About Live Oak Landscapes in the Miss-Lou…

Owner, Licensed Contractor and Landscaping Expert

With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Live Oak Construction & Landscapes has been rooted in excellence, thanks to the vision and leadership of Richard “Dick” Thompson. Carrying forward the family business that began as Thompson Tree & Spray in 1937, Mr. Thompson has grown Live Oak into the region’s most trusted name in landscaping, tree care, and construction.

As a Mississippi native and lifelong entrepreneur, Mr. Thompson has built his reputation on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Live Oak has expanded beyond its Natchez, MS roots to serve clients across Mississippi and Louisiana, handling everything from custom landscape design and irrigation to large-scale commercial construction projects.

With decades of expertise, a passion for nature, and a dedication to the Miss-Lou community,

Mr. Thompson continues to drive Live Oak’s mission forward—helping homeowners and businesses create stunning, sustainable outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.

🌳 🌳 🌳

📍 Live Oak Landscapes & Construction
Family-Owned | Locally Trusted | Community-Driven

Business Office Supervisor

Dorene brings not only focus and reliability to Live Oak Landscapes, but also a sense of grounded calm that anchors the entire operation. As Business Office Supervisor, she handles the administrative flow of the office, supports the field team behind the scenes, and ensures that daily operations run with precision, patience, and grace.

She is the right hand of owner Richard “Dick” Thompson — a trusted presence who has stood by his side through seasons of growth, change, and even crisis. Whether it’s coordinating appointments, managing customer communication, or simply being the first face clients see when they walk through the door, Dorene does it all with humility and heart.

With her deep understanding of both the business and the people behind it, Dorene plays a vital role in keeping the gears turning. Her sense of organization is matched only by her compassion, making her not just a manager, but a pillar of support for staff, clients, and leadership alike.

Dorene's steady hand helps ensure the business side of Live Oak remains just as polished and enduring as the landscapes the team creates — beautiful, timeless work for both residential and commercial clients.

If Mr. Thompson is the roots, Dorene is the trunk. Strong, steady, and always holding everything together.

Landscape Specialist

   Earnest Waterman is one of the most dependable and experienced hands on the Live Oak Landscapes team — a true right-hand man to Mr. Thompson in the field. Known for his steady presence, Earnest is the go-to for everything from loading and hauling to hands-on site work, equipment prep, and project execution.

    With years of experience and a deep knowledge of materials, flow, and the landscape itself, Earnest brings more than just physical labor — he brings wisdom, loyalty, and grit to every job. His dedication to teamwork and craftsmanship keeps projects moving forward with purpose.

     If Mr. Thompson is the roots of Live Oak, Earnest is the right-hand branch — helping shape the vision from the ground up, one project at a time.

Business Office Manager

Tracy Hale is the steady hand keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes at Live Oak Landscapes. From coordinating schedules to managing operations and supporting both the team and clients, she brings organization, efficiency, and a calm presence to the office.

  With her eye for detail and genuine care for people, Tracy helps ensure everything runs smoothly — so the crew can stay focused on creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Her ability to balance structure and compassion makes her a true asset to the Live Oak team.

      If Mr. Thompson is the roots, and Dorene is the trunk, Tracy is the inner ring — steady, strong, and supporting growth from the inside out.