Douglas Fir Forestry Plugs
Plant Type: Evergreen plug
Zones: 4-6
Soil Type: Loamy & Sandy Soils
Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Mature Height & Width: 60-80' Height and 12-20' Spread
Growth Rate: Moderate - 12-24" per year once established
Moisture Requirements: Average
Douglas Fir Forestry Plugs
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Sold only by the full box of trees
Now you have access to the same trees planted by the giant timber companies and many forestry agencies! The roots of the P2 size trees are surrounded by a plug of soil 1.25" in diameter and 4.5" deep. Our P2 size trees have a 30-40% larger biomass than their P1 counterparts. This includes plug size, root system and stem diameter. Typically, plugs experience less transplant shock and improved survival rates.
The Douglas fir has a large pyramid shape and straight trunk, growing to a height of 80'+ in the right conditions. This evergreen exhibits bark which is smooth and grey-brown, having gummy resin-filled blisters when young. As the tree ages, the bark becomes very thick and deeply grooved, with dark reddish-brown ridges. We sell the Lincoln variety which features blue-green to green needles. While this conifer should be in a wind protected area, the Douglas Fir does well as part of a windbreak or living snow fence.
The Douglas Fir tree starts out dense as it is young. As the tree reaches for the sky, the lower branches may self prune in less than ideal growing conditions. The Douglas Fir is very shade intolerant.
Fun Fact: In Boston, the USS Constitution sails proudly under the power of three Douglas Fir masts.
Common uses for Douglas Fir include:
- Evergreen
- Commonly used as a Christmas tree when young
- Used in building anything from airplanes to furniture
Like most other conifers, the Douglas Fir can provide nesting habitat and cover for many types of birds and small mammals. Antelope, deer, elk, mountain goats, and mountain sheep eat the twigs and foliage in the winter or early spring when their other food supplies are covered in snow or have not yet emerged. The seeds of Douglas Firs are used by blue grouse, songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. Bears often scrape off the bark on young trees to eat the sap layer beneath the surface. On large Douglas Fir trees, it is common to see an eagle or hawk perched on top seeking out its next meal.
