Trees play a crucial role in maintaining Round Rock’s environmental health and aesthetic. However, the ongoing threat of drought and seasonal storms are issues that need to be addressed with homeowners and business owners. At Leaf Tree Services, founder Jeff Hempel is committed to educating the public of these challenges and providing solutions.


“Jeff started this company with himself, a truck and a chainsaw,” co-owner Shannon Hempel said. “He’s built it up over the past 10 years, and it's grown immensely.”

Driven by his passion for the outdoors, Jeff Hempel transitioned from a career in insurance to entrepreneurship. What began as a personal curiosity about nature soon blossomed into a deep knowledge of tree care.

“I had been in the insurance industry for about 15 years,” he said. “I decided to transition into arboriculture because I wanted to spend more time outdoors. I’ve been doing that ever since.”

Years of hands-on experience, along with rigorous certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture, including an Arborist certification and a Tree Risk Assessment certification, have shaped Jeff Hempel into an expert in tree health. These certifications complement his background in insurance, enabling him to help clients address tree-related risks effectively.

Photo of Leaf Tree Services' owners

The challenges facing Round Rock’s trees have shifted in recent years. While drought is always an ongoing concern, winter storms have devastated local trees and are a growing threat to tree health.

“There are steps to mitigate these threats, and simple education is key. For example, simply knowing the difference between a landscape tree and native tree is so important,” he said. “Landscape trees are planted trees that do not generally have the ability to adapt to harsh conditions.”

Landscape trees, often planted in residential developments, have shallow root systems and limited environmental adaptability, which make them particularly vulnerable during storms.

“Native trees have adapted to their environments for many years and have actually learned how to protect themselves,” Shannon Hempel said. “Their root systems depend on each other.”

Man doing tree care in Round Rock

One of Jeff Hempel's most valued practices is educating clients on tree care, a practice that backs the integrity of the company.

“I take a lot of pride in teaching the customer what I'm doing and why. With younger trees, keeping them properly pruned, watered throughout the winter and mulched for certain times is important,” Jeff Hempel said. “I educate customers on what makes a tree stronger, what makes a tree weaker and what’s the easiest thing clients can do to take care of them.”


Looking toward the future, the company is exploring innovative ways to enhance tree health and longevity. One such initiative is the introduction of a growth hormone treatment designed to stimulate root growth and improve water absorption in trees. Unlike fertilizers, which add synthetic nutrients to the soil, this treatment encourages the natural growth processes within the tree’s root system.

“The root system gives a tree life, and the hormones will make it easier for the tree to access water through the soil,” Jeff Hempel said.

The Hempels also plan to introduce a tree maintenance program tailored to commercial clients. This program would provide regular tree care, helping businesses keep their properties safe and attractive while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Leaf Tree Services employees leaf blow

Despite the challenges, Jeff Hempel finds immense satisfaction in his work, particularly the relationships he has cultivated with clients over the years. For both of the Hempels, the success of their company is not solely about increasing profits but about fostering growth within the community.

“It has felt so rewarding to see this company grow,” Shannon Hempel said. “To see something that has been here for 10 years and contributed to the local economy is so rewarding.”

The Hempels’ commitment to education and tree care ensures Round Rock’s trees will thrive for years to come, benefiting both the environment and their local community.

To learn more about Leaf Tree Services, visit their website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.