Celebrating Christmas in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
Charlotte, North Carolina—In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation this fall, many Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina are inviting visitors to join them in preserving holiday traditions. This year’s challenges have pushed farms to share their stories while encouraging families to visit and cut down their own trees, creating new memories for the season.
Challenge for Local Christmas Tree Farms
Hurricane Helene caused severe damage across Western North Carolina, affecting the holiday preparations of many farms. Notably, the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club announced it would not sell Christmas trees this year for the first time in over two decades due to difficulties securing their usual supply. Chairman David Brantley cited “pricing and availability” as critical factors stemming from the hurricane’s impact.
The Resilience of Tree Farms
Despite challenges, various Christmas tree farms in the region are still poised to provide fresh trees for the holiday season. North Carolina ranks as the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the U.S., with around 940 growers cultivating approximately 40,000 acres, according to census data. More than three million trees are cut annually, and this year, efforts are being made to support local agriculture following the storm’s impact.
A notable instance is Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm, which lost approximately 6,000 trees to mudslides. Yet, they were selected by the White House for the national Christmas tree this season, signifying their resilience and dedication to maintaining their production.
Community Support and Local Sales
Tree lots in the Charlotte area are rallying to support local farmers. Brian Wyant, who owns Snowflake Village in Steele Creek, noted an uptick in customers intending to show solidarity by purchasing North Carolina trees instead of artificial options. He stated, “It has been nice to see the rally around the folks in the mountains.” Wyant has increased his order of trees to help with donations to local charities, funding initiatives in Western North Carolina.
Variety and Affordability of Trees
As the local market adapts to changing circumstances, prices have remained stable this year after several years of increases. “It’s the first time in seven years that prices haven’t gone up,” said Josh Graham of Josh’s Farmers Market. He believes more shoppers will prefer real trees this year, hoping to support the recovery of local farmers.
Despite some obstacles resulting from natural disasters, many tree farms like Darryl Simpson Family Christmas Trees at Kings Drive Farmers Market are expecting significant sales. Co-owner Kevin Presley mentioned they anticipate selling up to 13,000 trees, emphasizing the importance of supporting the local economy.
Visitor Experience
At places like Snowflake Village, there’s more than just tree-cutting on offer. Visitors can enjoy activities such as roasting marshmallows and taking family photos as they select their tree, marking a cherished holiday experience. “People love real Christmas trees,” Wyant said. “It’s about the overall experience.”
Other farms, like Penland Christmas Tree Farm, continue to thrive. Owners Allison and Martin Moses have cultivated a strong relationship with their customers, having seen sales grow through community engagement. They’ve recuperated from the storm’s impact by utilizing their own farm’s trees, ensuring they can provide to their visitors.
Conclusion: A Bright Holiday Ahead
While Hurricane Helene posed significant obstacles, Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina are determined to deliver holiday joy to families this year. By inviting the community to participate in these traditions, the farms embody resilience and hope, turning challenges into opportunities for connection during the most wonderful time of the year.
