CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — With the holidays fast approaching, Christmas tree farms are beginning to pop-up across the Tampa Bay area.

What You Need To Know

  • The Avery family's farm in North Carolina was ravaged by Hurricane Helene this past year, damaging more than 60,000 trees
  • Recovering from the hurricane-related losses has been tough, but that has not stopped the family

It’s a popular industry for the state of North Carolina, an area that was also impacted by Hurricane Helene this year. But, as damaged as farms may have been from the storm, they’re still helping make the season bright.

Nestled on a plot of land off of Gulf to Lake highway, you’ll find A Very Merry Christmas Tree Farm.

“Thirty-eight years ago, my dad and my mom wanted to have a side job, so we got them into selling Christmas trees,” said Dawn Avery, co-owner of the Christmas tree farm.

The Avery Family, hailing from North Carolina, has called Crystal River their “second home” for more than 30 years. But no year has been quite like this one, with Hurricane Helene recently ravaging their Christmas tree farm.

“We had lost about 60 to 80,000 Christmas trees," says Avery. "The recoup time on that will be, at least, 15 to 20 years. It takes a tree, from a seed to about a 6 or 7-foot, is about 14 years.”

Recovering from the hurricane-related losses has been difficult. Christmas tree farms, Avery says, are the second biggest industry in their county, behind tourism. But that hasn’t stopped the family from spreading a little Christmas cheer, whether big or small.

“Everybody that comes here, we just give them a Charlie Brown tree," said Avery. "Kids love it — they can put them in their rooms. We take it to elderly people who can’t do a tree.” 

Showing that there is still plenty to be grateful for this holiday season.

“Everybody in this community has been so kind to us and so encouraging; they could not be any nicer," Avery said. "You feel like when you’re here, you’re part of a family. Definitely a nice community.”

Bonded by a difficult hurricane season for both states and grateful to the community that has continuously welcomed them. 

The tree farm will be getting a fresh delivery of trees on Wednesday. They will be open every day until they are out of trees. Dontations are also being accepted online.