Smith Lawn and Tree (SLAT) was founded in 1997 by Jud Smith. He started the company with one yard but continued to provide excellent customer service in his business through high school and college and grew the company into a small landscape firm. In 2006 Smith Lawn and Tree merged with Metro Horticulture Services and brought on another Owner, Russell Simpler. At that time Smith Lawn and Tree consisted of about 12 Employees. Since then, SLAT has grown to over 100 Employees and their service area covers the entire metroplex. Jud and Russell are both involved in the daily operations of the business.
Our mission is to help quality-conscious commercial property managers and homeowners realize their vision for a beautiful and sensible landscape, built with skill and reliably maintained. To deliver beauty and functionality, on time and on budget – every time – with turnkey services. We will hire and train the best staff and foster a culture of cooperation and teamwork to get the best results for the company and the customer. We will use the smartest methods and best components on every job to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations.
Russell Simpler joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2006 as a managing partner. Russell studied horticultural business at Tarleton State University which has excelled his knowledge of plants, turf, and landscape design. His entrepreneurial drive has helped in growing Smith Lawn and Tree into a large landscape management company serving the DFW metro area.
Russell is a licensed commercial pesticide applicator, and has over 13 years of green industry experience. His focus at Smith Lawn and Tree is on landscape management, employee development, and managing all financial aspects of the company.
David Yonis has been a staple of the Dallas/Fort Worth landscape scene since 1996. A 2005 graduate of Tarleton State University with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Management, he combines formal education with decades of hands-on experience—including three years at a tree farm in Stephenville and 10 years at a premier Dallas design/build firm.
A highly credentialed professional, David is a Licensed Irrigator in the state of Texas and a Texas Certified Landscape Professional through the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA). His commitment to the industry is further highlighted by his leadership history with the TNLA Region IV Board of Directors, where he served as Landscape Director, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman (2013–2014).
Though originally from Massachusetts, David has built his life and career in Texas. When he isn’t overseeing projects, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Marla, and their two children, Riley and McKenna.
Michael Strauss joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2019 as our new Business Developer. He has been working in the green industry for the last 16 years. Prior to Smith he worked for a Dallas based company as the Director of Landscape Maintenance for 6 years. Michael holds an Irrigation Tech License with the state of Texas. He is well rounded in every aspect of landscaping which makes him a perfect fit for this role. Michael loves meeting with clients & building long lasting relationships.
Kevin Hixon joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2023, serving as the Human Resources Manager and Safety Coordinator. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and relationship management fields, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his role, where he manages various HR responsibilities while leading key initiatives for employee culture and safety.
He is deeply committed to building a workplace culture where safety is not followed out of fear, but out of respect and shared ownership. He focuses on connecting with field crews to ensure they feel supported, often emphasizing that “people never care how much you know, until they know how much you care”.
When he is not at work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristy, and their twin sons, Cade and Bryce
Glen Jennings is a veteran of the tree care industry with over 35 years of dedicated experience. A proud alumnus of Kansas State University, Glen earned his Kansas Certified Arborist credential in 1989 and shortly after achieved his certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). His decades-long career is fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to arboriculture and a genuine passion for preserving the health and beauty of our clients’ trees
Brandon Byrd joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in 2018, bringing a unique blend of business acumen and field expertise to his role as Commercial Account Manager. Brandon holds a degree in Business Administration from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he also spent four years working at a landscape firm to master the fundamentals of the industry.
Following graduation, Brandon spent several years in the construction industry, where he honed his skills in Management and Human Resources. His return to the landscape industry several years ago allowed him to merge these disciplines, excelling in operations and account management while maintaining a high standard for team development and service quality.
Brandon is deeply committed to building strong, long-lasting relationships with his customers, a quality that makes him a perfect fit for the Smith Lawn and Tree philosophy. When he isn’t ensuring his clients’ properties look their best, Brandon is an active father who loves spending quality time with his son and daughter.
Neal Colley joined Smith Lawn and Tree in early 2025, bringing an impressive background of over 25 years in sales and customer service. For the past eight years, he has dedicated his expertise to the green industry, previously serving several Dallas-based firms as a high-end Residential Account Manager. Neal’s career is defined by a “can-do” attitude and a commitment to professional growth, leading to past leadership roles as Irrigation Manager, Director of Maintenance Sales, and Director of Landscape Maintenance. He is a Licensed Commercial Applicator with the state of Texas and possesses a comprehensive understanding of every facet of landscape maintenance. At Smith Lawn and Tree, Neal focuses on building long-lasting, trust-based relationships with our commercial clients. When he isn’t managing properties, you’ll likely find him fueled by a great cup of coffee and connecting with the local community.
Brent Talley joined our team in 2025, bringing over 20 years of expertise in detailed landscape and lighting installation. Having previously owned and operated his own landscape and maintenance business, Brent possesses a deep understanding of the industry and a true passion for outdoor beautification. He prides himself on his meticulous attention to detail and enjoys collaborating with clients to brainstorm creative enhancements or solve complex landscape challenges.
