Abies balsamea, or balsam fir, is a native tree in Ontario and ideal for cool climates, occurring naturally in most of eastern and central Canada and northeastern States in the US. Balsam fir prefers moist, well-drained soil and is best transplanted in spring. Known for its pleasant fragrance, it�s a popular nursery choice and specimen tree for different maintained landscapes. Balsam fir does not perform well in urban areas with compacted soil or clay soils. It�s shallow-rooted and vulnerable to heavy winds, so extra care and irrigation may be required during establishment to improve the trees ability to root in on your site.
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Planting Site and Native Range
Planting Site
Naturalization, Parks, Highway, Residential
Management Notes
Management Notes
Best growth occurs in colder climates Less urban tolerant than most firs
Tree Characteristics
Growth Rate
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
Width
5 - 8m
Height
14 - 23m
Soil Quantity
0 - 10 m
Leaves
Evergreen
Insects and Diseases
Insects and Diseases
No serious or common issues in the urban environment. This tree is highly susceptible to balsam woolly adelgid. Due to the low density of plantings in urban areas, this pest has not become a major problem in the urban environment.
Tree Tolerances
Soil Salt Tolerance
Sensitive
Salt Spray Tolerance
Unknown
Flooding Tolerance
Low
Drought Tolerance
Low
pH Tolerance
Tolerant of acid to alkaline soil (5.0 to 8.0)
Shade Tolerance
Full Sun Part Shade
Plant Hardiness Zone
Zone 3 (a/b) | Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)