Sometimes cutting back results in more growth. In the case of Eastern Tree Services, a Burin Bay Arm business specializing in the safe cutting of trees and brush - and occasionally planting them too - has resulted in a wildly growing business all around the Burin Peninsula and Eastern Newfoundland.  

Jason Rose worked for more than 20 years as a Red Seal power line technician - learning how to safely navigate the hazards of working at height and near high voltage. In November 2021, he thought it was time to use those skills to help others and the environment in his area.   

“There was a need in the market in eastern Newfoundland for tree cutting,” Rose says. “I felt that with my experience I could help property owners and businesses maintain proper vegetation management.” 

Specializing in utility safety, Eastern Tree Service works with commercial and residential clients, servicing areas between the Burin Peninsula to the Bonavista Peninsula and even further if requested.  

Aside from helping customers remove hazardous trees from their properties and clearing vegetation from areas around power lines, keeping the community safe; Rose and his family have also helped plant many a tree and spread his company’s roots deep into the community too.  

The family frequently goes on tree-planting trips, most recently in the Burin Industrial Park. 

“Our company may cut down a lot of trees for safety reasons but we are fully committed to protecting the environment and replanting at every opportunity,” Rose says, adding that the team is regularly doing fundraising or donating to organizations like the Burin Peninsula SPCA and local sports teams. 

“Being a small business owner allows me to help out in my community by volunteering my time and donate to local charities. (I’m) building a business that my kids can take over when they get older.” 

Hiring local - and hiring a lot - has been a huge priority for the company in recent months as they grow their fleet and team, which Rose sees as a reinvestment into the community.  

Speaking of community, it was the team at the CBDC Burin Peninsula who helped Rose access the lending and training he needed to start his new venture. Rose took advantage of the First-Time Entrepreneur Loan to handle those early start-up costs.