Dad and Mom, Robert (Bob) and Betty Dush, founded the family Christmas tree business in 1952 with the dream of earning enough money to help their three children - Ann, Roger, and Nancy - achieve college degrees.  Bob, a respected soil conservationist for the state of Ohio, established the tree farm over many years with the very best species for the land.  For more than five decades, he was the driving force in organizing and then directing the Ohio Christmas Tree Growers Association.  Bob earned numerous awards for his land stewardship, which was his passion all of his life.  He also built many of the beautiful and functional lakes and ponds in Wayne County.  The last two were his own and are known as Pine Tree Lakes, a fitting tribute.  Betty managed the books for their business and together they raised their family.  Bob and Betty's efforts brought success to their children and pride to the community-at-large.

In 1976, Roger came home to be part of the family business. He'd spent his professional years teaching and in the corporate world.  Roger longed for the closeness of family, clean air, and the beauty of the land.  Under his leadership, a new gift emporium known as "Pine Tree Barn" was born in September 1980 - selling special Christmas ornaments, gifts, and delicious treats along with handsome trees.  The entire Dush family is grateful for these humble yet groundbreaking, and beloved beginnings.

In 1983, Roger married Rita and they both worked long, hard, and passionately to grow and prosper; evolving Pine Tree Barn with the times and their customers' needs.  Pine Tree Barn became an iconic destination offering not only highly unique and handmade holiday-decor, it also grew to incorporate fine furnishings and interior design services, original and print art, distinctive clothing, apparel and jewelry, year-round gifts, and their gourmet restaurant, The Granary - delighting patrons with homemade Ohioan recipes. 

Quickly, almost forty years have now gone by.  The reins of the Pine Tree Barn retail store and The Granary restaurant were excitingly passed to their children, Bob and Betty's grandchildren, Julie and Matt Kilbourne, during this time.

To this day, Rita still brings you the Christmas tree farm for your family's enjoyment.  It represents the roots of their own family and a longtime legacy of responsibly growing trees and shepherding the Ohio land.  The Farms at Pine Tree Barn also continue to bring you the Dush family traditions you've come to know and love, such as horse-drawn carriage and Pine Tree Express Caboose rides, letters to Santa, hot cocoa and marshmallows roasting by the fire, and so much more.  

Upgraded is the original Tree Barn with the warm and inviting Village Cafe and Christmas Workshop.  Offered during the holiday season is a light lunch of yummy bratwurst, hot dogs, popcorn, coffee, and hot chocolate.  Along with Rita, Joy - The Farms at Pine Tree Barn's talented floral designer, creates custom wreaths, swags, garlands, boughs, and roping available for sale in the Christmas Workshop. Their designs are classic, whimsical, gorgeous, and fun!  The Farms at Pine Tree Barn also encourages special orders - which will be ready when you are ready to decorate.

In 2019, the family enhanced their Valley Road location on the east side of the farm with a new Christmas Tree Barn.  It is red and green, festive, and amazing - and called the North Pole!  Directions are listed on the Locations webpage, or you can head to the Main Farm and hop on our Little Red Bus which boards every 20 minutes from the Tree Barn. You can now select the same fresh greenery at the North Pole on Valley Road along with enjoying the pure calm of Ohio's Killbuck Valley while cutting your own tree or experiencing the convenience of purchasing a freshly cut tree.   After choosing your tree, relax and warm yourself by the fire pit as you sit and enjoy your day in the country.

Dad passed in 2011, Mom in 2019 and Roger in 2020.  Rita is now enjoying her own golden years while keeping the lights shining brightly for Ohio.  Together with Brad, The Farms at Pine Tree Barn field manager, and other talented helpers, Rita takes great pride in growing and making available healthy, bountiful Christmas trees year after year to always bring you and yours a timeless, Ohio Christmas.
 

Joining the farm this year,  Rita's grandson, Avery, has spent this year learning the ins-and-outs of the farm, with plans to keep the farm growing for the customers!  Welcome, Avery!

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