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Our Story
Dogwood Hills Tree Farm began in the mid-1990s when Todd & Cindy Lederman turned their passion for trees into a thriving business. After selling trees at local auctions, they recognized the need for a retail tree nursery dedicated to serving the community. In 1998, they took a bold step—selling their excavation business of 14 years to fully focus on cultivating high-quality trees and building a trusted name in the industry.
In April 2017, a new chapter began as long-time employee Curtis Bontrager and his wife, Melody, took ownership of Dogwood Hills. With deep roots in the company and fresh energy for growth, they have continued the tradition of quality products and exceptional service while introducing new ideas to better serve the community.
Today, Dogwood Hills Tree Farm remains committed to helping homeowners, landscapers, and businesses find the perfect trees for their needs.
We invite you to visit, explore our selection, and experience the difference!
Ryan Duckworth
Crew Leader
Ryan started working for Dogwood Hills in 2020 and quickly learned the trade. He has a degree in Environmental Science from Grace College and previously worked for the DNR. Ryan can be found leading his own crew and is one of our primary tree trimmers.
Daniel Bontrager
Crew Leader
Daniel started working for Dogwood Hills in 2014. His ability to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks has earned him the nickname of “ the human skid loader”. Daniel is a jack of all trades and excels at everything he does. He loves to interact with people and makes friends everywhere he goes. Daniel can be seen running his own crew as well as helping out on various crews.
Tim Seman
Pesticide Applicator
Tim started working for Dogwood Hills in 2012 and has a degree from Purdue University in Science and Forestry and is a licensed pesticide applicator. He spends his time working in the nursery, showing customers around the farm, treating trees for insects and disease, and keeping up with light duty shop work.
Avery Bonsett
Crew Leader
Avery started working for Dogwood Hills in 2023 and quickly applied himself towards getting his CDL and learning to run various equipment despite being enrolled in college. He can be seen helping out on various crews.
Meet Our Team
Curtis Bontrager
Owner | Operations Manager
Curtis started working for Dogwood Hills in 2004. He was a crew leader for many years before he and his wife Melody purchased the business in 2017 from his longtime employers and mentors, Todd and Cindy Lederman. Curtis and Melody have four kids: JJ, Piper, Troy, and Alyza. They can often be found around the farm, helping wherever they can. Curtis spends most of his time behind the scenes, scheduling jobs and ensuring that our crews are running efficiently.
Jordan Haarer
Sales Manager | TRAQ Certified Arborist IN-3641A
Jordan started working for Dogwood Hills in 2016 and has earned the credential of Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist. He spends most of his time working with customers through on site consults, sales at the farm, and answering phones/emails. He also will take a break from office work and help out a crew from time to time.
Delmar Hochstetler
Farm Manager
Delmar started working for Dogwood Hills in 2021. He works hard to keep all of our farms well maintained by mowing, trimming, staking, and spraying for weeds and insects in order to ensure we grow and produce the highest quality trees possible. He has quickly adapted to his role and is a vital part of our operation.
Grant Frye
Crew Leader | TRAQ Certified Arborist MI-4646A
Grant started working for Dogwood Hills in 2012 and has earned the credential of Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist. Having grown up in the business, Grant is able to do it all. He is highly skilled and very passionate about tree removal work, but he is equally as talented at installing trees.
Come Visit the Farm!
We'd love to have you check out the selection at Dogwood Hills Tree Farm!
Farm Hours
March - November
Monday-Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday: 8am to 4pm
Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Sunday: Closed
December - February
Weekdays: By appointment only
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: Closed
David Peralez
Crew Member
David started working for Dogwood Hills in 2024. His attention to detail, excellent quality of work, and desire to learn has greatly benefited our team. David spends most of his time working at the farm and loves to help out on a crew when given the opportunity.
Thomas Miller
Crew Member
Thomas started working for Dogwood Hills in 2022 after his family moved in next door to the farm. Thomas can be found working around the farm as well as working on a crew. He is eager to learn and enjoys a new challeng
Ronnie DePalma
Crew Member
Ronnie started working for Dogwood Hills in 2024 after moving to the area from Texas. His previous experience driving big rigs and working in the tree care industry has allowed to seamlessly transition into our team. He can be found working on various crews.
Grayson Bonsett
Crew Member
Grayson started working for Dogwood Hills in 2023. He has limited hours to work because he is still in school, but we all look forward to the day he will be able to join our team full time. Grayson can be found working wherever he is needed.