OUR STORY
Family Owned Business Since 1974
John Umrysz proudly served as a torpedo man on the USS Rodman during World War II, followed by over 30 years of dedicated work with the City of Groton Highway Department. His wife, Irene Whittle Umrysz, attended Fitch High School in 1942, and graduated from L&M Nursing School, where she became a pediatric nurse, caring for young patients into the early 1990s.
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In the 1960s, what began as a shared love for nature by planting trees blossomed into a family legacy. By 1974, their passion officially became Yetter Road Tree Farm, a small, family-run tree farm that has since become a cherished part of the community. When the farm passed to their son Lee in 2013, he and his son, Tom, took on the joy and responsibility of maintaining and growing the farm year-round. Together, they continue the family tradition with the same dedication that started it all.
DINA'S SHOPPE: A LIVING TRIBUTE
Lee and Dina Hespeler Umrysz shared big dreams for the family Christmas tree farm, envisioning growth and expansion. Working hand in hand, they tended the trees and ran the shop together. Dina, a dreamer with an eye for beauty and potential, brought warmth and vision to the farm. But sometimes, life has other plans. After a relentless battle with breast cancer, Dina passed away at just 38. Though she left us too soon, her legacy of kindness and extraordinary character lives on. In 2020, we dedicated our shop to her, naming it Dina's Shoppe in her honor. When you step into Dina's Shoppe, it fills you with joy—a place where neighbors, friends, and family gather to share the Christmas spirit. Every day, we strive to live up to Dina's kindness and passion, and we are honored to carry forward her dream for the farm.
Lee and Dina, a love that never ends.
ABOUT YETTER ROAD TREE FARM
At Yetter Road Tree Farm, we are committed to providing you and your family with the highest quality Christmas trees and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes a joyful experience for everyone. We offer a wide variety of trees, hand decorated wreaths by our in-house wreath masters, holiday decor like garland, and gifts from local artisans and small businesses.
We take pride in our trees and we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the beauty of nature, and we are dedicated to making that possible for our customers. We believe in the spirit of giving and invite the community to help us make each holiday season magical for everyone by participating in our charity events and causes.
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Come visit us and start a new holiday tradition for you and your family at Yetter Road Tree Farm.
A FAMILY AFFAIR: GROWING TREES, ONE GENERATION AT A TIME
Third generation tree farmer, Tom Ackley Umrysz, has dedicated his life to the family Christmas tree farm. He started as soon as his feet could barely reach the pedals of the 4-wheeler pulling the trailer of Christmas trees, and is now teaching his two small children, Ariya and Jackson, everything about planting and farming. Tom also serves as the Director of New London County for the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association. Tom's dedication to the science behind the trees, learning from lead scientists at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, has shown in the field. Our trees have never looked better. One thing we know for sure, there's always room to grow!
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We take great care to ensure that our trees are healthy and beautiful. Whether you are looking for Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, or a hybrid variety, we have the perfect tree for you. Come visit us and see for yourself why our family is so proud of our trees, and why they are the best choice for your home.