North Carolina Christmas trees are known around the world as trees from North Carolina are sent to multiple countries and to every state in the US. We produce approximately 20% of the Christmas trees in the United States, second only to Oregon. With 3.2 million trees harvested in 2022 on 33,000 acres the Christmas tree industry in North Carolina remains strong. There are multiple Christmas tree species in active production including but not limited to the Canaan fir, Blue spruce, white pine and last but not least, the Fraser fir. The Fraser fir accounts for 99% of the Christmas tree sales in North Carolina. The Fraser fir is native to the Appalachian Mountains and has been designated as the official Christmas tree of North Carolina. When you are out and about and see Christmas trees for sale, it's a safe bet that they were produced here in North Carolina.

Jared Butler is the Agriculture Agent – Field Crops and Livestock for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.