In Wooster, Ohio, the Pine Tree Barn is more than just a holiday destination; it embodies a legacy of love and remembrance for its owner, Rita Dush. As the holiday season approaches, the barn is bustling with families eager to choose their perfect Christmas tree, a tradition that Dush and her late husband, Roger, fostered over 40 years ago.
Rita Dush, who runs the farm, reflects on the deeper significance of Christmas trees, which she sees as symbols of stewardship, beauty, and family joy. "It’s the Christmas spirit — you make families happy," said Brad Moore, the nursery manager at Pine Tree Barn. The farm features a variety of trees that require about eight years of nurturing before they are ready for harvest, emphasizing the commitment and patience involved in cultivating these holiday staples.
Once families arrive at the barn, they embark on the cherished experience of selecting and cutting down their trees. Afterward, the trees are shaken to remove loose pine needles and wrapped for transport, ready to bring holiday cheer into homes. While the trees may last only a month or two, the happiness they bring lasts a lifetime.
This year is particularly poignant for Rita, as it marks the second anniversary of her husband’s passing. Together, they built Pine Tree Barn from the foundation of Roger’s family farm, Yuletide Tree Farm. Rita recalls their shared vision: "We knew we weren’t going to live forever, and we both wanted some farm to continue." This promise drives her to keep the farm alive, as she believes Roger would have wanted the same.
The joy of the season is palpable at Pine Tree Barn, especially when Rita sees children laughing and playing. "It gives me a reason for being; I miss him," she shared, highlighting how the farm serves as a connection to her late husband and their shared dreams.
Pine Tree Barn is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering not only a vast selection of Christmas trees but also a gift shop and a restaurant for visitors. For those looking to create lasting memories this holiday season, Pine Tree Barn stands as a testament to family tradition and the enduring spirit of Christmas.