Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)

Our range of Nordmann Fir bare root tree saplings (Abies nordmanniana)

We have a couple of different options of Nordmann Fir tree saplings.

The 2+1 transplants are 3 year old bare root plants, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out to access more nutrients and water) for a further growing season giving a tall, stocky, bushy plant.  They are only sold in the bare root season - November to April each year.   Sometimes these are called Nordmann Fir seedlings but strictly speaking they ought to be called Nordmann Fir transplants.  Most people refer to them as Nordmann Fir bare root saplings.

We also have cell grown Nordmann Fir which are grown by one of the UK's best specialist growers, and these are ideal for forestry and woodland creation, large scale Christmas tree growing, or amenity planting - and are available all year round.

You can read more about the specifications we offer on the tab just below the pricing table.

Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) Summary

Nordmann Fir was introduced to the UK in the mid 1800’s and originally from the Western Caucasus (named after A. von Nordmann director of the Odessa botanical gardens) and now grown in all lowland areas of the UK in parks, large gardens, woodlands and on timber plantations.   This is the variety that has somewhat replaced Picea abies as the UK’s favourite Christmas tree as it holds its needles better indoors.

It’s a large conifer growing up to 60m eventual height, with a typical Christmas tree shape – pyramidal with horizontal branches evenly spaced up the trunk.  Its form is narrow when young, broadening with age (don’t we all!).

Soil and Situation

Nordmann Fir has a preference towards deep acidic or neutral, moist but well drained soils and does not do well on chalk, sandy or overly alkaline soils.  It is deep rooted and not suitable too close to paved areas.  Ideally plant Nordmann Fir in a sunny situation.  it grows well at high altitudes.

Leaves, flowers, fruit and bark

The leaves are narrow dark green evergreen needles, 2 – 3cm long with two white stripes underneath. In winter the buds turn reddish brown.

Unremarkable flowers appear in spring and develop into upright blue/green cones before turning brown.

The bark of Nordman Firs is smooth and grey, turning dark brown in mature trees.

Eventual height and growth rate

Whilst it has been known to grow to 60m in its natural habitat, in the UK it is more common to find Nordmann Fir trees maxing out at about 20m.  Growth rate is moderate, relatively slow in young trees but speeding up as the tree matures.  It broadens out with age to about 7 – 9m width.  For a conifer it is quite long living - up to 300 years

This section gives definitions on the specifications of plants that we sell.  We are specialists in field grown (or bare root) plants which are grown in two ways.  The majority are grown from seed, some are ready within one growing season (seedlings or 1+0's) and some species require two growing seasons (1u1's).  In addition to growing from seed we also grow from small plants or cuttings (transplants) which are much more widely spaced (taking more land, more irrigation water, fertilisers and labour).  There are only a handful of bare root wholesale nurseries in the UK and of those even fewer grow transplants but Ray Jenkins has many years' experience of transplanting so we grow these in large volumes.  Ray has written this blog about the benefits of bare root plants and how they are grown and another blog which gives further detail on bare root specifications.

The detailed specifications are shown below.  If you are in doubt about what specification to use please email us on enquiries@rjtreesandhedging.co.uk with a description of the project (and photos if appropriate) and we will advise you.

1+0 - field grown in one season from seed, known as a seedling (sometimes called a whip), generally a slender single stem plant.   These are the cheapest specification and are particularly suitable for planting where weed competition will be less intense, soil is shallow or on exposed windy sites.  Gives a high root to shoot ratio and minimal plant "check".

2+0 - a 2 year seedling, field grown from seed in the same seed bed in two growing seasons where the species cannot be grown to a saleable plant from seed in one season

1U1 - 2 year old plant called an undercut, field grown for two seasons in the same seed bed and undercut by machine (a sharp blade cutting the roots under the soil level) after the first year to develop the root structure. We do this with several species which take 2 years to develop (eg oak, beech, hornbeam)

1+1 - 2 year old plant (transplant) grown from seed in the first year and then transplanted into a different area of the field and spaced out for the second growing season - a robust plant with a larger and more robust root system than seedling or undercut plant which will enable it to better withstand drought and weed competition. Often the best choice and the staple norm for farm hedging and this specification is a requirement of the Countryside Stewardship Grant

1+2- a 3 year old plant, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further two growing seasons giving a tall, stocky, bushy plant

2+1- a 3 year old plant, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further growing season, giving a strong bushy plant

3+1 - as above but field grown for a further growing season for more height and a very bushy plant

1+3- 4 year old, one year field growing in the seed beds and then transplanted (and spaced out) for three years, giving a very strong, bushy plant

2+2- 4 year old, two years field growing in the seed beds and then transplanted (and spaced out) for a further two years - a very mature plant suited to certain species like beech and hornbeam where we can offer almost instant hedging

and some that are a bit different.....

P9 - a plant grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel in a 9cm pot (for holly which germinates poorly in the field)

Cell grown - a plant grown in small deep cells (like a small yogurt pot) and then lifted out of those for transportation. Commonly used in forestry and large hedging projects.  Very high quality plants with excellent success rate.  See our blog on the benefits of cell grown plants.

C+1 or C+2 - a 3 or 4 year old plant initally started as hardwood cuttings grown on for a year as cell grown plants and then lined out in fields to grow on for a further 1 or 2 years (a technique used for Cherry Laurel)

0/1 - a hardwood cutting, then field grown for one season (for example for white willow, black poplar and osier)