Douglas fir

The Douglas fir is fast-growing, reaches great heights, and is an ideal tree for renewing and regenerating forests and woodland areas.

2748Arbre1820%FRhttps://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/26e4d3c7df5f6180e098a7ecf8de3c7ee5d83283.jpgDouglas firUneven-aged high forest Montplonne Forest 55https://ecotree.green/en/offers/forest/montplonne-foresthttps://ecotree.green/en/offers/55-meuse/montplonne-forest/douglas-fir/2748
Age: 25 to 30 years old
Montplonne Forest
Meuse, Grand Est, France
2751Arbre1820%FRhttps://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/26e4d3c7df5f6180e098a7ecf8de3c7ee5d83283.jpgDouglas firUneven-aged high forest Montplonne Forest 55https://ecotree.green/en/offers/forest/montplonne-foresthttps://ecotree.green/en/offers/55-meuse/montplonne-forest/douglas-fir/2751
Age: 25 to 30 years old
Montplonne Forest
Meuse, Grand Est, France

Douglas fir

Originally found in North America, the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is spelled with a hyphen because it is actually not a true fir tree. It was introduced to Europe in the early 19th century by David Douglas, a Scottish botanist and collector who first reported its extraordinary nature and potential. It has also been known as the Oregon pine. The Douglas fir grows quickly, thrives in cold conditions, and can grow to an enormous 100m tall.

Why does EcoTree plant Douglas firs?

After being introduced to France, the Douglas fir has become the second most popular reforestation species. Thanks to its resistance to cold, frost, snow, and wind, EcoTree plants Douglas fir in cold and wet regions for reforestation or continuous cover forestry. The fake fir tree is home to a great number of animal, vegetal, and fungal species. Its natural durability renders it rot-proof, an indispensable quality, especially when used as timber.

Douglas fir - Overview

Douglas fir - Overview

In North America, the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) can live for 1,000 years. This fast-growing conifer produces wood with excellent technical qualities.

This tree has a conical shape around a straight trunk that's covered in grey-green, shiny bark which forms exposed pockets of resin when young, before it turns a corky, cracked orange-brown with age. Once its bark changes, the tree can reach a height of 50 to 80m and a diameter of 2m in its natural habitat. In Europe, it rarely grows beyond 70m tall. Its needles are not prickly, but soft to the touch with a groove on top and two clear white stripes on the back. When crushed, they smell like lemongrass. The Douglas fir is monoecious. Its cones bud in April-May and ripen in October of the same year. They are medium (5-10 cm) egg-shaped cones that hang and produce a three-pointed bract from each shell. It is an evergreen tree.
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Douglas fir

Douglas fir - Species requirements

The Douglas fir is a resilient tree that can grow in all conditions, from the cold of winter to the intense heat of summer. However, when it is very young, it needs plenty of light to prosper and in its early years, it can succumb to winter droughts, violent winds or even a late frost.

Originally, the Douglas fir grew in regions where the climate is mild and humid. In Europe, it is sensitive to the dryness of the air, especially when young. We plant Douglas fir in spring and autumn, making sure that they are positioned in the sun or mid-shade.

This is a tree that will grow in all types of well-drained soil, so long as it is humid, free from chalk and has low acidity.

Douglas fir

The wood from the Douglas fir tree is hardy, perfect for high-quality building materials. Its heartwood is pinkish brown while its sapwood is light yellow-brown. The grain is very straight with large rings (a testament to the tree's fast growth) and a strong texture (mostly on the most recent wood). Of great size with many twigs, the heartwood of the Douglas fir is more solid and resistant than most conifers usually planted throughout North America and Europe. This helps make the Douglas fir's wood ideal for traditional carpentry.

Douglas fir Symbolism

It won’t be surprising to hear that the Douglas fir represents resilience and durability. Perhaps that makes it the ideal gift for a special wedding anniversary or long-standing friendship? This living, eco-friendly gift will make a memorable present.

Give a gift that they'll never forget! The Douglas fir symbolises the exact wishes we give to newlyweds: a prosperous and loving life together. Many choose the Douglas fir because it symbolises a relationship that is built to last. Don't wait, choose Douglas!