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The native Fraser fir is a source of pride for North Carolina. Known for its aroma, needle retention, and conical shape, the Fraser accounts for nearly all of the more than 3 million Christmas trees the state grows and sells annually.
But the Fraser fir is under attack.
Temperatures are rising. The climate is drier, but when it rains, it tends to pour. Phytophthora root rot, a fungus-like organism that evolved from brown algae, is thriving, and it’s killing Fraser firs more and more often during the 10 years or so that it takes to grow them to a size favored by most consumers. Once the rot takes hold, it’s nearly impossible to eradicate.
Steve Riley takes us inside the fight to save the Fraser fir, from research stations and academic labs to family farms.
The Race to Save America’s Favorite Christmas Tree
North Carolina’s Fraser fir is threatened by a nasty root rot. At a state research farm and academic lab, scientists are trying to save the species.
It’s gotten progressively more difficult to keep a Fraser fir healthy long enough to get it to your den for Christmas.
“It’s four times as hard now,” said Joe Freeman, who founded Mistletoe Meadows in Ashe County 36 years ago. There are now few places where he can plant seedlings and expect them to reach maturity.
Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.
What’s Next for WNC?
Now that the election is over, one of the top agenda items for lawmakers is expected to be additional funding for relief and rebuilding in Western N.C.
Reporters talked to Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers and Land of Sky Regional Council Executive Director Nathan Ramsey about the anticipated impact of the election results on the ongoing relief efforts.
‘Businesses Need Funding Now’
Local officials discuss what the election results mean for relief efforts in Western N.C.
What We’re Reading
Dobby Lobby: The N.C. Healthcare Association named Raleigh political veteran Josh Dobson president and CEO, per BusinessNC. Dobson stepped down as state labor commissioner last week.
Walk This Way: CityView looks efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure in Fayetteville, which has been named the least walkable city in America.
‘Nobody is Going to Get Screwed’: Washington Regional Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital in northeastern North Carolina, has once again filed for bankruptcy, Carolina Public Press reports.
Beware the Frozen Heart: A company that takes frozen water to craft “stunningly beautiful, crystal clear craft ice” will invest $14.7 million and create 26 jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Forest City, BusinessNC reports.
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