When you’re scouting for the perfect spot for a new plant, understanding its growth habit is a total game-changer. By looking at the annual growth rate and the eventual mature size, you can pick the ideal home for a tree. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect when you add a Douglas Fir to your landscape.
How Fast Do Douglas Firs Actually Grow?
When you pick up Douglas Fir saplings from the nursery, they’re often only about a foot and a half tall. It’s totally normal for gardeners to feel a bit skeptical at first—you might wonder how long it’ll take for that little guy to become a majestic tree. But don’t worry! Douglas Firs are famous for their impressive growth spurts. As long as you pick the right spot and give them some TLC, they’ll be reaching for the sky in no time.
Here’s a quick look at their yearly growth:
- With optimal care: up to 16 inches
- Under tougher conditions: about 8 inches
If you’re dreaming of a towering Douglas Fir, location is everything. Your best bet is a sunny spot where the tree can soak up the rays. Plus, these trees love nutrient-rich soil with plenty of moisture for their roots. Give them that, and they’ll take off.
Don’t Forget What’s Happening Underground
You can plant a Douglas Fir as a stunning standalone specimen or even as a privacy hedge. If you’re going the hedge route, though, make sure you give them enough breathing room. If they’re too crowded, they’ll end up competing with their neighbors for water. Keep in mind that while they do pull moisture from the surface, they mainly hunt for nutrients and water deep underground.
Because Douglas Fir roots grow quite strong and deep, you’ll want to keep a safe distance from house foundations or property lines. As the tree matures, those powerful roots can eventually lift up pavers or interfere with underground utility lines. So, when you’re planting, make sure you’re keeping an eye on that “invisible” growth happening beneath the surface!
