Where do Fraser firs grow in North Carolina?

southern Appalachian Mountains
The Fraser fir has a restricted range, growing naturally only at elevations above 4,500 feet in the southern Appalachian Mountains, including throughout western North Carolina.

Are Fraser firs native to North Carolina?

Native only to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, Fraser fir trees grow naturally at elevations of at least 5,000 feet in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. In North Carolina, the Fraser fir is the most common species grown and sold by Christmas tree farms.

Do fir trees grow in North Carolina?

The Fraser Fir This particular species is native to the western Appalachian Mountains and makes up more than 99 percent of all the fir trees grown in North Carolina.

Is a Fraser fir a good tree?

The Fraser fir is considered by many to be the perfect holiday tree. It boasts attractive one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch, making it the ideal varietal for families with pets or young children who tend to handle their tree.

Can you grow Fraser firs in South Carolina?

Some farms in the northern reaches of SC also grow fraser firs. Although most of the state’s climate doesn’t support the growth of firs, you will find many local Christmas tree farms will receive regular deliveries of fresh fraser firs. Visit one of the farms below and find your perfect Christmas tree!

What is the difference between Fraser fir and Douglas fir?

Douglas Fir has a pyramidal shape with beautiful green to blue-green needles. It is a dependable tree that will last the entire season. Fraser Fir has a great pine smell to it and is more slender than other firs, so it will fit better in a smaller room. Its branches turn slightly upward giving it a more compact look.

What is the state Christmas tree of North Carolina?

Fraser Fir
The General Assembly of 2005 adopted the Fraser Fir as the official Christmas Tree for the State of North Carolina (Session Laws, 2005, c. 387).

Where do Fraser firs grow best?

The Fraser fir has a distinct distribution. Its native habitat is limited to high elevations in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. It is the only fir endemic to the southern Appalachians.

Which tree smells better Fraser or balsam?

Balsams are also deemed to have a stronger scent, than Fraser. Each type comes as big or narrow, tall or short. Some are the perfect shape, while others have a good side and a bad side. Regardless of which variety you deem the best the perfect tree is out there waiting, have fun finding yours.

Which is better balsam or Fraser?

The Balsam is a more traditional choice for a Christmas tree, since it naturally grows in this area. Balsams grow faster meaning their branch strength is less than a Fraser, however Balsams are often “fuller”, with more, closer growing branches. Unlike the Fraser, Balsams have “soft” needles.

What county in NC produces the most Christmas trees?

The largest producer in the country, growing over 10% of all of the Christmas trees, is Ashe County in Northwest North Carolina. In addition to the sheer quantity our state, produces, we also grow some of the best-looking evergreens in the nation.

How long does it take to grow a 7 foot Fraser fir?

Fraser fir grows throughout the southern Appalachian region in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, in North Carolina, the Fraser fir “requires from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.”

How much is a 6 foot Fraser fir?

A 5-6 foot Fraser Fir can vary between about $65 and $95, depending on quality.

Why is there a shortage of Christmas trees in North Carolina?

The problem behind NC’s Christmas tree shortage Most farmers in the industry are maintaining a family businesses and have had the farm passed down to them. It’s difficult to break into the business, because the farm won’t turn a profit for nearly a decade.

How many Fraser fir Christmas trees grow in NC?

Over 58 million Fraser firs are grown in North Carolina on 38,000 acres for use as Christmas trees, and the Fraser fir represents over 94% of all the trees grown in North Carolina as Christmas trees.

What state has the best Christmas trees?

Oregon
#1. Oregon. Oregon’s title as the state that produces the most Christmas trees isn’t even a close race—it outpaces North Carolina, the #2 state, by more than 2 million trees.

How old is a 6 foot Fraser fir?

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, in North Carolina, the Fraser fir “requires from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.”