By Shelby Carroll
N.C. Cooperative Extension

As the holiday season approaches, many families in North Carolina are preparing to bring a piece of nature into their homes — a Christmas tree. But have you ever stopped to think about where these trees come from? The answer may surprise you. North Carolina is actually one of the top producers of Christmas trees in the United States, with over 20 million trees harvested each year. This not only contributes to the festive atmosphere of the season, but also supports local businesses and communities through Christmas tree production.

A Christmas tree all starts with carefully selecting the right seedlings and planting them in well-managed tree farms. Over the years, these trees are pruned, shaped and cared for to ensure they grow into beautiful, symmetrical Christmas trees. When the time is right, farmers harvest the trees with precision, ensuring minimal damage. They are then bundled, loaded onto trucks, and transported to retail locations, where they can be purchased and brought into homes across the state. From seedling to living room centerpieces, the journey of a North Carolina Christmas tree is truly a long labor intensive process.

North Carolina Christmas trees have even made their way to the White House. Every year, the White House receives a beautiful Christmas tree to adorn the Blue Room, the grandest room in the White House. This tradition dates back to the 1800s, when President Benjamin Harrison received the first official White House Christmas tree. Since then, the selection of the White House Christmas tree has become a highly anticipated event.

In recent years, North Carolina has had the privilege of providing the White House Christmas tree. This year, the 19-foot-tall Christmas tree was transported from Cline Church Nursery in Ashe County to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 20. The 19-foot tree was hoisted into the Blue Room, where it takes center stage among the holiday decorations. The lighting of the White House Christmas tree is a significant event, often attended by the president and first lady, as well as distinguished guests and members of the public. Being chosen as the provider of the White House Christmas tree is a prestigious honor for North Carolina, highlighting the state’s expertise in Christmas tree production.

As you gather around your beautifully decorated North Carolina Christmas tree, take a moment to appreciate the journey it has taken from humble seedling to cherished centerpiece. By supporting our local Christmas tree farms, you are also supporting the local community, the economy and the environment. Let your home be filled with the spirit of the season, while also making a positive difference with the help of North Carolina Christmas tree producers!

Shelby Carroll is an agriculture and natural resources agent with the Rowan County Extension.