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The Christmas season is a time of joy, festivities, and for many, the tradition of picking out the perfect Christmas tree. For Rita Dush, owner of Pine Tree Barn in Wooster, Ohio, Christmas trees hold a special place in her heart. For her, trees symbolize stewardship of the land, beauty, and happiness for families.
At Pine Tree Barn, customers can choose from a list of different types of trees that take around eight years to grow before they are ready to be harvested. Brad Moore, the nursery manager at Pine Tree Farm, explains that picking the perfect tree is a process that involves cutting it down, shaking out the pines, and wrapping it up to take home. While the tree may only last a month or two in someone’s home, the joy it brings can last a lifetime.
For Rita Dush, Pine Tree Barn is more than just a place to buy a Christmas tree. It holds a deeper meaning for her, as it was a dream she shared with her late husband, Roger. They built Pine Tree Barn from the roots of Roger’s family farm, Yuletide Tree Farm, 40 years ago. Unfortunately, Roger passed away two years ago, but Rita continues to fulfill their shared dream.
“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,” said Rita.
Every smile Rita sees on the farm brings her joy and reminds her of the hard work and dedication that she and Roger put into building Pine Tree Barn. Despite the challenges of running the farm without her husband by her side, Rita finds solace and purpose in carrying on their shared legacy.
“It gives me a reason for being, I miss him,” she said.
The holiday season at Pine Tree Barn is a magical time, filled with families coming together to pick out the perfect Christmas tree, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, and in addition to Christmas trees, they also have a gift shop and restaurant on the property for visitors to enjoy.
For more information on Pine Tree Barn and their story, you can visit their website at www.pinetreebarn.com/about/our-story.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember the meaning behind traditions like picking out a Christmas tree. For Rita Dush, Pine Tree Barn is a place of nostalgia, love, and cherished memories. It is a place where the spirit of Christmas lives on, bringing happiness to families and honoring the legacy of those who have worked hard to make it a special place.
So, as you gather with your loved ones this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a Christmas tree and the memories it represents. Let it be a reminder of the joy, love, and togetherness that this special time of year brings. And if you happen to find yourself in Wooster, Ohio, be sure to visit Pine Tree Barn and experience the magic for yourself. Who knows, you might just create a new tradition that will last for generations to come.
