Christmas Tree Farms

Before they stand tall, covered in homemade ornaments and surrounded by brightly wrapped gifts, and even before they are secured to the roof of the family car with twine and a prayer, Christmas trees grow slowly and steadily in fields across rural South Carolina.

Though our state is better known for a more tropical tree, South Carolina Christmas tree farms can be found from Seneca to Sumter. While South Carolina is not likely to get that postcard-perfect, snow-dusted tree hunting experience, the Christmas tree farms around the state cultivate the warm Southern tradition of connecting with the land on which we live.

Agriculture makes up a large portion of the state’s economy, but the work can be isolating. All too often the importance of supporting local farmers gets lost somewhere between the field and the home.

South Carolina’s agriculture and tourism businesses work together in agritourism to draw people to the fields and introduce them to the farmers who earn their livings on the land. Agritourism operates year-round but in seasonal shifts: U-Pick berries pop up in the spring, corn mazes in the fall and Christmas tree farms comprise the winter chapter of the story.

In addition to contributing to the local culture and economy, the fields of Fraser Firs and Eastern Red Cedars are much better for the environment than artificial Christmas trees that pose an increasing threat to the success of Christmas tree farms and South Carolina farmers. According to the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association, artificial trees only last about six years. After that point, they are disposed of in landfills. Meanwhile, the more natural choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms act as a natural air filter, improving air quality and reducing pollutants. There are more than 40 members of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association, each in the business of fresh trees, sustainable practices and a family experience.

For my family, Thanksgiving weekend was incomplete without a visit to Wright’s Tree Farm in Ward, South Carolina. Aunts, uncles and cousins were packed into a fleet of station wagons for a trip to the farm. The mild winters of South Carolina made post- Thanksgiving visits to the Christmas tree farm a pleasant stroll through a neatly planted forest. A day of bumpy haybale rides and cups of warm cider ends with trees tied to the top of cars making their way to homes across the state.

Above all, South Carolina’s family-owned-and-operated Christmas tree farms provide the chance to ground ourselves during this busy time of year. Escape from the busy Christmas shopping and traffic, and pull away from the endless stream of holiday sale emails. Being together as a family to support local farms and collectively choosing a centerpiece to define the next month of joy and gathering is truly one of the best ways to start the holiday season.

A handful of Christmas tree farms in South Carolina include Hollow Creek Tree Farm, Wright’s Tree Farm, Price’s Christmas Tree Farm, Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm and Lebanon Christmas Tree Farm.