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Markus Smith:

As one of the longest-standing Austin tree experts, and the founder of Just Trees, Markus has been caring for this region’s trees for more than twenty years. Originally from Boppard, Germany, Markus made his way through Boston and New Mexico before settling in Austin. You are most likely to run into Markus if you need tree work that requires his knowledge of technical rigging and heavy equipment. Prior to pursuing arboriculture and becoming a certified arborist, he studied both engineering and medicine. However, his love of the outdoors and green spaces prompted him to give up medicine and become a tree doctor instead.  He now holds certifications as an ISA Certified Arborist and a Municipal Specialist, as well as the Texas Forest Service’s Oak Wilt certification.  In his spare time, he enjoys motorcycling, kayaking, giving his daughter rides on the tractor, studying parts catalogues, arguing about politics, tending to the "ranch", and pyrotechnics. He continues to hold out hope that his wife will one day let him buy an airplane.

Kirsten Schneider:

Originally from Wisconsin, via Massachusetts, Washington DC, Rochester, NY, and Philadelphia, Kirsten has been settled in Austin for just close to 15 years. She is the voice you hear on the phone when you call our main number, as well as the arborist who will come meet with you and make recommendations for your trees. Prior to pursuing arboriculture, Kirsten attended the Eastman School of Music as a voice major, and earned her degree in ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania.  She is now an ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist. In her spare time, she is happiest in the garden with her daughter, listening to NPR and avoiding cleaning out her car.

Kristina:

We’ve been thinking about starting an organization for kids, called “Future Austin Tree Experts”, or “FATE”.  What do you think?  We could teach them tree identification techniques, basic tree rigging, all the skills necessary for those budding arborists.  Kristina hasn’t gotten to the rigging part yet, but she knows an oak from, well….okay, they’re all oaks to her.  But we’re also teaching her to answer the phone, and we’ll let her take messages as soon as she’s learned how to spell.