Christmas tree supply comes up short across the US

Fatin December 21, 2019

(13 Dec 2019) Ask Larry Smith when he plans to retire, and he'll point to never. The Christmas tree grower has been selling Fraser Furs in the same lot in Lenoir, North Carolina, for 40 years.

"I hope they find me fell over dead in the tree patch. That's the way I really want to go," Smith told the Associated Press.

Smith's trees have graced homes across the North Carolina foothills and up to the White House. Last year, one of his trees was selected to be the focal point of the Blue Room.

He got into the Christmas tree business while he was senior in high school, back when the Tar Heel state provided a mere one percent of the nation's supply.

Forty years later, North Carolina Fraser Furs make up 25 percent of the Christmas tree market. And for Smith, business is better than ever.

"I've sold Christmas trees at this location for 40 years and this is the best year I've ever had," he said.

Christmas tree quantities are tight again this year across the country. Ten years ago, during the great recession, an over-supply of trees caused a domino effect. Less trees sold meant less trees planted - that would be harvested this year.

"Farmers weren't selling all of their trees. So, they weren't allowed to reset in fields where they normally would," Smith said.

The shortage can also be blamed on hot weather and a new generation not as eager to take up the family business.

"Farmers weren't selling all of their trees. So, they weren't allowed to reset in fields where they normally would," Smith said.

But he doesn't predict running out. When supply on his lot dwindles, his team heads up the mountain to harvest more from their Avery County farms. The hard work, Smith says, it well worth it at Christmas.

"The product you're producing is going to be enjoyed by families and you're hopefully going to make find memories during the holiday season."

Find out more about AP Archive:

Twitter:

Facebook:

Google+:

Tumblr:

Instagram:

You can license this story through AP Archive: