The 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.
The total membership in NOCTG is currently 29 tree farms, with 10 of those located in Trumbull County.
The group's goal is to educate the public about the benefits of using a real Christmas tree. They sponsor new grower clinics for those entering the profession.
They place videotapes of "The Great American Christmas Tree" and "The Christmas Tree Story" as well as the book "The Wonderful World of Christmas Trees" into local libraries. The members also have weekend activities at their farms with hayrides, petting zoos and, of course in the season, fresh-cut trees, wreaths, roping and gifts. Some farms even offer tree planting in the spring and fall.
"Many homeowners and businesses use the wrong type of tree when they install their landscaping, and our growers group is here to help with that process," stated NOCTG member Lyle Bailey.
He spearheaded the group to assist the Trumbull County Agriculture and Family Education Center where the SWCD's offices are located when we had trouble with some infested trees.
The Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers replaced trees with various pine trees near our flag pole and installed signage to use for educational purposes.
The NOCTG members who participated were Lyle Bailey of Bailey's Christmas Tree Farm, John Pieton of 7-P Trees, Norris Williams of Whispering Pines Tree Farm, Carl Yeager, and John Campbell of Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm.
The Christmas Tree Growers also donates trees to operation Evergreen, which ships trees to our overseas troops for the holidays.
To receive a Christmas tree fact and tree care brochure, or for a listing of members, contact Steve D'Apolito 330-758-5114, or John Pieton 330-534-3691.
Wilson is the administrator of the Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District and is an associate member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau.