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Did you know that North Carolina is home to the nation’s 2nd larger Christmas tree industry? Our state has more than 53 million trees growing on 33,000 acres of land, and over 3 million trees harvested each year.
Dr. Will Kohlway, Extension Specialist for Christmas Tree Production & Marketing at NC State University, shares more on Christmas trees in North Carolina, including their impacts on the economy and the effects of weather, pests, and disease.
Segment Highlights:
- Oregon produces the most Christmas trees in the United States, with North Carolina at #2. Ashe County is the highest-producing county in NC.
- The Fraser fir is the most popular Christmas tree grown in NC and one of the most valuable species in the world.
- Fraser firs are one of the few naturally aromatic fir species. As soon as you bring one into your home, you can smell that Christmas-y, piney aroma.
- It takes around 3 years for a tree to grow from a seed to a Christmas tree.
- Recent evens like the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene actually had positive effects on the Christmas tree industry in NC. They encouraged people to get outside and support the local economy.
- Check out this article (LINK), which goes into more detail about how Hurricane Helene boosted Christmas tree sales in North Carolina.
- Root rot and deer create challenges for Christmas tree farmers. Dr. Kohlway researches these issues in his work to strengthen tree quality, sustainability, and marketability in NC.
Looking for more from the Carolina Outdoors? Check out last week’s episode on the December night sky in the Carolinas.
It’s cooling down outside. Make sure you’re bundled up & prepared for the cold weather! Jesse Brown’s is Charlotte’s one-stop shop for winter coats, fleece, layers, and more! Stop by the store or shop online HERE.
