Tavistock entrepreneur turns passion for tree cutting into full-time business

By Gary West

The cleanup continues following a late-summer storm that brought down trees and branches throughout Tavistock, and local entrepreneur Jay Schurink has been keeping busy helping residents remove damaged trees and debris.

Schurink, a lifelong Tavistock resident, operates Schurink's Tree Cutting and More, a business specializing in tree removal, branch trimming and storm cleanup.

With a woodchipper and a bucket truck capable of reaching branches up to 80 feet above the ground, Schurink has the equipment needed to tackle large trees and difficult jobs. He also uses ropes to safely lower branches to the ground during removal.

Schurink says he has enjoyed operating chainsaws, cutting trees and splitting firewood since he was young, and eventually decided to turn that interest into a business.

He purchased a woodchipper in early 2025, followed by a bucket truck that fall, allowing him to expand his services and take on larger jobs.

What began as a side business quickly grew, particularly following recent storms that left property owners dealing with fallen branches and damaged trees.

Schurink says he has been especially busy removing storm-damaged trees that could pose a safety risk during future high winds.

Before launching his business full time, Schurink gained experience working in agriculture and construction.

His first job as a young teenager was on the dairy farm of Jack and Jane Danen, east of Tavistock. He later worked at Carldot Holsteins for Larry Krantz, west of the village.

From there, Schurink went to work for Greg and Tara Ramseyer at Ramseyer Earthworks. When the business was sold to the owners of MT Earthworx, he continued working there for another four years.

Eventually, demand for his tree-cutting services grew to the point where keeping up with jobs during evenings and weekends became too difficult, prompting him to pursue the business full time.

Schurink has strong family roots in the Tavistock community. His parents are Ted and Lisa Schurink, and his three brothers, Jesse, Mitchell and Bo, occasionally lend a helping hand with the business.

His paternal grandparents are Benny and Gina Schurink, known locally for their farm on Perth Line 33, also called Pork Street, and Benny's Auto Parts.

On his mother's side, his grandparents are Bud and Diane Dietrich. Bud operates BJ Dietrich Aluminum Siding.

Schurink's business is fully insured, and residents looking for tree removal, branch trimming or storm cleanup services can contact him by phone or text at 519-496-8386 or through Instagram at @schurinkstreecutting.