Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Hemlock is a native shade tolerant evergreen species that is commonly used as a hedge or privacy screen. Able to grow over 100′ tall, it is rarely found over 50′ in the urban setting. Needles are ~1/2″ long, are a glossy deep green on the top and a lighter green with two parallel lines on the underside. Cones are small ovals that hang from small stalks like ornaments.
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
Balsam fir is small to medium sized, commonly used landscape tree that is native to Wisconsin. Needles have a similar lustrous green to hemlock but are arranged in two rough rows rather than one. Cones are purplish when young; grow to 2-4″ in length, become brownish in color, and quickly release their seeds leaving a more open appearance.
White Fir (Abies concolor)
Native to the mountain west, this fir species makes a nice landscape tree and, though used considerably less frequently than balsam fir, is gaining in popularity. Needles curve upward from the stem; cones are cylindrical in shape, 3-6″ long, and 1-2″ wide.