North Carolina Grows the Official White House Christmas Tree - TribPapers
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North Carolina Grows the Official White House Christmas Tree

The Cartner Family gathers to celebrate the 20 foot tall Frasier Fir tree harvest. Staff photo.

Newland – The holiday season is just around the corner, and North Carolina is once again in the spotlight as it prepares to send the official White House Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. This year, the Cartner Family Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, NC, is taking center stage with a celebration that marks a cherished tradition.

Celebration of Tradition

On November 20th, the Cartner family, in collaboration with the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, will cut down the 20 foot tall Fraser fir that will grace the Blue Room of the White House. Following the cutting ceremony, the tree will be transported to Mountain Glen Golf Club for a sendoff celebration. There, it will be loaded onto a truck from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) for its journey to the nation’s capital.

Flatbed truck is loaded with this year’s Frasier Fur for the Blue Room, in The White House.

Sam Cartner expressed gratitude for their farm’s resilience, especially after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in the region. “We were fortunate after Hurricane Helene, and we only lost 5000 trees, and that was due to mainly mud slides in our area,” he said. The Cartner family has been growing high-quality Fraser firs since 1959, and this year’s selection is a testament to their dedication and hard work.

A Legacy of Excellence

The tradition of presenting the official White House Christmas Tree dates back to 1966, when members of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) began this festive practice. Each year, growers compete in a national contest to earn the honor of providing the tree. To qualify, they must first win state or regional competitions. The Cartner family’s achievement in being selected as this year’s grower highlights their commitment to excellence in the Christmas tree industry.

The busy staff at Cartner Family Tree Farm take a break to stand beside one of their larger Fur trees. Staff photo.

North Carolina is a powerhouse in the Christmas tree market, ranking second in the nation for trees harvested. The state produces over 22% of all real Christmas trees grown in the U.S., with the Fraser fir being recognized as the best species multiple times. The NCTA has chosen it for the official White House tree sixteen times, more than any other type.

The Impact of Christmas Trees

The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) plays a vital role in promoting real Christmas trees through education and marketing efforts. With approximately 940 growers across the state and over 53 million trees growing on more than 33,000 acres, North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry is thriving. It takes an average of 12 years for a tree to reach a retail height of 6-7 feet, showcasing the dedication and patience of local growers.

As the Cartner family prepares for this momentous occasion, they not only celebrate their farm’s legacy but also contribute to a beloved American tradition that brings joy to families across the country. The official White House Christmas Tree serves as a symbol of hope and unity during the holiday season, reminding us all of the beauty of nature and community spirit.