She made a promise to her husband to keep their tree farm going
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, traditions, and cherished memories. For Rita Dush, owner of Pine Tree Barn in Wooster, Ohio, Christmas trees hold a special significance.
“Stewardship of the land, beauty, and happiness for families,” Rita explains as she reflects on the value of Christmas trees. At Pine Tree Barn, customers can choose from a variety of trees that take about eight years to grow before they are ready to be harvested. Brad Moore, the nursery manager, emphasizes the time and effort that goes into cultivating these trees, ensuring that they are perfect for families to take home and enjoy during the holiday season.
The process of selecting the perfect tree is a memorable experience for customers. Once a tree is chosen, it is cut down, shaken to remove excess pine needles, and wrapped up for transport. While the tree may only last a month or two in a customer’s home, the joy it brings lasts a lifetime.
But for Rita Dush, Pine Tree Barn holds a deeper meaning that goes beyond just selling Christmas trees. Two years ago, Rita lost her husband, Roger, who co-founded the farm with her 40 years ago. Together, they built Pine Tree Barn from the roots of Roger’s family farm, Yuletide Tree Farm. Despite the challenges of running the farm without her partner, Rita remains committed to their shared vision.
“We knew we weren’t going to live forever, and we both wanted some farm to continue. That’s why I’m still doing it, and I’m sure if I were him and he were here, he’d be still doing it too,” Rita shares.
Every smile she sees on the farm brings Rita joy, as she remembers the years of hard work and dedication that she and Roger put into building Pine Tree Barn. “It gives me a reason for being, I miss him,” she reflects.
Pine Tree Barn is more than just a place to buy Christmas trees; it is a tribute to love, dedication, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. The farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also features a gift shop and restaurant on the property for visitors to enjoy.
To learn more about Pine Tree Barn and their story, visit their website at https://www.pinetreebarn.com/about/our-story. Experience the magic of the holiday season and create lasting memories with your family at Pine Tree Barn in Wooster, Ohio.
