N.C. Mountains have best tree season ever

Weak economic conditions aren't slowing down Christmas tree sales, with growers and industry spokesmen reporting one of the best — if not the best — seasons yet.

"Most growers are reporting wholesale sales being up as much as 40 percent, while choose and cut sales are up as much as half over the previous year," said Linda Gragg, executive director of the Boone-based N.C. Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Volume is up and retail prices are up about $1 per tree over the previous year, said Gragg.

"We think it's partly due to people staying at home more for the holidays because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks... I think people are wanting to return more to the basics — to what they are familiar with," she added.

Many people under economic stress due to the recession are willing to spend on Christmas traditions while cutting back in other ways, Gragg said. Gross wholesale and retail income estimates haven't been compiled yet for this season, but the total is expected to be well over the statewide $100 million figure from 4 to 4.5 million trees sold in 2000, she added.

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