(NEWLAND, N.C.) — The Cartner family knew a tree from their farm would grace the White House this year.

Then Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, including Avery County, where Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm is located. A mudslide damaged thousands of trees, yet many survived, including a large, 20-foot tree.

This tree will soon be transported to Washington D.C.

“We aim to be an uplifting symbol for those in western North Carolina who’ve suffered losses,” said Sam Cartner Jr., a farm co-owner.

From the back of the farm, the storm’s impact is less visible. Rows of trees stand amidst the rolling hills. It’s peaceful except for the sounds of nature.

Moving to the front, the storm’s damage is evident. A mudslide exposed bare earth, destroying 5,000 to 6,000 smaller trees. This didn’t significantly affect the harvest, but culverts and gullies were damaged, hindering access.

Road repairs took weeks, but Cartner anticipates a relatively normal harvest, acknowledging others face greater challenges.

The main difficulty for Christmas tree farmers is infrastructure repair, according to Jennifer Greene, executive director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association. Despite losses, the region’s farmers, who harvest millions of trees annually, are resilient, though the long-term impact is uncertain.

“They’re resourceful, and they’ll find a way,” Greene said.

From a small farm to sprawling acres of Christmas trees

Sam and Margaret Cartner founded the farm in 1959, cultivating Fraser firs. Their sons later took over.

Initially small, it raised livestock and produce alongside trees. Trees were planted on steeper land to save the best soil.

Now, Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm spans 500 acres, mostly wholesaling to retailers nationwide.

It employs temporary workers from Mexico for year-round maintenance, including the current task of preparing trees for shipment.

“We estimate handling a tree over 100 times before it reaches the consumer; it’s all manual labor,” Cartner said.

Selecting the right tree for the White House

Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm won the 2024 National Christmas Tree Association grand champion title, securing the White House tree contract.

A White House staff visit was initially delayed due to road damage. In late October, they selected a tree, marking it with a large ribbon.

The approximately 25-year-old tree, weighing 400 to 500 pounds, requires a crane for transport. Its color and shape, along with size requirements, likely contributed to its selection.

The Cartners will present the tree to First Lady Jill Biden, later returning to see it decorated.

Cartner’s tree represents hope for western North Carolina

While excited about the White House tree, Cartner welcomes the conclusion of this busy year. Helene’s impact, combined with harvest demands, has been challenging.

“Harvesting and shipping millions of trees in weeks, plus the hurricane and White House events, is overwhelming,” he said.

Planning for next year has already begun, with challenges including sourcing seedlings, processing worker paperwork, and ordering supplies.

The operation has expanded significantly since its inception. While his parents wouldn’t have sought the limelight, Cartner believes they’d be proud to represent western North Carolina during this difficult time.

“They’d want this tree to symbolize faith, hope, love, joy, family, and generosity,” he said.

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