The annual trek to the farm for some seasonal greenery is entering its expected peak this weekend as the Thanksgiving holiday ushers in choose-and-cut customers.

North Carolina Christmas Tree Association executive director Linda Gragg pops out from behind one of the many rows of trees available for purchase. Photo by Mark Mitchell

David Tucker, president of the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association, said lower gas prices and a healthy ski industry would help tourism, which in turn would bring tree customers to area farms.

“With gas prices coming down, I think you’ll see a lot more people traveling,” Tucker said.

“Choose-and-cut relies a lot on the ski industry, and all the slopes are open and there’s snow on the ground.”
Tucker said while a few growers were tempering expectations, he believed tree sales would remain steady this year.

“The people that normally would come up will continue to come up,” Tucker said.

“You’re not going to do away with a family tradition because of an economic downturn.”

The Watauga County area has 24 choose-and-cut tree farms, some of which offer hot cider, sleigh rides, petting zoos and other bonuses. Many also offer wreaths and other decorative and gift products.

Tucker said this year’s drought hadn’t affected trees that would be harvested this year, since the typical home-sized tree takes seven or more years to mature.

“The trees are in great condition,” Tucker said. “We got rain late in the fall when we needed it, and we have cold temperatures. The trees are in the best shape I’ve seen in years.”

Fraser firs are native to the Southern Appalachian mountains and are one of the most popular holiday species for home use. The state is second in the nation in Christmas tree production and it contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.

Tucker expected the trees would also retain needles and color well this year. “They’re full of water,” he said.
“We cut some that were frozen and when they thawed, there was a puddle of water. It’s going to be a pretty good year.”

Tucker also expected people would be more likely to choose natural trees this year because of the environmental concerns over artificial trees. “i’ve already seen trees on top of cars,” Tucker said. “What could be better than a green and natural tree?”

For a listing of local tree farms, visit www.watauganurserymen.org or call the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office at (828) 264-3061.