AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — A year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, local Christmas tree farms are showing signs of strong recovery - just in time for the holiday season.

“We actually lost approximately 6,000 to 8,000 trees that literally slid off the mountain,” said Ronnie Beam, Farm Manager at Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County. “Right after it happened, our biggest concern was: are we going to be able to harvest the Christmas trees?”

Helene caused widespread damage in 2024, washing out rural roads and critical infrastructure. The storm not only destroyed trees, but also created logistical nightmares for farmers during their busiest time of year.

“It had damaged so many of our roads and culverts, being washed out,” Beam said. “We were really conce

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