Christmas Tree Farmers Revived After Helen’s Impact

In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helen wreaked havoc across western North Carolina, leaving many Christmas tree farmers grappling with severe losses. One farmer reported a staggering loss of tens of thousands of trees and damages reaching into the millions.

Boone, North Carolina – Flooding from the storm not only inundated fields but also swept away years of effort and hopes for future holidays among the state’s Christmas tree growers. This year, many are working hard to restore their businesses.

As the second-largest Christmas tree producer in the U.S., North Carolina is especially known for its Fraser fir, which has often been selected for the White House Christmas tree.

History of the White House Christmas Tree

In Newland, North Carolina, Wightstill Avery III has cultivated Fraser firs alongside other crops like corn and potatoes for many years.

Avery emphasized that the Christmas tree industry is a “long-term investment,” noting that some trees can take up to a decade before they are ready for harvest. “It’s like you either love it or hate it,” he remarked, reflecting on the hard work required since the storm.

Unfortunately, Avery’s farm suffered significantly, reporting the loss of around 64,000 trees and considerable damages. He shared that nearly 20 acres of his property were submerged, impacted by mud and silt.

Avery’s losses extended beyond just the trees. His machinery, office, and home, located near the farm, were also affected. “We just moved into the house three weeks ago,” he shared, adding up the total losses to around $4 million.

When asked about recovery, he noted, “It’s money that was supposed to be made, but it’s just not made yet. So you just accept it and move on.” The complete toll of Helen’s impact may take time to fully understand, but Avery anticipates fluctuations in tree supply over the next several seasons.

Joey Clawson, another grower not far from Boone, reported that his farm escaped Helen’s destruction. “Fortunately, my farm doesn’t have any streams or rivers that I have to cross to get to the tree fields,” he said.

However, he described the frantic scene among farmers post-storm. They were eager to reach their fields, improvising with makeshift bridges and machinery, often navigating through water. He acknowledged the hardships some farmers faced, noting a few were “just wiped out.”

“Farming is not for everyone,” Clawson added, emphasizing the constant financial pressures faced by growers.

Despite the challenges, there is some optimism. Last year’s Christmas tree season saw significant community support for farmers affected by the storm, and business has remained stable this year. “We’re seeing more and more young people looking for real trees again,” Clawson remarked, expressing hope that sales will continue to grow in the coming years.