The Cornett family began raising Christmas trees in the Mountain Dale Community (Vilas, NC) around 1979 when Clint Cornett planted his first field of Fraser Fir trees. Dale Cornett has now taken over his father’s fields of trees and has also leased several area farms on which he has established Fraser Fir tree plantations. The elevation of our farms varies from 3,000 feet up to 4,400 feet.
Our Story
We are located at 337 Tannenbaum Lane, Vilas, NC 28692
The Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm was established in 1986 when Diane Cornett purchased a farm which had originally been owned by her ancestors. Her great-great-grandfather, Jack Cornett, and his sons settled in what is now know as the Mountain Dale Community around 1904, and many of the family members still live on and farm the properties cleared and settled by their grandparents and great-great-grandparents.
Dale’s farms are used for his wholesale tree business while Diane’s farm is also a Choose & Cut operation. They work together to provide top quality Fraser Fir trees along with a few other species such as the Canaan Fir.
Growers are the heart of our industry. Across the nation, they pass the joy and hard work of real tree growing on to their families, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come. Give a grower some love.
Great picture of my Dad, Clint Cornett. If he had not planted his first trees in 1979, Dale Cornett, my brother and I would probably never gotten into the tree business. Thanks Dad for always being a great leader in all that you do.
Awards
Clint Cornett
1997 – Named Nurseryman of the Year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
Dale Cornett
2008 – Received the NC Christmas Tree Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award for his commitment to environmentally-conscious agriculture by using Integrated Pest Management practices on his farms.
2009 – Named Christmas Tree Grower of the Year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
Diane Cornett Deal
1994 – Recognized as the Outstanding Woman in Agriculture at the Watauga County Farm City Banquet.
2003 – Named Nurseryman of the year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
2007 – Received the Ben E. Suttle Special Service Award for Volunteer Leadership for her efforts in the area of farmland preservation, economic development, and sustainable communities.
Best of the Best 2015 – Watauga Democrat
Best of the Best 2016 – Watauga Democrat
Best of the Best 2017 – Watauga Democrat
Clint, Diane, and Dale have each served on the Board of Directors for the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association. Diane and Dale have both had the honor of serving as President of the association. They have both served on the Fraser Fir Promotional Committee for the NC Christmas Tree Growers Association. Diane currently serves on the NCCTA Choose & Cut committee as well as the WCCTA Choose & Cut committee. Dale has been the President of the NC Christmas Tree Association for 2016-2017
Our CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is temporarily closed to the public while we give nature a bit of time to grow our new trees to mature trees ready to fill your homes and offices. Until then, we invite you to check out our vacation cabin rentals, craft shop and more.