At Christmas tree farms across South Carolina, preparations are well underway for the onslaught of customers, despite trees battling weather extremes - from hurricanes to droughts and everything in between.
Unlike major growers in Oregon and North Carolina that produce the classic Fraser fir, South Carolina grows only a small number of the variety. Still, farms across the Palmetto State sell an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 locally grown trees each year.
Executive Secretary of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association and longtime harvester Steve Penland said production all comes down to elevation, and with the state’s lower terrain, it’s nearly impossible to sustain Fraser fir operations.
“The fir needs at least 5,000 feet of elevation to thrive,” said Penland. “You won’t find big fir farms in South Carolina or eastern North Carolina. It’s got to be a mountain.”
Instead of Fraser firs, South Carolina farms harvest Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, white pine, Blue Ice cypress, red cedar and Carolina sapphire - all of which have their own unique appeal.
For instance, the Leyland cypress is non-allergenic, with minimal pollen, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies or asthma.
These types of trees can be grown at lower elevations and are generally more tolerant of weather extremes.
Over the past year and a half, trees across the Carolinas have faced hurricane-force gusts, flooding, and, most recently, drought conditions that have been considered severe in parts of the state.
Despite the weather, Penland said this year’s crop appears to be in good shape, as growers have worked to help their trees survive through the extremes.
“The drought is really hard against the seedlings that we put out, but we won’t see the effects of that drought for several years,” Penland stated.
A typical tree on a South Carolina farm takes between five and seven years to reach market size, depending on the variety, with some taking up to a decade to mature.
While most farms open during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York, South Carolina, won’t open until after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We’ll probably sell 50 to 60 percent of our trees Thanksgiving weekend - starting on that Friday and running through Sunday,” said Penland. “Those are our biggest days of the season.”
Weather during the late stretch of November can play an important role in turnout, as a rainy weekend often slows sales.
As for prices, Penland doesn’t expect families to pay significantly more for their trees this year compared with last season.
“I do not look for a substantial price increase in Christmas trees this year,” said Penland. “You can just charge so much for a tree, and I think we’ve reached that point.”
Once customers get their tree home, proper care is essential to keep it fresh through the holidays.
Penland recommends making a new cut at the base of the trunk before placing the tree in water to help it stay hydrated.
“Water is the lifeline of the tree,” said Penland. “A freshly cut tree will easily last four to five weeks if you’ve got that tree stand in water.”
The general rule of thumb, Penland added, is that a tree will drink about a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter each day.
The longtime grower planted his first crop in 1966 and, after decades in the business, recently turned operations of Penland Christmas Tree Farm over to his daughter.
Today, the farm remains a family affair, with relatives running the ornament shop, concession stand and helping customers select their trees.
“It’s a tremendous industry to be in,” said Penland. “You meet the nicest people. Everyone’s in a good, joyous mood. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
To find the closest Christmas tree farm near you, visit the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association at: https://www.scchristmastrees.org/contact-us
