I definitely liked where you are going with this! My favorite is #23. See the main comments about the tagline. Also, if possible, work towards a bit more "tree like".
Thank you for considering my work and feedback. I already started in that direction but and never uploaded simple reason it is garbage design #27. Yes I am very critical of my work.
My concept direction is to provide designs that are unique to the contest but most importantly the industry and location. I'll paraphrase here, you are looking for a oak tree design that in unique for your company the industry and most important the design differentiates yours from the rest. and my submissions do that.
Nothing wrong with going with a safe traditional tree I prefer not choose that route....question how do you separate the trees from the forest?
Thanks for you efforts and work! I agree with your sentiments on not being overly overt with the tree concept. It is interesting though - when I did a quick survey I got comments on both ends. One was "too abstract" and another person liked it and another wondered if it was supposed to represent a tree. This is all new to me (I'm an engineer by schooling) so how graphics impacts others is truly interesting.
That said, I'm not liking the "S" with leaves. Although I do like the design aesthetic, I don't like it as my logo. I really like the colors you chose in #36. I also think that the rust/brown color would allow the name to pop more if that was chosen instead of the green. I still like #23, I don't like the tree and S in #27. Maybe use the rust/brown in the base of #23? I would still like more "tree-ness" than in #23 but not as much as in #27.