Yes - it has probably been done in by the climate and/or soil there. Garden center buyers here bring in all kinds of things that aren't a sure bet for our climate. Or need special culture, like routine pest control programs or liberal watering - so I wouldn't bank on frequency at outlets being a certification of ease of cultivation at all.

And because they are fussy about climate, want clean air and are subject to a galaxy of pests and diseases true firs in particular are probably about the most problematic of commonly grown conifers. Although as can be seen by all the questions posted there are many difficulties encountered with spruces also. Planted examples of both genera are highly abundant on properties in my area. Yet frequently look shabby, if not in their early years then later.

Sorry to say it but the tree looks like it's dead. I'm on Long Island, NY and find that a lot of Firs are difficult to grow here. From what I've been told Firs don't like it wet for too long. If Firs are planted in soil that stays wet for too long it will eventually die. High heat and Humidity can kill them too. My Abies Koreana Kahouts Ice Breaker died this year as soon as we got hot weather. Another Fir (I Don't know the name) I had for 3 years was brown this spring (It struggled each year).

My Abies Alba Pendula in full sun has been struggling for 2 years and it looks like it will be dead this year or next year. Last year my Fraser Fir died during the summer. My Weeping Blue Douglas Fir is not looking too good this summer either (This will be its second year in the ground). Also 2 years ago I lost two Golden Spanish Firs (I believe it was due to overwatering).

The good news is that I've had success with some Firs. My Concolor Blue Cloak, Abies Koreana Aurea, Abies Koreana Horstmann's Silberlocke and the Abies nordmanniana Golden Spreader are are all doing well and have been in the ground a couple of years. My Concolor Blue Cloak, Abies Koreana Horstmann's Silberlocke and the Abies nordmanniana Golden Spreader receive some afternoon shade during the summer. The Abies Koreana Aurea gets full sun.

I Only watered them a bit during the first growing season but some of them did not respond well when I did. I still water my Abies nordmanniana 'Golden Spreader' from time to time. I also water the Weeping Blue Douglas Fir but it has been struggling. I'm hoping it does better next year. My Abies Koreana Silver Show and my Abies Nordmanniana Aurea in containers are also doing pretty well.

hope spring eternal ...

i cant see any buds ... how are they looking???

ken

Not good. Most of them seem to be clogged with some white stuff.

True firs often produce quite resinous buds, it's a protection against severe weather. The amount of resin varies with the species.