North Carolina Christmas Tree Farmers Rebuild After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
BOONE, N.C. — When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina in September 2024, it left more than just floodwaters behind. For Christmas tree farmers like Waightstill Avery III, the storm washed away years of labor and threatened the future of one of the state’s signature industries. Now, a year later, growers across the region are determined to recover and prepare for the 2025 holiday season despite the lingering challenges.
North Carolina ranks as the nation’s second-largest producer of Christmas trees, with the Fraser fir — celebrated for its fragrance and needle retention — holding a special place in the industry. The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association notes that the Fraser fir is often chosen as the White House Christmas Tree, a testament to its national significance.
For Avery, whose family farm in Newland has cultivated Fraser firs for decades alongside crops like corn and potatoes, the hurricane’s impact was staggering. “We probably took the biggest lick,” he said, estimating a loss of around 64,000 trees. The floodwaters submerged 20 acres of his farm under eight feet of water, depositing silt and mud that smothered years of growth. Beyond the trees, farm machinery, equipment, and even his recently built home suffered damage. He estimates the total losses at approximately $4.4 million.
“We just moved into our home three weeks ago,” Avery shared. “When you figure the trees, equipment, and everything else, it was a huge blow.” Despite the devastation, Avery remains pragmatic. “It was money that would’ve been made, it’s just not been made. So you accept it and move on.” He cautions that the full effects of Helene will unfold over several years, with the tree supply expected to fluctuate for the next six to seven seasons.
Not all farms were equally affected. Just an hour away in Boone, grower Joey Clawson reported no damage to his family’s operation, illustrating the storm’s uneven toll across the region. As farmers like Clawson continue their work, the broader community is rallying to support recovery efforts.
The resilience of North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry is vital not only to local economies but also to preserving a cherished American tradition. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Christmas tree sector contributes millions of dollars annually and provides seasonal employment to thousands.
Efforts to rebuild are supported by state and federal programs aimed at disaster recovery and agricultural assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have been instrumental in providing aid and resources to farmers impacted by Helene’s flooding.
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, North Carolina’s Christmas tree farmers are hopeful. Their commitment to restoring the land and nurturing new growth reflects a deep connection to the land and the communities they serve. While the scars of Hurricane Helene remain, the promise of fresh Fraser firs and festive celebrations is beginning to take root once again.
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