Local arborist wields chainsaw to create beautiful works of art

FROM STAFF REPORTS
Posted 3/24/25

A familiar name in the local tree care industry, Cody Geiman has taken his passion for trees to an artistic level.

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Local arborist wields chainsaw to create beautiful works of art

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A familiar name in the local tree care industry, Cody Geiman has taken his passion for trees to an artistic level.

Geiman is the owner of Cody’s Tree Service and as an ISA-certified arborist, he has spent years caring for the trees in the Katy-West Houston area, ensuring their health and longevity.

Now, Geiman is channeling his expertise and deep connection with wood into an unexpected craft—chainsaw carving. What started as a professional necessity in tree care has evolved into a creative outlet, allowing him to transform logs into stunning works of art.

“Working with trees has always been my passion, but chainsaw carving gives me a whole new perspective,” Geiman said. “Instead of just removing trees, I get to breathe new life into the wood and create something lasting.”

His intricate carvings, ranging from wildlife sculptures to custom-designed pieces, are gaining attention in the Katy community and beyond. Using a combination of precision, experience, and artistic vision, Geiman is proving that chainsaws aren’t just for cutting—they can also carve beauty from nature.

Geiman told the Katy Times that one day, he just decided to try carving with a chainsaw. “I have had a chainsaw in my hand for 30 years, so one day I just said I am going to go carve a bear out of a pine log,” he said. And he assured the Katy Times that he was fully sober and in full possession of his senses at the time.

Geiman generally gets the wood for his carvings from his tree service jobs or from his brother-in-law, who also brings him large logs from his tree service. He can complete a piece in as little as two hours, but more detailed work may require as many as 60 hours, he said. He does take special orders and will also carve trees that have died in people’s yards or had to be removed due to storm damage. “My favorite wood to carve is American Elm,” he said.

Recently, Cody has carved two sculptures for local Katy ISD schools – the new Freeman High School which just opened this year, and for the elementary school which he attended – Hutsell Elementary.

“Other completed pieces are on display at the ranch my wife and I own together, Turquoise Acres Ranch here in Katy,” Geiman said. “Every piece I have made is available for purchase. I do give some as gifts.” Prices for the pieces range from $500.00 to $7500.00, he said.

So far, he has had only one major injury, Geiman said. “When my daughter Lilly was graduating from fifth grade, I ended up cutting my hand with a high speed grinder,” he said. “Fileted my hand right open and had to have 22 stitches and physical therapy. My hand was put back together by a plastic surgeon.”

As he continues to hone his craft, Geiman hopes to share his work with more people and inspire others to explore the artistry of wood carving. Whether maintaining trees or turning them into masterpieces, he remains deeply rooted in his love for nature.

For those interested in seeing his work or learning more, these carvings may be viewed on the weekends on Saturday and Sunday at Turquoise Acres Ranch, 3550 Schlipf Road in Katy, owned by Cody and his wife, Bethany Geiman.

Born in South Dakota, Geiman moved to Katy with his family as a young 10-year-old boy. Geiman attended Katy Junior High and is a proud 1993 graduate of Katy High School and has been married to Bethany Geiman for 13 years; together they have a blended family of six children.
Geiman is the owner of Cody’s Tree Service and as an ISA-certified arborist, he has spent years caring for the trees in the Katy-West Houston area, ensuring their health and longevity.

Now, Geiman is channeling his expertise and deep connection with wood into an unexpected craft—chainsaw carving. What started as a professional necessity in tree care has evolved into a creative outlet, allowing him to transform logs into stunning works of art.

“Working with trees has always been my passion, but chainsaw carving gives me a whole new perspective,” Geiman said. “Instead of just removing trees, I get to breathe new life into the wood and create something lasting.”

His intricate carvings, ranging from wildlife sculptures to custom-designed pieces, are gaining attention in the Katy community and beyond. Using a combination of precision, experience, and artistic vision, Geiman is proving that chainsaws aren’t just for cutting—they can also carve beauty from nature.

Geiman told the Katy Times that one day, he just decided to try carving with a chainsaw. “I have had a chainsaw in my hand for 30 years, so one day I just said I am going to go carve a bear out of a pine log,” he said. And he assured the Katy Times that he was fully sober and in full possession of his senses at the time.

Geiman generally gets the wood for his carvings from his tree service jobs or from his brother-in-law, who also brings him large logs from his tree service. He can complete a piece in as little as two hours, but more detailed work may require as many as 60 hours, he said. He does take special orders and will also carve trees that have died in people’s yards or had to be removed due to storm damage. “My favorite wood to carve is American Elm,” he said.

Recently, Cody has carved two sculptures for local Katy ISD schools – the new Freeman High School which just opened this year, and for the elementary school which he attended – Hutsell Elementary.

“Other completed pieces are on display at the ranch my wife and I own together, Turquoise Acres Ranch here in Katy,” Geiman said. “Every piece I have made is available for purchase. I do give some as gifts.” Prices for the pieces range from $500.00 to $7500.00, he said.

So far, he has had only one major injury, Geiman said. “When my daughter Lilly was graduating from fifth grade, I ended up cutting my hand with a high speed grinder,” he said. “Fileted my hand right open and had to have 22 stitches and physical therapy. My hand was put back together by a plastic surgeon.”

As he continues to hone his craft, Geiman hopes to share his work with more people and inspire others to explore the artistry of wood carving. Whether maintaining trees or turning them into masterpieces, he remains deeply rooted in his love for nature.

For those interested in seeing his work or learning more, these carvings may be viewed on the weekends on Saturday and Sunday at Turquoise Acres Ranch, 3550 Schlipf Road in Katy, owned by Cody and his wife, Bethany Geiman.

Born in South Dakota, Geiman moved to Katy with his family as a young 10-year-old boy. Geiman attended Katy Junior High and is a proud 1993 graduate of Katy High School and has been married to Bethany Geiman for 13 years; together they have a blended family of six children.