How to Grow Noble Fir - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Noble fir is a large, evergreen tree that is native to the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the tallest and most massive tree species in North America. The scientific name for the noble fir is Abies procera. The tree has a straight trunk with reddish-brown bark that is covered with resin. The needles are blue-green in color and are arranged in pairs on the branchlets. The cones are ovoid in shape and are reddish-brown in color. The noble fir is an important source of timber for the lumber industry. It is also widely used as a Christmas tree.

How to Grow Noble Fir - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Abies nobilis
  • Noble fir
  • Christmas fir
  • Eurasian fir
  • Balsam fir

Good to Know

  • The noble fir (Abies procera) is a species of fir native to the western Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountains of North America.
  • It is an evergreen coniferous tree growing to 40–60 m (130–200 ft) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 5 m (5 ft).
  • The leaves are needle-like, flattened, 5–25 cm (2–10 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide by 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) thick, broadly tapering to a blunt point. They are arranged spirally on the stem, but with the leaf bases twisted so that the leaves appear to be in two rows along the stem.
  • The cones are ovoid-conic, 8–12 cm (3–5 in) long and 4–6 cm (6–4 in) broad, ripening reddish-brown and disintegrating to release the winged seeds in late autumn or early winter.
  • The noble fir is closely related to the Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) and the two species are sometimes considered conspecific.
  • It is a popular Christmas tree in the United States, where it is known as the "noble fir".
  • The wood of the noble fir is prized for its strength, stiffness and density, and is used for structural purposes such as timber framing and construction lumber.
  • The species is also grown as an ornamental tree, and several cultivars have been developed for this purpose.
  • The noble fir is susceptible to several different diseases and pests, including the sap-sucking aphid Adelges abietis, which can cause extensive damage to trees.
  • Global warming is predicted to reduce the suitable habitat for the noble fir over the 21st century.

How to Grow

  1. For noble fir, first step is selecting the planting site.
  2. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil.
  3. Space the trees about 10 feet apart.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree's root ball and just as deep.
  5. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
  6. Tamp the soil gently as you fill the hole to remove any air pockets.
  7. Water the tree well immediately after planting.
  8. For the first year, water your tree weekly.
  9. Apply a 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it several inches away from the trunk.
  10. Fertilize your tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, noble fir prefers well-drained but moist, acidic soil. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is very tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This tree is able to adapt to a wide range of soils, but it thrives best in sandy, loamy, or clay soils that are high in organic matter.

About light

Just like other fir trees, the Noble Fir requires full sun in order to grow properly. However, it is also tolerant of partial sun, which means it can still do well even if it doesn't get full sun all day long. This makes it a great choice for areas that get some sun but not full sun, such as in dappled sunlight or in the shade for part of the day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of noble fir trees is between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the tree to receive the necessary chilling hours required for proper growth, while also preventing it from being damaged by frost. However, noble fir trees can also tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are around 40-50%. If the air is too dry, the plant will become stressed and may start to drop its needles. If the air is too humid, the plant may start to drop its needles and produce excess water on its leaves, which can lead to fungal problems.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant food is very important for the growth of the noble fir. The root system is very important to hold the tree in the ground, and to help it to get the water and nutrients it needs to grow.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Noble Fir healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to remove diseased or damaged branches, promote new growth, and shape the tree. The best time to prune your Noble Fir is in late winter or early spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the noble fir is best accomplished by seed. The seed should be collected in the fall and sown as soon as possible. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are 2-3 years old. The noble fir can also be propagated by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken in the summer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on young trees growing in plantations. In a study of 3-year-old noble fir trees, the average growth rate was 35.4 cm per year for trees that received nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer, and 20.7 cm per year for trees that did not receive fertilizer. However, in a study of 6-year-old noble fir trees, the average growth rate was only 12.2 cm per year, regardless of whether or not the trees received fertilizer. This suggests that the growth rate of noble fir trees slows down significantly as they age.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant trees are needle cast, root rot, and drought. Needle cast is a disease that causes the needles to fall off the tree, and it can be caused by several different fungi. Root rot is a serious problem because it can kill the tree. Drought can also be a problem for these trees because they need a lot of water.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your noble fir regularly. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
  • Noble firs prefer a slightly acidic soil, so be sure to use an acidic fertilizer when feeding your plant.
  • Place your noble fir in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if necessary.
  • Harvest your noble fir's cones once they turn brown and start to open.
  • Store the cones in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use them.
  • To propagate your plant, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • Grafting is also possible if you want to create a new plant with different characteristics.
  • Enjoy your beautiful noble fir for many years to come!

Alternative Plants

  • White fir
  • White spruce
  • Green spruce
  • Blue spruce
  • Norway spruce
  • Scotch pine
  • Sugar pine
  • Ponderosa pine
  • Douglas fir
  • White pine

Source:
Noble and Greenough School - A 5-Day Boarding School
Abies procera Rehd. Noble Fir V - Andrews Forest
The Miridae (Hemiptera : Heteroptera) associated with noble fir, …

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