WOOSTER, Ohio — For Rita Dush, Christmas trees have many meanings.
“Earth stewardship, beauty and happiness for families,” said Dush, owner of Pine Tree Barn in Wooster.
At the barn, there is a list of different types of trees that take a while to grow. “It’s usually about eight years before we harvest,” said Brad Moore, Pine Tree Farm’s nursery manager.
It also takes time to choose the perfect tree. Once customers choose, they cut them, shake the pine nuts and wrap them to go. Although the tree may last a month or two, the joy is forever.
“It’s the spirit of Christmas – you make families happy. You see little kids who are happy,” Moore said.
It’s not just the amazing experiences and memories that stay with customers. For Dush, Pine Tree Barn has a deeper meaning.
She lost her husband two years ago today. Roger and Rita built Pine Tree from the roots of Roger’s family farm, Yuletide Tree Farm, 40 years ago. They never expected it to be as big as it is today, but they made a promise to each other.
“We knew we weren’t going to live forever and we both wanted a farm to continue. That’s why I still do it and I’m sure that if I were him and he was here, he would still do it too,” said Rita.
And so every smile he sees on the farm brings him joy.
“It’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful, especially with the little kids, but they’re smiling and happy and bubbly,” Dush said.
Rita sees eight years of work born, when Roger was by her side.
“He gives me a reason to be, I miss him,” she said.
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The farm is open daily from 9am to 5pm and they have a gift shop and restaurant on the property. For more information on Pine Tree Barn, click Here.
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