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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
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My journey into the green industry and TNLA was shaped less by a master plan than by people, opportunity, and timing. Like many in this profession, I started by focusing on the work in front of me: learning the craft, showing up consistently, and doing my best to build something meaningful. Over time, that work evolved into a deeper sense of purpose not just building landscapes, but helping build an industry rooted in respect, relationships, and long‑term stewardship  I became involved with TNLA because I saw the value of connection. This industry is built on experience passed from one person to another, and I quickly learned that being part of a professional community matters. TNLA offered a place to learn from others, to contribute ideas, and to grow alongside people who care deeply about raising the standard of our work. It wasn’t just about resources it was about belonging to something bigger than myself. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and peers who took the time to invest in me. Some offered guidance during pivotal moments, others led simply by example. Their influence reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and step forward when needed. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach leadership today.  For me, leadership is rooted in service. It’s about showing up with integrity, being accountable to others, and making space for different perspectives. Belonging means knowing that your presence matters and that your voice has value. As we recognize Black History Month, I’m especially mindful of that truth. Being the first African American Chair of TNLA is an honor I carry with humility and gratitude. It represents progress, but it also reflects the many individuals—past and present—whose perseverance, contributions, and leadership helped make that moment possible. Black history is not separate from our industry’s story; it is part of it. It reminds us of the importance of access, opportunity, and representation, and of the responsibility we have to ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of talent within our profession. I hope my role encourages others to see themselves as leaders and contributors, regardless of background or starting point. TNLA has played an important role in my professional growth, and membership has been key to that experience. The relationships formed through this organization have strengthened my perspective and reinforced the value of collaboration. When we invest in one another—through mentorship, education, and shared accountability—we strengthen the future of the industry as a whole. Looking ahead, I believe our greatest strength lies in our people. By honoring the foundation that built this industry while welcoming new voices and ideas, we create space for innovation and continuity. My goal as Chair is to help foster an environment where professionalism, respect, and belonging are not just ideals, but everyday practice. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve TNLA, thankful for those who came before me, and hopeful for what we can continue to build together—grounded in history, strengthened by community, and focused on a future that includes us all.  Devin D. Guinn
Chairman Texas Nursery Landscape & Association
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MEMBER ALERT Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) published a new emergency quarantine order replacing the emergency quarantine that was issued last fall regarding the two-spotted cotton leafhopper (also known as the cotton jassid). The newly published quarantine is substantially similar to the prior emergency order.
Current Quarantined Texas Counties (per TDA website as of 2-20-26)
Reminder for Members
Resources TNLA will continue monitoring enforcement trends and regulatory updates and will notify members of any changes impacting nursery operations or plant movement. If you have questions about compliance or shipment requirements, please contact TNLA Legislative & Regulatory Affairs: Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]  Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Spring is the most important production and sales season for Texas nurseries, and thoughtful preparation during late winter can significantly influence crop quality, pest pressure, and overall profitability. As temperatures begin to rise, the priority should be a thorough inspection of all overwintered plant material. Carefully examine plants for cold injury, root health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and early signs of insect or disease activity. Pests such as aphids, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects often establish tender new growth early in the season. Removing dead, damaged, or heavily infested plants reduces overwintering populations and minimizes the risk of rapid outbreaks once favorable conditions develop.
