Outlines, generally, compromise legibility.
Most good logo designs have neither outlines nor shades. Nor gradients, for that matter.
Overlapping elements and lettering can also compromise legibility on a logo, though these things they may look good on a sign layout or a print ad.
A logo should be extremely legible. It should be highly recognizable, even at a distance, and easy to remember. Simple is usually better, but not a requirement. One of the Pentagram designers in NYC once said, "Can you sketch the logo from memory?" He said that's a good thing.
A logo that creates a distinctive silhouette can be effective, which is why I lean away from all caps, though that's not a strict rule. If the top word is upper and lower, not only does it create a distinctive silhouette, but it may also create pockets of negative space that maybe can accommodate the leaf graphic better.
Many of us sign goobers, including me, tend to try too hard to put too much into a logo design (Rob Janoff said this long before I did). We try to achieve a "wow" factor that is unnecessary in logo design. Designing in black and white can help combat that. Color can always be added later. And a B&W version is often needed anyway for single color applications. I also like to create a horizontal version and a vertical, or more vertical, version.
Also—while I'm pontificating—a logo design does not need to "tell a story" or tell what a business does for a living. This is a misconception. A logo does not need to be a design that is a "customer magnet," or convert sales. A logo is is strictly for identity. What makes a successful logo is not so much about the design as it is about effective marketing and advertising of the brand. Generally, a logo does not make a company look good. It's the other way around (Paul Rand said this before I did).
A logo is important, to be sure. But a "great" logo will not save a failing company, nor will a "weak" logo cause a well-marketed company to fail. Logos don't have that much power.
Logo design can be harder than it looks. Most of us sign makers, including me, are not good at it. We struggle, and tend to fall back on embellishments. We add, when often we should be removing. Our logo creations often look like signs rather than logos (not surprisingly).
I know how negative this post must sound. But ineffective design, not just in logos, but in general, is the BIG WEAKNESS in the sign industry.
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I like the same version that Gino said is the easiest to read. It looks more like a real logo than the other two. I would start with that and tweak from there.
Brad
