A study developing a DRIS application to evaluate foliar nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P.), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) nutrition, was conducted on a 3‐year‐old Fraser fir [Abies fraseri(Pursh) Poir.] Christmas tree plantation in Watauga county, North Carolina. Preliminary DRIS norms and index equations were developed from premium grade Christmas trees for the five nutrients analyzed. In contrast to most crops where growth or yield are assessed. Fraser fir Christmas tree performance was evaluated by conventional grading procedures based on tree quality. Preliminary evaluation of DRIS performance on the 79‐tree data set suggested that assessments of nutritional balance as well as an examination of individual nutrient concentrations are needed to diagnose the nutrient status of Fraser Fir Christmas trees