Watch our Movie!

Slideshow of the Cartner Christmas Tree Farm through the seasons.

"Dear Cartners,

Thanks for sending us the perfect tree this year. Everyone that comes to the house comments on its beauty and freshness. It delivered the day
we requested it, and in perfect shape.

Thanks for making our Christmas so special, and providing us with the
fond memories of the years we lived in NC.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful Christmas!"

Wernher Wiebach
Lantana TX

Cartner Quality

Quality With Age

The Fraser Fir is a slow growing tree which requires close supervision and care for 11 to 13 years.

Beginning in year one, tiny Fraser Fir seeds are treated and scattered in seed beds where they are cultivated for three years.
After three years the tiny seedlings have reached a height of 3-5" and are transplanted into a larger transplant bed where they grow for another two years.

At age five, the seedlings are approximately 10' high. they are pulled from the beds, examined for healthy root growth and planted in rows on the slopes of Haw Mountain.

For each of the next eight years, they are kept free from grass, insects and fertilized for growth.

Quality is controlled by shearing. Annually, the trees are individually shaped by hand-pruning. By retarding rapid upward growth, the tree will gradually achieve the shape, fullness and density desired.

In the final year the trees are sheared very lightly, leaving the natural tips sufficiently long for custom decorating.
Other outstanding qualities are:

* Short Soft Needles * Thick Hardy Branches * Deep Green Color * Refreshing Mountain Fragrance

Sam Cartner presenting Govenor James B. Hunt, Jr with the N. C. State Grand Champion Tree in Raleigh, N.C. November, 2000.

Because of the inherent nature of the tree, it is not necessary to spray the tree with needle preservative or artificial color. It is a truly natural product and completely biodegradable.

Harvesting

Every Cartner Fraser fir is tagged by individuals expertly trained and closely supervised by Sam Cartner, Sr. After 35 years, his philosophy remains "Each tree must decorate nicely and must be tagged accordingly." Height is determined by 7-9" of terminal growth above the highest lateral whorl. The tree is then cut close to the ground with all lower branches remaining intact.

It is individually baled by wrapping with twine. After baling it is immediately transported off the mountaintop to a shaded holding area and, within days, loaded on closed vans and shipped to you.