What is the difference between fir and spruce: is there a difference, comparison of trees

Many people prefer to grow decorative conifers on their plots. To decorate their spaces, they often use spruce and fir. However, in reality, not every person knows exactly how fir differs from spruce. These plants are characterized by a different appearance. They also differ in cultivation features and applications.

What trees have in common

Despite a number of differences, the considered cultures have many similarities. Common features include the following:

• long lifespan;
• significant height - reaches 30-70 meters;
• conical crown;
• sprawling branches - the lower shoots are near the surface of the earth and are located at right angles;
• presence of needles.

The wood of the plant species under consideration is often used in construction and industry. In addition, trees are often used in landscape design. This is due to their excellent decorative characteristics.

Key differences

To distinguish one tree from another, it is worth taking into account many aspects. First of all, the difference between the considered cultures concerns the appearance. There are also differences in the care and uses of plants.

Appearance

The difference between fir and spruce is in appearance. Fir branches do not go beyond the visual boundaries.In this case, the tree is characterized by the correct symmetrical shape. It is distinguished by dense needles, through which the trunk and branches are not visible. The height of the culture reaches 70 meters.

Spruce is characterized by a rare crown through which one can see the trunk. On the north side, the branches are shorter. Due to this, the tree appears asymmetrical. The average height of fir trees is 30 meters.

Other distinguishing features of trees include the following:

1. Bark - Spruce is characterized by brown bark with a reddish tinge. It is covered with cracks that differ in length and direction. Fir is characterized by the presence of a smooth and solid gray bark. Resinous tubercles are present on its surface.
2. Needles - spruce is characterized by tetrahedral light green needles, which differ in an arbitrary direction of growth. The culture has sharp and hard needles, the length of which is 3 centimeters. Fir is characterized by soft needles.At the same time, its needles expand upward. Their length reaches 4 centimeters. At the same time, the needles are distinguished by a bright green color with light stripes along the edges.
3. Cones - spruce fruits are distinguished by an elongated conical shape and brown color. They are formed at the ends of branches and are located top down. Fir is characterized by round, pale green buds that are vertically arranged.
4. Seeds - spruce is characterized by ovoid seeds with wings of a regular shape of a dark brown hue. Fir is characterized by wedge-shaped grains with an asymmetrical beige wing.

Care Requirements

Fir grows well in well-drained loamy soil. It is able to grow in semi-shaded areas. The culture needs to be watered abundantly 2 times a month. For 1 plant, it is recommended to use 20 liters of water.

Fir, like spruce, needs to be pruned every year, removing diseased and injured branches. This procedure should be carried out in early spring - before the start of sap flow.

Spruce develops well in any kind of soil. It is recommended to plant it in well-lit areas. Seedlings of this crop are highly resistant to frost. Therefore, they can not be covered for the winter.

Application

The plants in question differ in color and texture of the wood. Spruce is characterized by light wood with fine texture lines. It is characterized by high density and strength. Fir is a soft and brittle gray material. It is characterized by coarse texture and rough surface.

Spruce wood is valued more. It is used in carpentry. Also, the material is used for the manufacture of musical instruments and furniture. Fir wood is considered less valuable. It is almost never used in construction. Usually the material is used for the production of paper and various types of containers.

Which tree to choose

The choice of tree depends on the application. For example, spruce wood is more suitable for construction and furniture making. At the same time, fir is often used to build barrels and a box for vegetables and fruits.

Both types of trees are used in landscape design. The choice of a particular plant depends on the personal preferences of the person. Both varieties serve as excellent decoration of the territory. The only difference is that fir is characterized by a more intense aroma. In addition, it should be borne in mind that spruce is considered more prickly. Therefore, planting it is much more difficult. This requires the use of special protective devices.

Choosing a particular plant often comes up on the eve of the New Year holidays. In this case, many people prefer fir, which has a rich smell and is less prickly, which is very important if there are small children in the house.

Spruce and fir are popular conifers that have a lot in common. However, these cultures also have a number of important differences. They affect the visual features, the rules of agricultural technology, the features of the application. All this should be taken into account when choosing a particular option.

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