Equipment readiness is equally critical. Before spring applications begin, calibrate sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, and chemigation systems to ensure accurate delivery rates and uniform coverage. Check nozzles for wear, confirm pressure settings, and repair leaks. Proper calibration not only improves pest control efficacy but also prevents phytotoxicity, reduces product waste, and ensures compliance with label requirements. This is also a good time to review pesticide inventory and verify that products are properly stored and within expiration dates. Updating and reinforcing your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be part of spring preparation. Establish a consistent scouting schedule and designate trained personnel responsible for monitoring crops. Use tools such as sticky cards, pheromone traps, and regular plant inspections to detect pest activity early. Accurate identification and threshold-based decision-making allow for targeted treatments and help prevent unnecessary applications. Early detection remains one of the most cost-effective pest management strategies in nursery production. Inspect irrigation systems before peak demand by checking drip lines, emitters, sprinklers, and pumps for leaks or uneven distribution, as poor irrigation can stress plants and increase susceptibility to disease and pests. Test growing media for pH and soluble salts, and ensure fertilization programs, especially controlled-release fertilizers, are properly applied to support healthy growth. Implement early weed control with uniform pre-emergent applications and winter weed removal to reduce competition and pest reservoirs. Provide staff with refresher training on scouting, safety, equipment use, and recordkeeping. A well-organized spring plan strengthens plant health, reduces pest pressure, and supports a successful nursery season. What It Means for Texas Nursery & Landscape MembersThe House Agriculture Committee has released the 2026 Farm Bill, and for Texas green industry businesses, this is the strongest proposal we have seen in years. This bill aims to make meaningful structural improvements for nursery producers, which has a direct downstream impact on the entire green industry, from growers to landscape contractors to retail garden centers. In addition to strengthening risk management tools, the 2026 Farm Bill includes significant grant and research investments that directly support Texas specialty crop producers. Federal research dollars, block grants, and extension-supported programs funded through the Farm Bill help drive innovation, pest management solutions, workforce training, and consumer education. For many in our industry, these grants are the foundation for long-term competitiveness and market growth. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. Since then, our industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic freezes, hurricanes, prolonged drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruption, and rising input costs. Our industry needs stability, not temporary patches. This proposal delivers meaningful progress in the areas that matter most to the green industry:
Below are the provisions most relevant to Texas nursery and landscape businesses. Crop Insurance Improvements for Specialty CropsThe Most Important Long-Term Stability Tool
Why this matters for Texas: Specialty crop producers have historically had fewer crop insurance options than row crops. For nurseries and perennial growers, insurance gaps mean:
Improving specialty crop insurance tools strengthens: ✔ Risk management ✔ Access to credit ✔ Lender confidence ✔ Long-term investment in nursery operations For many members, crop insurance is not just a safety net, it is what allows the business to operate. 🌳 Tree Assistance Program (TAP) – Stronger & Faster ReliefCritical for Perennial Producers The bill significantly strengthens the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Key Improvements:
Why this matters for Texas nurseries:Texas producers routinely face:
Including pest losses and allowing upfront payments makes TAP far more usable in real-world disaster recovery — particularly after major freeze events like we’ve experienced in recent years. Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance FrameworkEnding the “Ad Hoc” Approach For the first time, USDA would be required to establish a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance. This framework:
Why this matters:Historically, specialty crops have depended on slow, uncertain, ad hoc disaster bills. This creates predictability when:
🌱 Conservation & Water ToolsSupporting Irrigation Efficiency & Long-Term Water Resilience Water remains one of the defining policy challenges in Texas. While the Farm Bill is federal, it provides tools that directly support water efficiency. Conservation Programs (EQIP & CSP)
Why this matters for TNLA members: Federal conservation dollars help:
As Texas continues to debate long-term water supply strategies, these federal tools complement state-level efforts and reduce costs for producers implementing conservation practices. 🔬Research, Grants & Innovation InvestmentsDriving Competitiveness & Market Growth The Farm Bill invests heavily in specialty crop research and grant programs that directly benefit Texas nursery producers. Key Programs: • Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) • Specialty Crop Block Grants • Extension-supported pest management and disease response • Mechanization and automation research funding • Market development and consumer education initiatives Why this matters:Farm Bill research dollars help: • Develop freeze-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties • Improve pest and disease response • Advance automation and labor-saving technologies • Fund university partnerships and extension outreach • Support marketing initiatives that promote specialty crops In Texas, these dollars often flow through universities, extension services, and industry partnerships — directly impacting nursery production practices and market demand. 🌿 Horticulture & Specialty Crop Programs Strengthening Producer Voice The Horticulture Title improves specialty crop programs and strengthens producer engagement.
