NEWLAND, N.C. — The White House has selected its official Christmas tree, a Fraser fir from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina’s Avery County, a region still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
For Sam Cartner, owner of Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm, this recognition is about more than just the honor of providing the White House Christmas tree.
Cartner, who lost more than 5,000 trees to mudslides caused by the hurricane, credits the recovery to the generosity of volunteers from across the U.S.
“All the generosity that people from all around the U.S. have shown… we want this tree to represent the good things,” he said.
Larry Smith, another tree grower in the area, expressed gratitude for ongoing support and recovery efforts, noting he only recently had his power restored.
“Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank everybody for what they’ve done,” Smith said.
The Cartner farm won the opportunity to supply the White House tree after a nationwide contest.
Dale Haney, White House grounds superintendent, shared the criteria for selecting the perfect tree: “At least a 20-foot tree that’s completely full… nice color, a good straight tree, and always a good smell.”
It will be several weeks before the tree arrives in Washington, D.C.