Bowman’s Tree Service marks two decades of growth and innovation in Minerva

Bowman’s Tree Service LLC of Minerva was started by Joel Bowman in 2001. What began as side work and a hobby soon turned into a full-time business.

Since then, the company has grown “massively,” with more employees, new equipment and expanded services.

“The equipment has been the biggest change for sure,” he said. “We’ve got an 80-foot Spider lift that can fit through a 36-inch gate, and a grapple saw truck I can run with a remote. It’ll grab a 20-inch log and bring it down safely. That makes it a lot safer for us.”

They also maintain a recycling center in Malvern, which helps handle yard waste for customers.

Tree removal comes with its challenges, from rough terrain to homes and utility lines.

“Sometimes trees wrap around wires and houses—you’ve got to be careful with everything,” Bowman said. “We’ve also got Ditch Witch loaders that do a lot of the dragging and lifting, which saves the guys’ backs.”

He said experience and observation help him spot when a tree is diseased or unsafe.

“A lot of times, you’ll see discoloration on the bark because rainwater carries out the rot,” he explained. “Looking at the leaves, the tips of the limbs—you can tell. A lot of it is just being around it every day and paying attention.”

Bowman’s Tree Service offers trimming, stump grinding, removal, logging and technical jobs in tight spaces. They also provide mulch and firewood for sale, though Bowman leaves the spreading of mulch to customers. The company mainly serves within 45 minutes of Minerva, reaching Alliance, Canton, Lisbon and parts of Tuscarawas County.

Bowman said his work often brings peace of mind to families concerned about dangerous or aging trees. Clearing storm damage or removing a tree threatening a home can make a big difference, he added, and his crew takes pride in making difficult jobs safe and manageable.

For Bowman, the business is as much about lifestyle as it is about services.

“I enjoy being outside in Mother Nature, whether the weather’s good or bad. I like helping people take care of their properties,” he said. “There’s no way I could do an office job anymore. I used to be a machinist, but I’d much rather be outside.”

With a reputation for fairness and a focus on customer satisfaction, Bowman’s Tree Service continues to be a steady presence in the community. The business remains based in Minerva, with equipment and the recycling center nearby in Malvern. Joel sees his work as both a livelihood and a service: keeping trees healthy, properties safe, and customers happy.

For more information, Bowman’s Tree Service is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joel Bowman can be reached at 330-704-3399. More details are available at www.bowmantrees.com.