Why this matters: Specialty Crop Block Grants in Texas often fund:
📌 Bottom Line for TNLA Members This Farm Bill draft represents:
✔ Stronger specialty crop insurance tools ✔ More effective disaster relief for nursery and perennial producers ✔ A permanent specialty crop emergency assistance framework ✔ Expanded irrigation and water efficiency tools ✔ Significant research and automation investments ✔ Robust specialty crop grant funding that supports innovation, extension, and market development ✔ Stronger specialty crop representation in federal programs Beyond risk management improvements, the grant and research dollars in this bill are critically important to Texas specialty crop producers. Programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and Specialty Crop Block Grants fund university partnerships, pest and disease research, water-use efficiency studies, automation development, and market expansion efforts. In Texas, these dollars often flow through Texas A&M AgriLife, extension services, and industry collaborations — directly impacting nursery production practices, pest management strategies, workforce training, and consumer education initiatives that grow demand for specialty crops. For the green industry, this is one of the most specialty-crop-forward Farm Bill proposals in recent history. It recognizes that specialty crops require tailored risk management tools, long-term research investment, and dedicated grant programs to remain competitive. Passing a full Farm Bill this year is essential to provide the stability, innovation funding, and predictability that Texas nursery and landscape businesses depend on to grow, adapt, and compete in an increasingly challenging environment. The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) was proud to host two premier student competitions—the Landscape Challenge and the Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition—at this year’s San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Students from across Texas traveled to compete, bringing their knowledge, technical skill, and passion for horticulture to one of the state’s most celebrated stages. Beyond competitions, these events represent TNLA’s commitment to workforce development in the Texas Green Industry—creating meaningful pathways for students to turn their education into lasting careers. The Landscape Challenge The Landscape Challenge highlights teamwork, creativity, and technical expertise. Competing teams demonstrated excellence in landscape design and installation, applying classroom learning in a hands-on, real-world environment. The winning team earned a $20,000 scholarship, an investment in their continued education and in the future leaders of our industry. The Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition The Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition tested individual knowledge and precision at the highest level. Competitors completed:
The top individual was awarded a $10,000 scholarship, recognizing exceptional mastery across multiple areas of horticulture. Investing in the Future of the Industry What stood out most was the caliber of the students. They arrived prepared, focused, and ready to perform. Their dedication reflects the strength of horticulture education programs throughout Texas and reinforces why workforce development efforts matter. By providing these real-world competition experiences and direct exposure to industry professionals, TNLA is helping cultivate the next generation of growers, landscape professionals, business owners, and innovators. When students see opportunity in the Texas Green Industry—and step confidently into it—that’s the true measure of success. Thank you to Our SupportersThese competitions would not be possible without our dedicated judges: Cate Norris, Jim Irby, Levi Gholson, Bobby Eichholz, and Jacob Clark.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our event sponsors—Landmark Nurseries, Inc., Denali, and Billy Long Enterprises—for their generous support and commitment to strengthening the future workforce of the Texas Green Industry. Together, we are not just hosting competitions—we are growing the future. Earlier this week, the federal government reopened following a shutdown that, while brief, had immediate implications for employers relying on federal agencies to function without interruption. Even short shutdowns can have real-world consequences for the green industry—especially when it comes to seasonal labor programs like H-2A and H-2B. During a funding lapse, large portions of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) are furloughed, including staff within the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). This office is responsible for processing H-2A and H-2B job orders and issuing labor certifications. When these offices are not operating, applications are not reviewed, certifications are not issued, and processing timelines effectively freeze. For industries like ours timing is critical. Even a short disruption can compound existing delays, throwing off hiring schedules and creating uncertainty for employers who are trying to plan months in advance. TNLA continues to closely monitor these developments and communicate with agency officials to understand and mitigate impacts on our members wherever possible. Thanks to TNLA Members Who Reached OutDHS Releases 64,716 Supplemental H-2B Visas We do have some positive news to share!! Following sustained advocacy from industry stakeholders—including strong engagement from TNLA members—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working jointly with the Department of Labor, has announced the release of 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026. These visas are in addition to the 66,000 H-2B visas authorized annually by Congress. Visa availability is tied to employment start dates and worker status:
Why This Matters to TNLA MembersLandscapers and other seasonal businesses continue to face serious workforce shortages that cannot be filled through the domestic labor market alone. The release of supplemental H-2B visas provides important, though temporary, relief for employers trying to meet demand during peak seasons. This action reflects ongoing pressure from employers across multiple industries and underscores the need for longer-term, structural reforms to the H-2B program that provide predictability, reduce uncertainty, and better align visa availability with real-world workforce needs. Thank you to the TNLA members who engaged on this issue and responded to calls to action. Your advocacy continues to play a critical role in shaping outcomes that directly affect Texas green industry businesses. As always, TNLA will keep you informed as additional details and guidance become available. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, Tx. Winter freezes often bring hope that cold weather will eliminate insect pests in landscapes and nurseries, offering a natural reset before the next growing season. After several nights of subfreezing temperatures, it is common to expect fewer insects and reduced pest pressure in spring. While freezing temperatures can suppress or temporarily reduce some exposed pest populations, they rarely provide complete control. Many insects are surprisingly resilient and well-adapted to surviving winter conditions through protective behaviors and physiological adaptations, allowing them to rebound quickly once temperatures warm.
