Young hemlock trees need protection from deer as these saplings are among the preferred browse species. This beautiful tree provides unique habitat for wildlife. Balsam fir trees are fairly short-lived, surviving only 60 to 80 years, and growing to heights of approximately 60 feet. Firs are an aromatic evergreen that grow in a variety of soil types from well-drained sand to richer moister soils. They prefer sunny to dappled-shade conditions.
Firs provide shade as well as wildlife habitat and food.
Yellow birch is an attractive shade tree with golden-satin bark. It is fairly shade-tolerant, prefers rich moist soils and grows to heights of approximately 80 feet. The crushed twigs of this species taste like wintergreen. Yellow birch trees provide wildlife habitat and the seeds are the preferred winter food of some winter finches such as redpolls and goldfinches. The flowers are inconspicuous but the bright red, berry-like fruits persist well into winter providing food for birds and mammals and a splash of decorative color for us humans.