North Carolina Christmas Tree Industry Resilient After Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is operational post-Hurricane Helene, which caused some damage, including the loss of trees at Cartners Christmas Tree Farm. Despite these challenges, experts assure that the overall supply of Fraser firs will remain stable. Consumers can purchase trees at various retail locations with prices ranging from $65 to $250, and efforts are underway to support growers affected by the hurricane.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck western North Carolina in late September, the Christmas tree industry remains operational, albeit with some challenges. Some farms, like Cartners Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County, reported significant losses, losing approximately 7,000 trees due to landslides. Nevertheless, NC State Extension specialist Will Kohlway assures consumers that the overall Christmas tree supply this season will remain stable. Kohway noted the resilience and dedication of North Carolina growers to provide quality trees for the upcoming holiday season.

The Fraser fir, predominant in North Carolina, is cultivated mainly at elevations over 5,000 feet across various counties including Alleghany, Ashe, and Avery. With 850 growers managing over 50 million trees yearly, the Fraser fir is not only essential to local economies but is also shipped nationwide. Despite some access difficulties caused by the hurricane’s destruction of infrastructure, collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal agencies have enabled growers to continue their operations. Kohlway mentioned that the 2023 harvest is largely on schedule and highlighted that even Cartners Christmas Tree Farm successfully supplied a Fraser fir to the White House this year.

Consumers can find Fraser firs at numerous retail outlets, including choose-and-cut farms and various stores, with prices ranging from $65 to $250 depending on the size and location of purchase. While many individuals procure their trees in late November, the supply remains plentiful into December. It is advisable for those traveling to western North Carolina to verify road conditions before visiting tree farms. Following the holiday season, both Kohlway and NC State specialist Jamie Bookwalter will continue to assess the overall damage from Hurricane Helene and its impact on future growing seasons.

The Christmas tree industry is a significant agricultural sector in North Carolina, primarily known for its Fraser fir trees. These trees are cultivated in mountainous regions where the conditions are optimal for growth. The industry faces various challenges, including environmental factors such as hurricanes and landslides, which can cause damage to crops and infrastructure. Recovery efforts typically involve collaboration between growers and state agencies to minimize losses and ensure a steady supply for the holiday season. Hurricane Helene presented a substantial challenge, but industry experts have indicated that growers are well-equipped to handle the aftermath and maintain production levels.

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry is poised to meet demand for the holiday season, thanks to the determination and efforts of local growers. With abundant supplies and a variety of purchasing options, consumers can continue to support this vital agricultural sector. Ongoing assessments post-holiday will be crucial for addressing the impact of the hurricane on future growth cycles, ensuring that the industry remains resilient.

Original Source: cnr.ncsu.edu