The Fraser Fir is often referred to as the “perfect” Christmas tree. It’s the preferred tree due to several qualities:

• Exceptional needle-retention, as compared to other tree species, which ensures that needles stay on branches and off the consumer’s floor
   
• Pleasing fragrance, which persists year-round, and for many consumers defines the true sensation of the Christmas season
   
• Strong, upright branches, which are perfect for displaying lights, ornaments and garland.

Preserving Small Farms

Most of the Christmas tree farms in the county are small, usually less than 10 acres, though several large farms are scattered about. Every Christmas tree farm in Watauga County is a family farm. Trees are grown at high elevations on an estimated 1500 acres.

It is the preservation of these small farms that helps to retain the natural beauty and views of Watauga County. Tree farms are considered open greenscapes, providing habitat for songbirds, deer, quail, turkey, bear, and other small mammals. Quail Unlimited has recently recognized Fraser fir tree farms for supporting critical habitat needed for Bobwhite quail survival. Quail benefit from the protective cover the trees provide, and feed on seeds and insects found among the groundcovers on tree farms.

As trees are harvested, new transplants are continually replanted, to continue the support of area wildlife. For those who are concerned about the conservation of open land and ecological habitats, tree farms are a natural partner.

Growers in Watauga County organized the first mountain incorporated association to advance the interests of the nursery industry in February 1980. The growers that were instrumental in organizing the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association were Kenneth Dotson, Tom Foxx, Marvin Storie, and Harry Yates, along with County Extension Director, Gene Brewer. The first Board of Directors included Herbert Aldridge, Ray Clark, Kenneth Dotson, Raymond Farthing, Tom Foxx (Vice President), Marvin Storie, Denver Taylor, Bobby Yates (Secretary/Treasurer), and Harry Yates (President). Members voted in 2006 to change the name of the association to the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association in order to better represent the actual membership base.

Click here to view an enlarged map of Watauga County.

Purpose of the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association as listed in the Articles of Incorporation:

• To advance the interests of the plant nursery industry.
• To collect, preserve, and circulate valuable and useful information relating to the business of the nursery industry.
• To promote research intended to improve the production, handling, marketing, use and maintenance of horticultural and environmental plants.
• To promote the betterment of markets for horticultural and environmental plants and related items.
• To publicize the current grade standards or techniques used or recommended for determining plant quality.
• To strive to promote the best interests of people engaged in the nursery industry.

Member Services:

• Maintains membership information on the association website
• Promotes Watauga County greenery at national trade shows
• Helps each other (members buy from other members first)
• Organizes choose & cut days annually and distributes brochures
• Interfaces with local government on grower's behalf
• Presents educational meetings, summer tours, and annual Fraser Fir field day
• Maintains an answering service at 828-264-3061 to respond to all inquiries
• Addresses issues that will affect tree production

If you would like to become a member of the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association, please complete a copy of our membership application and return it to the address listed on the application.