Insects are exothermic or cold-blooded; their activity slows as temperatures drop. Feeding, reproduction, and development pause, and extreme cold can kill exposed individuals. However, many species avoid lethal temperatures by seeking protection in soil, mulch, bark crevices, plant crowns, or greenhouse structures. These microhabitats stay warmer than the surrounding air, thereby improving survival. Many insects can survive through dormancy (diapause) or by producing “antifreeze” compounds such as glycerol, sorbitol, antifreeze proteins, etc. that protect their tissues from freezing injury. Eggs, pupae, scales, borers, and soil-dwelling pests are especially resilient. As a result, even after a hard freeze, enough individuals often survive to quickly rebuild populations in spring. Freezes may temporarily suppress exposed pests such as aphids or caterpillars, but they should not be relied upon as a primary management tool. Warmer temperatures can lead to rapid reproduction and early-season outbreaks. Instead, winter is an ideal time to strengthen integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Remove plant debris, prune heavily infested branches, inspect bark and crowns for overwintering stages, and consider dormant oil applications for scales, mites, and aphids. Continue monitoring in greenhouses where pests may survive year-round. TNLA recently facilitated a tour at Native Texas Nursery in Austin alongside Katie Marschner of Congressman Greg Casar’s (D-Austin) office. The visit gave a firsthand look at a leading wholesale nursery operation and created an opportunity to highlight how people, plants, and policy intersect to support a strong and resilient green industry in Texas. A Texas Original  Founded in 1987 on just three acres in South Austin by Bill Carson, Native Texas Nursery began with a straightforward mission: providing high-quality native plants to area garden centers. Demand grew steadily, and by 2000 the nursery had expanded to seven acres, ultimately relocating to its current 40-acre site on Milo Road in East Austin to accommodate its growing operation. Today, it serves retail nurseries, landscape professionals, architects, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across the state, a testament to its enduring relevance in Texas markets. Leadership and Legacy We were warmly welcomed by Emily Brown (Owner/CEO), whose leadership has guided Native through decades of market shifts. Emily spoke passionately about the integral role of her H-2A workforce, highlighting how long-tenured employees bring deep expertise and reliability to the nursery. This success underscores how critical a stable, experienced workforce is to the green industry. Long-tenured H-2A employees bring institutional knowledge that cannot be quickly replaced, from plant care and seasonal timing to mentoring newer staff. This continuity strengthens operations, improves efficiency, and ultimately benefits customers across Texas. It also highlights why reliable and predictable federal guest-worker programs are essential for nurseries and landscape businesses that depend on skilled seasonal labor to meet market demand. Leading much of the tour was James Plyler, Sales Manager, who has been with Native for over a decade. James’s familiarity with the nursery’s operations and his capacity to explain complex production and landscape supply concepts made him an ideal guide, and his involvement on the TNLA Education Committee underscores his dedication to industry education. James offered a beautiful insight into Native’s culture: “At this nursery, we don’t just grow plants…” — a reflection on how the company fosters growth in both plants and people alike. Also on hand was Mario Gonzalez who wore many hats in the operation. His quick wit and willingness to share stories made it clear he’s a vital part of the team the sort of person who quietly keeps things running and brings lightness to hard work. The depth of experience among Native’s staff highlights how much the industry depends on knowledge passed from one generation of workers to the next. Employees who have spent years mastering their craft contribute not only through their labor, but by teaching others and strengthening the overall operation. This kind of skill transfer reinforces the need for workforce policies that recognize horticulture as a profession built on expertise, training, and experience. Preparation  As the nursery prepared for a potential winter storm expected over the weekend, we saw firsthand how they ready their stock and staff for challenging weather. Trees were thoughtfully laid down and shielded in groups, revealing the nursery’s diligent planning. The nursery’s preparations reminded us of how closely the green industry is tied to Texas’s increasingly unpredictable weather. Thoughtful planning, protective measures, and lessons learned from past events like Winter Storm Uri demonstrate how nurseries adapt to safeguard both plants and people. As communities look for ways to strengthen resilience against extreme weather, the role of nurseries in recovery, replanting, and long-term landscape stability becomes even more important. Advocacy and Appreciation  Congressman Casar’s district staffer, Katie, was especially impressed by how Native Texas Nursery treats and retains its workforce, and by the pride and expertise employees bring to their roles. She shared that learning directly from businesses like this is critical. Understanding how the industry operates helps ensure our voices are better informed and more effectively heard. Hosting policymakers and their staff at member businesses like Native Texas Nursery helps bridge the gap between policy discussions and real-world operations. Seeing a nursery in action provides context that cannot be captured in briefing papers alone, from workforce dynamics to seasonal pressures and environmental challenges. These first-hand experiences help ensure that future policy decisions are better informed and more responsive to the realities of our industry. What This Means for Texas Landscapes Native Texas Nursery stands as a vibrant example of how a business can grow with, and for, the market. Its presence since 1987 shows a continuous commitment to quality, innovation, and people. Whether preparing for weather extremes, supporting skilled workers, or supplying diverse plant material that enhances urban and rural landscapes alike, Native’s model reflects what the nursery and landscape industry aspires to be.
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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