Some of what he is seeing is also happening in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

Spruce Pine grew up around the railroad, which still runs through downtown, did well for decades, sending local textiles and furniture to the rest of America.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

Now, with local unemployment nearing 14 percent, Spruce Pine is rebuilding around tourism and local crafts and is rebranding itself as the home of the perfect Christmas tree.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

The choices, no, yes, I lost a job, yes, a friend or family member, yes, I lost my job and know others who have, too, which takes us to jobs and retaining as it's playing out on Main Street, North Carolina, the town, Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

There are 100 counties in North Carolina, Ali, many of them like Mitchell County and thousands of towns around the country like Spruce Pine, a lot of people basically just trying to make new lives for themselves, either in their communities or maybe thinking about moving elsewhere -- Ali.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

Tree species such as larch, spruce and pine will be felled and replaced by native varieties such as oak, hazel, rowan, alder and holly.

BBC: Trees being felled in Yorkshire woods

The spruce and pine trees all around are weighed down, more snow than tree, and the steep mountainside that falls away beneath the farm is hidden behind cloud.

BBC: Snowbound Slovenia

The bushy pine and Norway spruce trees I planted serve as a place to build nests.

WSJ: Giving Birds a Refuge--WSJ Weekend Gardener