Resilience of North Carolina Christmas Tree Industry Post-Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is recovering from Hurricane Helene’s impact, with NC State specialists noting minimal effects on tree supply. Despite some losses, growers are on schedule for harvesting Fraser firs, which are widely available for purchase. Agency collaboration continues to facilitate tree transport, and prices remain stable from $65 to $250 depending on size and retailer.
The North Carolina Christmas tree industry remains resilient despite the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September and resulted in considerable damage due to strong winds and flooding. Although some Christmas tree farms, such as Cartners Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County, faced losses—approximately 7,000 trees were reported lost—NC State Extension specialists believe that this will not hinder the overall supply for the upcoming season. Specialist Will Kohlway emphasized the dedication of North Carolina growers in ensuring a successful season, stating, “North Carolina growers have worked incredibly hard to ensure a successful season.” The Fraser fir continues to be the most widely cultivated species, with around 850 growers producing over 50 million trees each year across various counties.
While Hurricane Helene disrupted access to certain fields due to road and bridge damage, effective collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies has facilitated the harvest and transport of trees. Presently, the tree supply is on schedule, and even Cartners Christmas Tree Farm managed to send a Fraser fir to the White House. The public is encouraged to support local growers by purchasing Fraser firs, which are available at numerous retail locations, from choose-and-cut farms to big box stores. Notably, the price for Fraser firs varies, generally ranging from $65 to $250 based on tree size and retail outlet.
The Christmas tree industry in North Carolina is a significant agricultural sector, primarily known for its production of the Fraser fir, a species well-suited to the region’s elevation and climate. This industry involves numerous growers, particularly in counties such as Alleghany, Ashe, and Avery, who collectively harvest millions of trees annually. Natural disasters, like hurricanes, can severely impact the infrastructure and the accessibility of tree farms, affecting both the quantity and quality of the harvest. Collaboration among various agencies is essential in ensuring producers can recover from such events and continue supplying consumers.
In summary, despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Christmas tree industry is positioned to deliver a robust supply of Fraser firs this season. The commitment of growers and the cooperative efforts of various agencies are crucial in maintaining this vital agricultural tradition. Consumers are encouraged to support local farms and enjoy the seasonal offerings of real Christmas trees as they prepare for the holidays.
Original Source: cnr.ncsu.edu
