NEWLAND, N.C. — Sam Cartner has been around Christmas trees his whole life – his parents opened the Cartner Christmas Tree Farm on these 350 acres in Avery County back in the 1950s. “It’s ingrained in me since I grew up planting trees and taking care of them,” says Cartner. But the business has taken a significant hit after Helene ravaged this corner of North Carolina. “We lost a lot of trees due to mudslides, maybe as many as five-to-six thousand,” Cartner laments. He says the money lost on this farm likely runs into the six figures – but Cartner considers himself lucky, as neighboring farms have lost even more. “That will be in the millions, and it will be really hard for them to recover,” Cartner adds. Christmas tree farming plays a vital role in the local economy here – it’s only second to tourism in terms of bringing money into this area. After Helene devastated the western Carolinas, it only makes this year’s crop all the more important. And Cartner has received some great news. This 20-foot Fraser fir – grown on his soil for 25 years – will be proudly displayed at the White House for the holidays. It’s something he’s immensely proud of – and hopes his parents would be, too. “They would want this tree to represent generosity and love, faith and hope, and all the good things about what we’ve witnessed in this terrible storm,” Cartner beams. He also says people from across the state – and the country – are asking how they can help. “We have seen a significant uptick in inquiries about Christmas trees,” says Cartner, “I hope it will continue going into the future.” And it looks like it will. “I would actually consider putting up another tree just to support western North Carolina,” says Old Fort, NC, resident Cliff Grindstaff. Grindstaff usually uses an artificial tree this time of year to save money – but he’s willing to spend a little extra this year for a tree-mendous cause. “During this time, it might be all they have left are the trees,” says Grindstaff. “So, if they can sell them, get some money off them, support the community, I’m well for it.”