Growing Heritage: The Christmas Tree Farms of Watauga

Fraser fir trees at Hart-T-Trees Farms against a blue mountain backdrop. Photo credits: Hart-T-Trees Farms

Edie Berke, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

As winter sets in and December draws near, many Boone residents have the same holiday hallmark on their minds: Christmas trees. North Carolina is the country’s second-largest producer of Fraser fir trees, right behind Oregon. There are approximately 29 farms in the Watauga County area alone, and Christmas tree sales contributed $144 million to the state’s economy in 2022. The Christmas tree industry is beneficial on a local level, too, as it encourages tourists to visit the Boone area. Not only do they support the economy, but Christmas tree farms have also played a part in Boone’s culture and history. 

Some tree farms in Watauga County have been around for decades, having been founded by a member of a local family and passed down through generations. Freshman Emma McClain, who works at Hart-T-Trees Farm in Grassy Creek, shared the history of her family’s business.

“Our family has been growing Christmas trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 40 years,” said McClain. “My grandfather got into the tree business as a kid, selling trees on the side lot of his family’s home in Chicago. In his thirties, he decided to start farming so he’d have a reliable supply, so he was a retailer before he was a grower, which is pretty unique. For many years, our family also operated our own retail tree lots in Florida, so the business model for a long time was to grow trees for our own retail operations. Eventually, we began wholesaling to other farms and markets, and now we do both.”

The history at Hart-T-Trees extends beyond the McClain family, however. They utilized their business to restore a piece of Boone’s heritage, while also continuing their own.

“We renovated an old historic general store on our farm, which I love to help with - The Old Store at Grassy Creek,” said McClain. “We opened it in 2022. This store holds ancient artifacts and history from way before we moved to the farm.”

While most of the trees in Boone thrive without much care or attention, Christmas trees are a completely different story. They require both ample time and effort for cultivation before they can be sold.

“It takes 7-10 years to grow a Fraser fir to harvest size,” said McClain. “It’s a long process. The trees have to be planted, shaped, fertilized, and checked many times every year. There’s always something to do: mowing, spraying, shearing, and watching for pests or diseases. It takes a lot of time, care, and teamwork to keep the trees healthy.”

When Hurricane Helene swept through Boone one year ago, the forests were thinned as trees were ripped from their roots and scattered across the landscape. However, many of the Christmas trees managed to survive the storm’s destruction. Sophomore Dovie Lynch says that her employers’ farm, Circle C Farm, was saved from significant damage due to its location.

“Surprisingly, Hurricane Helene did not affect the farm much at all,” said Lynch. “Because the farm is located on top of a hill, there wasn’t much flooding. We are so grateful that the farm stayed strong.”

Like the rest of Boone, many of the local Christmas tree farms are built on community. They attract people from diverse backgrounds and provide a festive, welcoming environment for families to bond.

“I enjoy greeting all of the families and hearing all of the places people come from to visit,” said Lynch. “Circle C Farm stands out mainly because of the family-friendly atmosphere. There are pre-cut mini trees for kids, photoshoot opportunities, and homemade crafts and wreaths available. I love seeing how much fun kids have coming here with their families.”

The first Fraser fir seedling was planted in North Carolina seventy years ago, and as the industry has grown, Christmas tree farms have rooted themselves into Boone’s culture. Tree farms play an integral role in making Boone the kind of town its residents pride themselves on being---one that brings people together and cultivates happiness. 

“I love being part of something that brings people joy,” said McClain. “It’s really special to see trees we’ve cared for over many years become part of families’ Christmas celebrations.”