years of soft prickles and joyful moments with your beautiful fir.
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
I grew up with a Douglas fir in the back yard. I always seemed to have the need to touch those soft needles. I have had to move several times so I have purchased several of these trees. I just purchased my latest one from Nature Hills. It came in great shape.
Dear Diane,
Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt story and experience with Douglas fir trees. We love hearing how these soft, familiar needles bring back treasured memories from your childhood—there’s truly something special about reconnecting with a plant that carries such meaning. It’s wonderful to know your newest Douglas fir from Nature Hills arrived healthy and ready to grow in your garden.
If you ever need tips on filling your yard with these trees or care advice to keep them thriving through every move, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For your Douglas fir, providing well-drained soil and partial to full sun is ideal, and regular watering will help it establish strong roots, especially in its early years.
Wishing you a beautiful, flourishing forest right in your own backyard!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I like Douglas firs because they grow so fast. It does not take long to have a Christmas tree ready to go.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! We're delighted to hear that you appreciate the fast-growing nature of Douglas firs and enjoy having them as your go-to Christmas trees. Their quick growth definitely makes them a wonderful choice for the festive season.
If you're looking to keep those firs healthy year-round, consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Also, be sure to water consistently during dry spells to support optimal growth.
Feel free to reach out anytime if you want tips on caring for your trees through the seasons!
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I like Douglas firs because they grow so fast. It does not take long to have a Christmas tree ready to go.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the Douglas fir! We’re thrilled to hear you appreciate how quickly they grow—it truly makes them an excellent choice for a stylish, fresh Christmas tree in no time. If you’re looking to keep your fir healthy as it grows, remember to plant it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and give it a good deep watering during dry spells. Regular mulching can also help retain moisture and keep those roots happy.
If you need any tips on caring for your Douglas fir throughout the year, don’t hesitate to reach out! We're always here to help you nurture your green space.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I just planted my trees last fall and they look great! It was a pleasure speaking with you folks on the phone. I asked a lot of questions and you answered each one very cheerfully. Thank you for the beautiful trees
Dear Pleased in PA,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that your Douglas Fir trees are thriving since last fall—that’s always the best kind of news. It was truly a pleasure assisting you over the phone, and we’re glad our team could help answer all your questions cheerfully.
As your trees continue to grow, keep an eye on watering needs, especially as seasons change, and mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and protect roots. If you ever need tips or have more questions down the line, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help your garden flourish.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
I just planted my trees last fall and they look great! It was a pleasure speaking with you folks on the phone. I asked a lot of questions and you answered each one very cheerfully. Thank you for the beautiful trees
Dear Pleased P.,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your Douglas Fir trees are thriving and that our phone support made your planting experience enjoyable. We know how important it is to have your questions answered thoroughly, and it’s fantastic to hear our team was able to help out cheerfully.
If at any time you’d like tips on caring for your firs through the seasons—such as proper watering, mulching, or protecting them from harsh winter conditions—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to provide seasonal guides or answer any follow-up questions as your trees continue to grow beautifully!
Thanks again for trusting us with your trees and for being part of the Nature Hills family.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
good tree. great growth, looks great and adapts well
Hi chrismott99,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with your Douglas Fir tree! We’re thrilled to hear it’s growing well and adapting beautifully in your space. Douglas Firs are wonderful, resilient trees that add a lovely evergreen touch to any garden.
If you’re looking for tips to keep it thriving, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and protect roots during seasonal changes. And if you ever have questions about fertilizers or pest control specific to your area, we’re here to help!
Thanks again for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us.
Plant care cheers,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
good tree. great growth, looks great and adapts well
Dear Chrismott99,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with your Douglas Fir tree! We're delighted to hear it’s growing well, looks great, and adapting nicely—that speaks volumes about your excellent care and the hardiness of this beautiful tree. If you ever want tips on seasonal pruning or enhancing its health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help ensure your trees thrive for years to come.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
