Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Description:
The classic Pacific Northwest evergreen conifer. Known for its noble, upright growth and lush needles which form a beautiful downward sweeping canopy. This tree is great for wildlife habitat.
Power Line Approved: No
Min. street tree planting width: 12 feet
Mature Height: 80 feet
Mature Spread: 20 feet
Tree Shape:Pyramidal with an open stature. Lower branches droop and upper branches point upward.
Where to Plant:
Excellent yard tree. Give it room to grow. Great for greenspaces that are unimproved right of ways adjacent to your property. An unimproved right-of-way (ROW) is an area originally set aside for alleys, streets, or paths that has not been developed. If you want to plant this tree in an unimproved right of way, select the street tree option on your application so a City of Seattle arborist can inspect its location and approve a permit.
Leaves:
Short, deep green needles grow around all sides of the twigs for a fuzzy, full appearance. Sticky, red buds at twig ends harbor pale green new growth and remain after buds burst.
Fruit:
Mature cones are a soft brown color and hang downward from branches, sporting three-pronged seeds protruding from scales.
Preferred Site Conditions:
Needs full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils.
Potential Problems:
Relatively pest free. It will not tolerate poor drainage.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 15 feet from house or building
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections