While the name is a perfect fit, there’s much more to this success story.

When Gene Woods reflects on the history of Woods Tree Service, it’s hard for him to believe he has been in business for 14 years.  What began as a side business turned almost immediately into a full-time job, in large part due to a Texas drought, with demand for tree removal creating a surplus of work. Since then, Woods Tree Service has consistently grown, adding equipment, machinery, and employees to become a reputable, dependable, and hard-working company in the Huntsville, Texas area.

The business now has 7 full-time employees.  Gene is quick to credit the success to hardworking long-term employees like Zach Woods (14 years) and Dewayne Woods (10 years).  Junior and Mario are also key crew members. Part of Gene’s formula for success also includes bookkeeping and administrative help from his wife, Susie Woods.  She works fulltime as a vice president for First Financial Bank, but lends her expertise to help Gene keep his focus on the field work.

Gene Woods graduated from Huntsville High School in 1994, and he spent eight years working for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before pursuing his bachelor’s degree in political science at Sam Houston State University, graduating in 2007. A sixth-generation resident of Walker County, Gene has always thought it is important to support small business in his hometown. “I believe in spending money in the community. I shop locally—whether it’s a chainsaw or tractor or whatever. I’m proud of where I live and my local roots, and I bring that pride with me on the job.  I especially appreciate Walker County Hardware, who has been a great partner in keeping my equipment up and running.”

Because of his heritage, the Woods name is well known in the Huntsville area, and Gene works hard to honor the positive reputation of his family. “The Woods are known to be an honest, hard-working people. That is in my blood, but there is no shortcut to success. I work hard day in and day out.”

Woods Tree Services provides free estimates, with no catches and no gimmicks. Gene does not believe in contracts, but rather believes in people and being true to his word. “My reputation means more to me than anything,” he explained. “I’m not going to ask you to pay me until the job is done, so I do business with a handshake and a gentleman’s agreement. Do what you say–and say what you mean.”

Woods Tree Service offers tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, lot clearing, and hydro-mulching.

According to Gene, doing tree removal the right way is not always cheap, but it is an important choice for customers to make when selecting a tree service.  “If a tree service doesn’t have the right equipment, employees, safety practices, and insurance–the customer ends up at risk.”  Gene is quick to credit Oliphant Tree Service, Martinez Tree Service, Elroy Hunter, and Treefrogs as worthy, reputable, local competitors who meet these standards.

Woods states one thing that differentiates him from other tree services in the area, however, is his “red spider.”  This self-propelled bucket lift can make it through a walk gate as narrow as 36”, then extend its leg supports and elevate a worker to 83’.  “We are the only service in this area with this type of equipment, which can provide access to areas a bucket truck can’t reach…AND it is safer for the workers than climbing the trees.”

When asked about issues they encounter on a frequent basis, Gene said a single dead pine tree may lead a property owner to put off removal and postpone action—but that single tree is usually a warning sign.  “Probably 90% of the dead pine trees we encounter are due to pine bark beetles,” said Gene.  “The only way to get rid of them is to remove that tree.  Failure to act means those beetles will move on to the next pine tree.  Before you know it, you may be looking at four or five trees to remove instead of one.”

Spring is the busiest time of year for this company. As homeowners and businesses clean up their yards after winter, Woods Tree Service strives to be fully available to help whenever customers need them, including weekend work and even odd hours of the night. “I’ve gotten many calls in the middle of the night, or after a large storm comes through, when someone needs us immediately,” said Gene. “If, God forbid, a tree falls on someone’s house, we get there as fast as we can to remove the tree and use tarps to keep rain and mud out of the house. I’m always on call. The phone never stops ringing. I’m constantly multi-tasking, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But it’s work that I love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Woods Tree Service has many repeat customers, and Gene attributes that to his desire to get to know people and communicate effectively. Said Gene, “I like to stop in for a chat with my customers, and they like that I take my time with them. I can communicate with people where they’re at, at their level, and I think that contributes to our success as a company.”

Customers seem to agree.

Woods Tree Service and Gene are the BEST!!  They do such a great job.  We have trusted Gene with all our tree service needs since he has been in business.  He is reliable, dependable, and extremely trustworthy. They have all the new types of equipment to get the job done efficiently.  You can trust his crews to always take special care of your property.  They are the ones to call for any tree service! – Nancy Hopper

Gene has been my family’s “go-to” tree guy for years.  His crew has done work for myself, my parents, and many neighbors and friends.  His professionalism, quality of work, and price make him the best in the business.  He and his crew are always very prompt and respectful.  I feel confident in recommending his service, because he always exceeds expectations. – Robert Ernst, Ernst Jewelers

There are several great tree companies in Huntsville.  We are friends with most of them.  My husband has known Gene Woods his entire life.  For fast, efficient service, he calls Gene.  Where else can you get a tree cut down, removed completely from the property, and be entertained by Gene as well?  Good people, good work, and a good price. –Lisa Love, Reo Spice

And the feeling is mutual.  Gene loves his customers, as well.  “A BIG thank you to all the customers for bringing me your business these last 14 years,” stated Gene. “Your customers are what makes you, and I appreciate their loyalty and faith in me to perform work for them.”

Gene also pointed out he values his long-term advertising relationship with Postcards.  “I read the magazine, and I really appreciate the business focus articles, because they help me learn about who I can and should do business with locally.”

Woods Tree Service works primarily in Walker, Madison, Trinity, and San Jacinto Couties. Gene wants to keep the company local, ensuring he keeps the quality of work high. “I only hire good, local, hard-working people,” said Gene. “I love that we’re a small, local, family-owned business.”

He laughed as he added, “With a name like ‘Woods,’ this was fate since the beginning!”

Woods Tree Service can be reached anytime at (936) 661-8180.