2 tree species from Other Conifers.
Coniferous Softwood
Douglas firs are not true firs but one of the most important timber species in the world. In their native Pacific Northwest range, they can exceed 250 feet and live over 1,000 years. In landscape settings outside their native range, they are commonly planted as ornamental conifers and Christmas trees. Douglas firs are relatively trouble-free when grown in appropriate conditions (cool, moist) but struggle in hot, humid climates. Douglas fir tussock moth and western spruce budworm are the primary insect pests. Swiss needle cast is a disease issue in the Pacific Northwest that causes needle loss and reduced growth. Large Douglas firs are impressive specimens that require careful planning for removal due to their height and weight.
$1,500-$5,000 (removal)
Coniferous Softwood
Eastern hemlocks are shade-tolerant evergreens that form dense, graceful canopies. They are excellent for privacy screens and woodland settings. Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect from East Asia that has devastated hemlock populations across the eastern U.S. since the 1980s. HWA feeds at the base of needles, and infested trees decline and die within 4-10 years without treatment. Treatment involves systemic insecticides applied as soil drenches or trunk injections that must be repeated every few years. Many large hemlock trees in forests and landscapes have already been lost. Hemlocks are ecologically critical because they shade cold-water streams that support trout. Conservation efforts are ongoing, including biological control with predator beetles.
$1,000-$3,000 (removal)