Ask the Arborist #2

Dear Arborist,

Recently, while visiting Mt. Tabor Park in Portland, OR, I came across some trees with needles on them. It occurred to me that I didn't know what kind of needle tree it was. Pine, Spruce, or Fir - I had no idea!

Is there any easy way to tell them apart?

Thanks,


Inquisitive

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Dear Inquisitive,

Great question!

Here's a quick guide to tell the difference between these species of soft wood trees.

• Pine tree needles have longer needles than the other two, usually about 4 inches. 
• Spruce and Fir trees both have needles that are about 1 inch long but...
• The needles of the Fir are flat and
• The needles of the Spruce are round

'Til next time,

The Arborist