It is best to start white fir seedlings in partial or dense shade, though once established, the trees grow best in full sunlight. Soil should be acidic and not too moist, as wet growing conditions causes root rot that can be fatal to the tree. White firs will grow best in bare mineral soils, where their root systems are deeper, heavier, and larger. In cases where root systems are shallow, white firs are easily damaged by wind. 

Abies concolor are some of the most adaptable firs; they are capable of growing in many conditions that would kill other trees, including pollution, saline, and drought conditions. However, white firs are easily destroyed or damaged by fires. They are also susceptible to many pests. One of these pests, dwarf mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that grows on white fir branches and makes the wood too weak to use as lumber. It also makes the tree vulnerable to insects, fungi, and rot. The fir engraver beetle takes advantage of white fir trees that have been wounded by fire, mechanical injuries, or frost cracks. This beetle bores holes into the wood of the tree and lays eggs in the sapwood, which disrupts nutrient flows, causes the needles to turn red or yellow, and is usually fatal to the tree.