AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — As the holidays approach, peak season for Christmas tree growers in North Carolina has arrived, but threatening weather and transportation shortages could make this year less jolly.
Potential ice and snow forecast for the mountains may put a damper on tree harvest as farmers prepare to ship tens of thousands of trees across the East Coast. Growers in Avery County said concerns also exist about having enough trucks to move the firs and pines to their destination.
“You work all year for a pay day from the first of November to the middle of December and it’s all got to come together. It’s a little stressful,” said Clay Cuthbertson, owner of Snowy Mountain Trees near Newland.
The additional challenges could be felt when you buy your tree. Growers expect you’ll have to pay between 10%-15% more this year.
>> In the video at the top of this page, Channel 9′s Dave Faherty speaks with two North Carolina Christmas tree farmers ahead of the holiday season.
(WATCH BELOW: North Carolina Christmas tree headed to White House)
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