Tree service business growing strong

NEW MILFORDA New Milford arborist is keeping the roadways and yards clear of any unwanted trees in Litchfield and Fairfield counties, as the owner of Gentile Tree Care, LLC.

Sam Gentile, owner of Gentile Tree Care, LLC, has been in business since 2000, but switched decided to concentrate on his own business full time 2006, dropping his side income obtained from working for other tree-cutting and landscaping companies.

The business was something I was working towards, Mr. Gentile said. I wanted to be my own boss, take initiative and do my own thing.

He said he knew that he wanted to be an arborist when he was young and that his older brother does tree work as well. When he was younger, he began working for his brother after school.

Ive been climbing the trees since I was 16 years old, Mr. Gentile said. I had a fear of heights when I first started, but its the thrill of the work. Its tough workits like going to the gym and working out all day long. Its about using strength and working different types of muscles.

Mr. Gentile is a licensed arborist. His company does tree removal, pruning, ornamental pruning, trimming and cabling. His license allows him to diagnose whether trees are sickly or blighted. He can explain to customers the proper functions of the tree.

To get to the point where he could open a successful business, Mr. Gentile did some schooling. He studied and got his degree through the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and is certified to work around electrical lines and carries a COL (combined construction and operating license), which allows him to drive heavy trucks that are overweight. He also has a license that allows him to do roadside tree cutting.

Twice a year, he attends meetings where he goes through training to get points on his arborists license. Mr. Gentile said he has to keep up with new laws as they pass that pertain to tree services.

A typical day for Gentile and his two-man crew begins at 6:45 a.m. when the men meet at the yard for a quick briefing on what theyre doing and where theyre going for the day. Mr. Gentile and his crew work with four bucket trucks, four chipper trucks, a grapple log loader and a stump grinder. They keep themselves safe with reflective vests.

The married father of three cited his good reputation and his willingness to tackle any job as reasons why customers should seek him out. He said his business has grown since he first opened up at the turn of the century. Continued...

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Tree service business growing strong