September 2024 brought more than rain to Western North Carolina; Hurricane Helene unleashed a devastating blow, sweeping away years of dedication and cherished traditions for local Christmas tree farmers.
North Carolina proudly ranks as the nation’s second-largest producer of Christmas trees, renowned for its exquisite Fraser firs – the very species often chosen to grace the White House each year. These trees represent more than just holiday décor; they embody a legacy of hard work and family heritage.
For decades, Waightstill Avery III has cultivated Fraser firs on his family farm near Newland, alongside other crops. Christmas tree farming isn’t a quick venture; it’s a commitment spanning nearly a decade, sometimes longer, before a tree is ready for harvest.
Avery describes the profession as a true calling – one you either embrace wholeheartedly or avoid entirely. Since Helene’s fury subsided, he’s worked tirelessly to recover from the immense loss, a loss that reached staggering proportions.
The storm submerged approximately 20 acres of Avery’s farm under eight feet of water, burying years of labor beneath layers of silt and mud. The damage wasn’t limited to the trees; farm machinery, the office, and even his newly occupied home suffered significant harm.
The financial toll is estimated at $4.4 million, encompassing the lost trees, damaged equipment, and structural repairs. Avery accepts the setback with a stoic resolve, acknowledging the lost income as a reality to overcome.
The full impact of Helene will ripple through the industry for years to come, with tree supply expected to fluctuate for the next six to seven seasons. The immediate aftermath was marked by frantic efforts to reach farms cut off by floodwaters.
Joey Clawson, a farmer an hour away in Boone, was fortunate to escape damage to his own fields, thanks to the farm’s location. However, he witnessed the desperation of colleagues scrambling to assess the devastation, constructing makeshift bridges and forging paths through the receding waters.
Clawson recounts stories of farms completely decimated, highlighting the precarious nature of the business. Farming demands constant attention and significant financial investment, with the hope of a return that isn’t always guaranteed.
Last year, the community rallied to support those impacted by Helene, and this year, business appears stable. There’s a growing trend of younger generations embracing the tradition of real Christmas trees, fueling optimism for the future.
A renewed appreciation for authenticity and tradition is driving a resurgence in demand, offering a beacon of hope for North Carolina’s Christmas tree farmers as they rebuild and replant, determined to continue their legacy for years to come.
