Our Christmas Tree Farm Thrives in North Carolina

On a foggy day in 1972, Earl Deal inspected a Laurel Springs Christmas tree farm that was for sale in North Carolina. Earl and Betsy Deal bought the farm that showed less promise in the light of a clear day. Earl came back the next weekend and realized he had bought a lot of work.  Hence the name; “Smokey Holler Tree Farm.”  Betsy taught in the Raleigh school system. Earl moved up the ladder with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, earning his doctorate in economics in 1986. They raised a family and managed the Laurel Springs farm with trips to the mountains on weekends and during summer vacations.

In 1991, their son Buddy moved to Laurel Springs, NC to manage the operations of the farm. Earl retired in 2000 from North Carolina State University and then he and Betsy also moved to Smokey Holler Tree Farm.  Over the past four decades the farm has grown into a thriving operation, specializing in Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, and both field grown and potted nursery stock.  Attention to detail, sustainable production practices, and active participation in research projects has allowed Smokey Holler Tree Farm to maintain its status as the leader in the Christmas tree and nursery industries.

“Our commitment to quality and customer service is also unmatched in the Christmas tree industry and Smokey Holler Tree Farm is dedicated to the long term success of our customers.  Our dedication to excellence has allowed us to maintain the same customers across the Eastern United States and Midwest since our very first trees were harvested.”  Most North Carolina Christmas tree farms are small businesses and for the Deals that has nourished a special relationship with their children. "It builds family unity," Earl said. "It has allowed me to work with Buddy and Meg." Meg, a Raleigh CPA, handles the books and helps during harvest. Buddy and his wife Della help with its daily management.

“At Smokey Holler Tree Farm we believe that a real Christmas tree is more than just a commodity. For most families it is the focus of holiday decorating. Their ornaments -- their memories -- decorate that tree. Our family has ornaments that are over 40 years old and we pull them out every year because they are meaningful to us and to our children.” Visit our Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and create memories and traditions that will last for generations.