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NOBLE FIR (Apies procera)
GRAND FIR (Abies grandis)
WHITE FIR (Abies concolor}
PACIFIC SILVER FIR (Abies amabilis)
Other names: fir, red fir. white fire, white balsam,
balsam fir, silver fir, yellow fir, larch.

POOR TO GOOD

Noble fir is found in the Cascade Mountain region of Oregon and Washington; grand fir in western Oregon and Washington. northern Idaho and western Montana; white fir from California and Oregon to Colorado and New Mexico; Pacific silver fir is confined to the Cascades in Oregon and Washington and northward into south- eastern Alaska. These trees vary in size and occurrence but are very similar in durability. 

None of the true firs (Abies) are desirable as bearing trees. The original blazes are usually decayed and little or no scribing remains, though the tree may be alive an4 otherwise healthy. In the Rocky Mountain region they are not logged to any great extent so this may be a redeeming feature. It is seldom that these trees are found completely healed. When dead and fallen the wood usually decays rapidly. Unless windthrown they leave little or no stump hole. There is seldom a good pitch face on these trees. Stumps quickly decay to a mulch. 

If nothing better is available select young 'trees, over 6" in diameter. Release if in dense stand. Keep the blaze as small as possible, well drained. and only as deep as required to obtain a smooth face. Paint the wood immediately and thoroughly before the heavy sap begins to flow. Though resinous the sap is watery and good drainage of the blaze should be provided.