Cannavino Trees Offers Holiday Tradition for Over 55 Years

Mark Cannavino stands with one of the many Christmas trees available at Cannavino Trees.

For generations, the ice cream cones and banana splits at Martin's Freeze on Euclid Avenue have given way to the evergreens of Cannavino Trees during the Holiday season.

A handmade sign greets customers to the picturesque lot across from Euclid Cemetery.  Rows of wooden racks neatly display each tree while strings of light bulbs cross overhead. 

Cannavino Trees was started in the early 1950's by Euclid resident Mike Cannavino, 91, of Blackfoot Drive.  Originally located at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue and London Street in South Collinwood, the Brush high school teacher moved the business to Martin's Freeze in 1960, shortly after the ice cream stand was built.

Today, Mike's son, Mark continues the tradition of supplying beautiful and affordable Christmas trees to the Euclid community.  Long-time employees Chuck and Corey are also back this year to assist customers.

In late November, Cannavino's received their first delivery of over 600 fresh-cut trees from Cadillac, Michigan.  The selection includes ever-popular Scotch and White pine varieties and soft-needled Douglas and Fraser fir trees.

Cannavino's trees range in size from over 13 feet to just 2.5 feet tall, perfect for sitting on a table top.

Each purchase includes a complimentary fresh cut and net wrapping.  If needed, the friendly staff will also tie the tree to the roof of your car to ensure it arrives home safely.

Chuck will even share a secret tip to make the tree last longer.  Hint, it turns out Christmas trees like a certain kind of soda pop.

To local residents, the Cannavino family name may be just as synonymous with the pigskin as the pine. 

Mike was a stand-out running back for Ohio State before starting the tree business. His younger brother Joe also played football for the Buckeyes while nephew Andy Cannavino starred at St. Joe's and the University of Michigan.

"For the four years Andy was playing, we rooted for Michigan." said Mike, but now the father and son are back to cheering on Mike's alma mater.  In fact, the pair were at the Shoe this past November to see the Buckeyes beat Michigan in double overtime.  

"It's good to see the rivalry between those teams is still strong." commented Mark.  It's also good to see the Cannavino Trees tradition continuing in Euclid.   

Cannavino Trees is open daily from (roughly) 10am to 8pm through Christmas Eve.  Cash or check accepted.  Visit them at 20321 Euclid Avenue to find your perfect tree.