| The
Fraser
fir is a uniformly pyramid-shaped tree which reaches a maximum height of
about 80 feet and a diameter of 1-1.5 feet. Strong branches are turned
slightly upward which gives the tree a compact appearance. The North
Carolina Fraser fir has soft, pleasant-to-touch needles, incomparable
needle retention, long lasting aroma, and more pliable yet stronger
branches for even the heaviest ornaments.
Leaves (needles) are flattened, dark-green with a medial groove on the
upper side and two broad silvery-white bands on the lower surface. These
bands consist of several rows of stomata (pores). Leaves are 1/2 to one
inch long, have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the
upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. On lower branches,
leaves are two-ranked (occurring in two opposite rows). On upper twigs,
leaves tend to curl upward forming a more "U-shaped"
appearance.
The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color,
pleasant scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser
fir being a most popular Christmas tree species. North Carolina produces
the majority of Fraser fir Christmas trees. It requires from 7 to 10
years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.
For each North Carolina Fraser fir harvested, there is at least one
transplant put back in its place.
Dr. Craig R. McKinley, North Carolina State University
Care Of Your Fresh Fraser Fir Christmas Tree At Home
Certain
species simply last longer and remain fresh much longer than others. One
of the best is the North Carolina Fraser fir. Removing a thin disk (1/4
to 1/2 inch) off the trunk before placing the tree in a water holding
stand is all that is needed. It is always a good practice to make a new
cut before putting the tree into the stand. As a general rule, a
tree can use up to a quart of water per day for each inch of stem
diameter. The warmer the temperature and the lower the relative humidity
where the tree is displayed, the greater the amount of water required by
the tree.
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