Growers replace pine trees

The group educates people about the benefits of using a real Christmas tree.
CORTLAND -- Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers recently replaced some infested pine trees on the grounds of the Trumbull County Agriculture and Family Education Center here.
The Trumbull County Engineer's Office assisted by removing the trees, which were the wrong type for the landscaping near the building, and diseased.
The growers group donated through its members a Fraser fir, Meyer spruce, Colorado blue spruce, and concolor fir. These new trees, planted on the west end of the Agriculture Center building near the flag pole, are for educational purposes as well as for landscaping design.
"Christmas Tree Growers certainly came through just before the holidays with the installation of the proper trees for our center," said Mike Wilson, Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District executive director. "It was also a learning experience for the ag building committee to understand which are the right types of trees for new construction sites."
Growers group participants
Tree growers who participated were Lyle Bailey of Bailey's Christmas Tree Farm, 2376 Lyntz Road S.W., Lordstown; John Pieton of 7-P Trees, 6865 New York Lane, Hubbard; Norris Williams of Whispering Pines Tree Farm, 5138 Clark Road, Middlefield; and Carl Yeager and John Campbell of StoreyLand Christmas Tree Farm, 5148 state Route 7, Burghill.
"Many homeowners and businesses use the wrong type of tree when they install their landscaping, and our growers group are here to help with that process," said Bailey. He led the group to assist the county agriculture building with its problem trees.
Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers began meeting in 1998 with tree farmers from Trumbull County and has expanded to include members from other counties in Northeast Ohio.
Total membership is 29 tree farms, with 10 of those in Trumbull County.
The group's goal is to educate the public about the benefits of using a real Christmas tree.
The growers association also donates trees to Operation Evergreen, which ships trees to U.S. troops overseas. The growers sponsor "new grower clinics" for those entering the profession.
To receive a Christmas tree fact and tree care brochure, or for a listing of members, contact growers group President Steve D'Apolito at (330) 758-5114, or treasurer John Pieton at (330) 534-3691.