A native of Alabama, Brent is a dedicated Crimson Tide fan. When he isn’t transforming outdoor spaces, you can find him cheering on Alabama football or following the Supercross and Motocross seasons.
Paul Preston joined Smith Lawn and Tree in the spring of 2022, bringing a diverse and disciplined skill set to his role as Account Manager. A proud United States Army Veteran, Paul transitioned to civilian life in 2012 following an honorable discharge, initially becoming a certified mechanic. His career path eventually led him to a major theme park, where he mastered a wide array of trades—including fiberglass work, upholstery, and carpentry—before being promoted to lead the facility’s landscaping and grounds management. It was there that Paul discovered his true passion for the green industry.
Driven to pair his hands-on experience with academic expertise, Paul is currently pursuing a Horticulture degree at a local university while serving the Smith Family full-time. He takes great pride in building long-term relationships with clients and vendors, utilizing his multidisciplinary background to help every client achieve their property goals.
Tray Bodiford joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in the spring of 2023, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge to our account management team. He is a Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator with 17 years of experience in the landscape industry.
Tray’s deep understanding of the science behind turf and landscape maintenance allows him to maximize the health and beauty of every property he manages. He is driven by a genuine passion for enhancing outdoor spaces, ensuring they reach their fullest aesthetic and functional potential through expert care.
Before finding his calling in the landscaping industry, Tray spent time as a semi-pro bull rider, a testament to his grit and focus. An avid outdoorsman at heart, he spends his free time seeking new adventures and enjoying quality time with his wife and two daughters.
Curtis Luyster joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in August 2023, bringing an impressive 30 years of experience in the green industry. As a Commercial Account Manager, he leverages his deep technical knowledge and decades of field experience to provide high-level service to our commercial clients.
Before joining Smith, Curtis spent much of his career as a Construction Superintendent, overseeing the building of premier golf courses across the United States and the Caribbean Islands. In 2008, he relocated to Texas, where he successfully transitioned his expertise into landscape construction and sales. Curtis’s vast background in complex builds and large-scale management makes him a powerhouse advocate for our clients’ properties.
Outside of work, Curtis has been happily married since 2012 and remains true to his roots in the green industry—you can often find him out on the golf course or enjoying a quiet day of fishing.
Destany Hall joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in 2016. Initially serving as the Office Assistant, she expertly managed scheduling and customer relations. Her dedication and sharp problem-solving skills earned her a promotion in 2018 to her current role, where she serves as Office Manager and oversees both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
With a decade of experience at the company and five years specifically focused on customer relations, Destany is defined by her “can-do” spirit and proactive leadership. Whether she’s solving complex financial puzzles or jumping in to support her teammates, she remains a dedicated pillar within our company.
As a native Texan, her outgoing and bubbly personality makes her a vital asset to both the company’s internal operations and its client base. Outside of the office, Destany is an avid reader and enjoys spending quality time with her fur babies.
Kelsea Sanders joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2019, starting as an Office Assistant before transitioning into her current role as Operations Coordinator. She is the engine behind our backend operations, managing the vital data entry and scheduling that keeps our crews, managers, and office running like clockwork. With over seven years of experience in customer service, Kelsea thrives on challenges and is dedicated to supporting both our staff and our clients.
A native of Burleson, Texas, her contagious laugh and vibrant personality make her an invaluable asset to our company culture. When she isn’t keeping our operations in peak form, you’ll likely find Kelsea embracing the Texas outdoors—usually with a hunting rifle or a fishing rod in hand.
Joseph Esparza joined Smith Lawn and Tree in the spring of 2024, bringing a diverse background in various sectors of the landscape industry. Over the years, his hands-on experience ignited a deep-seated passion for outdoor environments, leading him to earn a Horticulture Degree from Tarrant County College and his Texas Irrigation License. Today, Joseph plays an instrumental role in managing our crews and driving field production. He is dedicated to optimizing efficiency while providing steadfast daily support to ensure our teams succeed in every task.
Outside of work, Joseph is deeply rooted in his community. He enjoys spending quality time with his family and staying active in his church’s Young Adults Ministry.
Agustin Segura has been a cornerstone of the Smith Lawn and Tree team since 2016, transitioning into his current role as Field Manager in 2023. Before moving into leadership, Agustin spent years mastering every facet of the industry, working hands-on in everything from irrigation and property maintenance to complex specialized enhancement projects.
With over a decade of industry experience, Agustin possesses a deep understanding of the technical precision and dedication required to deliver top-tier results. Today, he plays an instrumental role in the company’s daily operations, managing crews and providing the field expertise necessary to ensure every team remains efficient and successful.
Outside of his professional life, Agustin prioritizes time with his wife and daughter, along with their two cats and dog. He remains active through soccer and often spends his free time working on his car.