ORLANDO, Fla. – For Central Florida artisan Matt Hollander, fallen limbs and storm debris aren’t just remnants of a chaotic season — they’re the foundation for something truly magical.
Matt, a skilled woodturner, has transformed storm-salvaged wood into hand-turned Christmas trees. These intricate, one-of-a-kind creations are now the centerpiece of a family’s effort to celebrate community resilience while offering neighbors something special for the holiday season.
“When the hurricane went through, wood was all over the ground. It was on the side of the streets,” Matt shares. “It was just a good opportunity to go through and pick up some really nice wood.”
Each tree is meticulously handcrafted in Matt’s home workshop, where the faint scent of live oak fills the air. His wife, Christina, who promotes Matt’s hobby on social media, explains the couple’s vision.
“We came to this neighborhood because of the trees and the vegetation. To see so many knocked down during the hurricane was really sad,” Christina said. “I said, ‘You can use those for your stuff and maybe people in the neighborhood would want those and give them as a keepsake to their kids.’”
To give back to their Longwood community, the Hollanders are offering discounts to Sweetwater Oaks residents.
“It’s something nice to do in the neighborhood,” Matt said. “We do sell them online, but people (who) live in the neighborhood, people that we know and friends, we can’t charge them the full price. They come by and we sell them at a reduced price for them.”
For the Hollanders, these trees are more than just a business — they’re a labor of love.
“I had a guy today from the neighborhood who said his wife collects Christmas trees, so he got them as a surprise for her,” Christina said with a smile. “We had another lady whose grandson was just born. Matt was able to engrave his name and date of birth on the bottom of the base for a little keepsake for his first Christmas.”
If you want to bring one of these unique creations into your home, click here to browse available designs, place an order or inquire about customization.
“We’re just thankful that people are interested in them,” Christina added.