Jud Smith founded Smith Lawn and Tree in 1997 and has had hands on involvement every day to grow Smith Lawn and Tree to what it is today. Jud attended Texas Christian University and continued to grow Smith Lawn and Tree through his college years.
Jud is a licensed irrigator, which has driven him in developing a large commercial installation division of the company. He enjoys implementing all commercial installations as well as many construction and hardscape projects. Jud is also the head of all tree operations.
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 is a 2005 graduate of Tarleton State University with a degree in horticulture and landscape management. He’s been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1996 although he grew up in Massachusetts. During college, David worked for 3 years at a tree farm in Stephenville, TX. After graduating from college, he worked for a design/build firm in Dallas for 10 years. David is a licensed irrigator in the state of Texas and a Texas Certified Landscape Professional through the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA).
David has also served on the TNLA Region IV Board of Directors as a landscapce director (2008-2012) Vice-Chairman (2012) and Chairman (2013&2014). When he’s not working, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Marla, his son, Riley and daughter, 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 joined Smith Lawn and Tree in 2023. He handles various HR responsibilities as well as leading the employee culture and safety initiatives. Kevin has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and relationship management fields. When not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Kristy, and their twin sons, Cade and Bryce.
Glen Jennings has been in the tree care industry for over 35 years. He attended Kansas State and became a Kansas certified arborist in 1989. A couple years later he received his certification through the International Society of Arboriculture. Glen enjoys being in this field because of his dedication to taking care of trees for our clients.
Brandon Byrd joined the Smith Lawn and Tree team in 2018 as a Commercial Account Manager. Brandon studied Business Administration at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. During college, Brandon worked for 4 years at a landscape firm. After college, he worked numerous years in the construction industry in Management and Human Resources. Brandon decided to get back into the landscape industry 3 years ago excelling in Human Resources, Account Management, and Operations.
Brandon enjoys building strong, long lasting relationships with customers which makes him a great fit at Smith Lawn and Tree. When he’s not working, Brandon enjoys spending time with his son and daughter.
Shelly is a degreed Horticulturist who first joined Smith Lawn and Tree as an Account Manager in early 2016 and rejoined us mid 2021 after a two-year break working as an artist on the Gulf Coast. Her artistic eye for creativity, balance, and color carries over into her landscape career where she specializes in seasonal color changes and container design. She previously worked for many years around DFW at golf courses and country clubs where she developed a keen attention to detail work. Shelly feels that good communication is key to building strong relationships with her clients and has really enjoyed developing these over the years at Smith.
Paul joined the Smith Lawn and Tree Team in Spring of 2022 as an Account Manager. He is a United States Army Veteran, and after being honorably discharged in 2012, he became a certified mechanic. Paul went on to work for a large them park where he gained a variety of experience, from fiberglass, upholstery, carpentry, and finally being promoted to managing the landscaping and grounds of the facility. Paul discovered his love of landscape there and hasn’t looked back since. He is now working towards his horticulture degree at a local university while being a full time team member with the Smith Family.
Paul Enjoys building long lasting client and vendor relationships and using his multitude of experiences to help everyone with any goals they may have.
Tray joined Smith Lawn and Tree in spring of 2023 as an account manager. He is a licensed commercial pesticide applicator with 17 years of experience in the landscape industry. With his experience, Tray understands the science behind maintaining turf and landscapes, maximizing their beauty. His focus and passion is in enhancing outdoor spaces to their fullest potential.
Tray is a former semi-pro bull rider and and is an avid outdoorsman. He devotes his free time to seeking adventures and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
