AVERY COUNTY, NC (WBTV) -
North Carolina Christmas tree growers think the drought in the mid-west could have a positive impact on sales of their own trees.
"We hate that it is happening to them," said grower Sam Poore "but it could help us this year."
Poore and others said growing conditions in the North Carolina Mountains have been perfect for trees this year.
"We've had plenty of rain and the trees are in the best shape have seen in years and years," said Poore. His farm near Pineola will supply trees to lots as far away as Ohio.
At Snowy Mountain Tree farm owner Clay Cuthbertson said growth has been heavy on the trees this year and they will be in perfect shape for buyers come this fall. "We will start cutting in the first week of November," he said.
Cuthbertson said choose and cut prices will be about the same as last year but wholesale prices could be affected by the Midwest drought. The determining factor will be how many orders Carolina tree growers get.
The problems in the Midwest could mean more orders to fill the gaps. "It's just too early to tell yet." Cuthbertson said he has spoken with growers in the Midwest and Texas and will do what he can to help them.
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