Family feud keeps Christmas tree farm closed for 2nd year

CONCORD, N.H. – A family feud is keeping a popular New Hampshire tree farm closed through another holiday season.

The 600-acre Rossview Farm is closed for a second season in a family dispute over who owns the property and its 8,100 trees.

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Wayne and Ruth Ross, who started the farm in 1957, planned to give it to their only son, Don. But things soured and they served their son an eviction notice in 2013. That set off more legal challenges, and a trial is scheduled for next year.

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Wayne and Ruth Ross’ lawyer told the Concord Monitor the legal arguments include some esoteric concepts, such as a common law doctrine involving plants sown and tended by people, as compared to “products of the soil” that grow naturally.

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John Bisson said the topics haven’t been dealt with much in New Hampshire courts, and so both sides are relying on cases from other jurisdictions. Legal documents also reference New Hampshire farming disputes from the 19th century.

A voice message at the farm says no trees are for sale this year. The website has a similar statement from Don Ross referring to the farm as “my company.” It reads: “I am sorry for any inconveniences, as I, too, am sad about this. I am grateful for all of the kind words and continued support during the complications I have encountered.”