Of all the years to choose a Christmas tree grown in North Carolina, 2024 is the one. A tree from the state found a home in our nation’s most famous residence this year.

In a ceremony at the White House before Thanksgiving, first lady Jill Biden accepted a beautiful Fraser fir grown on the Cartner family’s Christmas tree farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The farm was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September.

“The Cartner family lost thousands of trees to the storm,” Biden said. “But this one remained standing — and they named it ‘Tremendous’ for the extraordinary hope that it represents.”

Like all farmers in western North Carolina, David, Sam and Jim Cartner of Newland faced their most challenging year due to the hurricane.

The good news is that despite the hurricane’s devastation, Christmas trees from North Carolina will be readily available this year. The state’s ag commissioner, Steve Troxler, said 940 Christmas tree farmers would benefit greatly from consumers buying a Christmas tree grown in the state.

 “We know that some N.C. tree farms lost trees, and suffered damage to roads and other infrastructure on their farms. But they do have trees,” Troxler said, as well as garland, wreaths, roping, swags and decorations. “Your support will help them continue to grow the centerpiece of many of our Christmas traditions.”

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The state is ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested, at over 3 million annually — or 22% of Christmas trees grown in the U.S.

“Many have asked how they can support Christmas tree farmers in western North Carolina,” said Jennifer Greene, executive director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association. “Be sure to buy a real Christmas tree, preferably a North Carolina Fraser fir, but any real tree helps support what we dedicate our lives to doing.”

There is nothing artificial about a North Carolina Christmas tree. Thanks to the resiliency of the state’s farmers, Fraser firs will be available at Christmastime for generations to come.