It all started with wanting a location for their children to pick out a Christmas tree.
And it has evolved into a seasonal Christmas tree farm and shop now celebrating its 25th year anniversary.
“Here’s what happened: I planted 1,000 trees one year,” said Russ Roth, who co-owns Red Barn with his wife, Barb. “And I thought, ‘Well, next year I’ll just plan another 1,000 because there’s nothing to this.’”
Eventually, the work of trimming and pruning the trees began to catch up with Russ, and the idea of starting a business came to mind.
“I figured there’s no way we could use that many trees of our own, we’re going to have to figure out a way to sell these things,” he said, adding that they started the business and planted 4,000 more trees the next year.
“We kind of got initiated into it, and off we went from there,” he continued. “And one thing led to another, and we currently are planting about 6,000 trees a year.”
At the same time, his wife Barb, started a gift shop that was much “simpler,” she said, than what it is today.
“Every year, I always try to make improvements and make it more interesting,” Barb said.
The shop — open until Dec. 24 this year — now makes wreaths, floral center pieces and offers many decorations from traditional to whimsical. Barb attends shows to buy all the items in the store.
Throughout the two-story barn, it is decorated with many themed trees, such as “Extravagance,” “Lime lite” and “Flurries of fun.” There is even an upsidedown tree.
“You have to have varied choices,” said Barb, adding that now larger items are in style. “Homes are larger, so we are getting bigger things.”
This year’s weather brought about many difficulties for the business.
For the first time, Russ, who also is a farmer, was shelling corn the same time they were selling trees, he said.
“It was muddy in the corn fields and muddy in the tree fields, as well,” he said. “It was a nightmare.”
In total, they own 120 acres of trees, he said.
Most trees are cut from another farm; however, some are available nearby where customers can walk out and cut them with a hand saw.
“Primarily they’re cut and brought into the lot,” Russ said. “That way, we’re actually doing a selection process and bringing in the better trees.”
Another popular attraction to the shop is the two real reindeer that live outside. They became an addition about 10 years ago, said Barb.
“We have a lot of repeat customers,” Barb said. “It’s become a tradition for families to come out.”
When asked about whether they will stay open another 25 years, the couple laughed and said that conversation comes up at the end of each Christmas season.
“I don’t anticipate us stopping yet,” Barb said.
“We’re still having fun,” Russ added.
