Creative marketing emerged from Hurricane Helene’s destruction as western North Carolina Christmas tree farms showcase resilient evergreens that weathered the storm’s fury.
“These trees tell a story,” said Lacey Costner, who spotted opportunity amid devastation at David Pittman’s farm in Newland. Her social media posts highlighting trees that survived landslides sparked customer interest in purchasing what she dubbed “survivor trees.”
Pittman lost hundreds of trees to massive landslides, including 75 premium specimens he nurtured for two decades. “The financial impact reaches tens of thousands,” he said, noting North Carolina ranks second nationally in Christmas tree production.
At Trinity Tree Farms, Sawyer Avery adapted to flood damage by repurposing affected trees. “We salvage undamaged branches for wreaths and create tabletop trees from intact tops,” he said.
Sugar Grove Nursery reported touching community response to their losses. “People offer buying trees to donate to local families who cannot afford them,” said Kayla Wilcox, whose family operation lost dozens of trees to landslides.
The region’s growers maintain optimism despite setbacks. “Mountain farmers know resilience,” Wilcox said. “Community support humbles us daily.”
Most regional farms continue wholesale shipping and choose-and-cut operations. Industry officials have not released total loss estimates from flooding, wind damage and landslides.
“We adapt and move forward,” Pittman said. “Each surviving tree represents mountain determination.”
For customers like Costner, purchasing survivor trees honors their tenacity. “They deserve proper Christmas celebrations,” she said.
