BELLAIRE - LaRoche Tree Service is prepping to become the latest addition to Commerce Park.
Bellaire native C.J. LaRoche started the business in 2007 and since then things have been taking off. He hopes to start construction at the site in March with the completion done by summer. On a 2.8 acre lot in Commerce Park, a warehouse will be built for equipment as well as the business' office.
"I've been growing ever since I got into the business and as of right now there is no sign of me slowing down, and I hope I continue to grow," he said.
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LaRoche does commercial and residential work, ranging from line clearance, tree removal, tree care, land clearing and storm work.
"We try to stay as competitive as possible while offering a service we feel is second to none," LaRoche said.
When he was only 15, LaRoche said his family had a company do tree work at their home and it was at that time when he knew what he wanted to do for a living.
A Bellaire High graduate, LaRoche moved on to California University of Pennsylvania where he earned his bachelor of science in business administration and started doing tree work on the weekends while in school. After graduating, he moved back to the Bellaire Area and started LaRoche Tree Service, combining skill with knowledge about tree care, which is something he tries to pass on to customers.
LaRoche is studying to be an ISA Certified Arborist and offers a different perspective when it comes to tree trimming and removal.
"We definitely offer knowledge about trees and proper practices," he said. For example, when it comes to pruning trees, one thing LaRoche said he discourages is "topping the tree.
"It offers no benefits, but it's been a practice that's been around a long time and not something we promote because of the poor affects it has on the tree," he said.
And when it comes to the work, LaRoche said he and his employees are professional and focus on quality, but safety is always the top priority. The business is fully insured.
"Safety, quality and efficiency," LaRoche said. "That is what we go for, with safety above and beyond all."
As far as efficiency goes, one of the tools LaRoche uses is a specialty made, log loading/chip truck that cuts down on costs, which benefits his customers.
"It enables us to load anything up to 9,000 pounds," he said. "It also has a removable lid and can hold 28 yards of mulch. It allows us to much more efficiently, saves a lot of labor and can go though a lot more material in a shorter amount of time."
According to LaRoche, the truck was built to his specifications that took into consideration the local geography.
He also thanks his family and friends along with Bellaire Village Council, including Councilmen Orphy Klempa Jr. and Rickie Parker. He also thanked Cindy Badia and Michael Koonce, and Police Lt. Donna Baroch, and Belmont County Port Authority Director Larry Merry for their help in securing the lot in Commerce Park.
LaRoche Tree Service can be reached at 740-671-9488.
Schuler can be reached at shoe@timesleaderonline.com.
