Christmas tree farming has deep roots in the Tar Heel State. The earliest documented Christmas tree farming in the state dates back to 1906 when a farmer named Martin Luther Church started selling wild-harvested trees from the Ashe County mountains. The industry began developing more swiftly in the 1950s when agricultural extension agents and farmers began to see the potential for cultivating Christmas trees as a viable agricultural product. They recognized that the High County’s mountainous terrain, high elevation, and climate were ideal for growing high-quality Fraser firs.

The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) was established in 1959 to support and promote the growing industry. It conducted research on tree cultivation, pest control, and soil management in the 1960s, which helped establish best practices for Christmas tree farming. The beloved Fraser Fir became the star of NC's Christmas tree industry due to its ideal shape, needle retention, pleasant aroma, and strong branches. Often referred to as the “Cadillac of Christmas trees,” its rich, balsam-like fragrance fills a room with the unmistakable scent of Christmas.

Today, North Carolina is the second-largest Christmas tree producer in the U.S., with over 1,300 Christmas tree farms covering around 40,000 acres of land. NC produces more than 5 million Christmas trees annually, with Fraser Firs accounting for over 90% of the trees grown. NC Christmas trees are shipped to all 50 states and across the globe. Martin Luther Church’s Ashe County has long retained the title for being the Christmas Tree Capital of America – bundle up before embarking on a search for your perfect tree at one of the best Christmas tree farms in the area:

• Long’s Tree Farm: Take a hayride to the top of a mountain and bag your tree on the way down – easy peasy!
• Mistletoe Meadows: Receive a free window wreath with the purchase of any tree. Mistletoe Meadows also ships trees to retail lots in Asheboro, Garner, and Pinehurst.
• Hart-T-Tree Farms: When Santa’s on the premises, you know it must be a top-notch Christmas tree farm…
• Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm: Don’t miss out on the best views and entertainment while picking out your tree – hayrides, animal encounters, and hot cocoa will get your crew in the holiday spirit.