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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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Next year, the Texas green industry will begin working with a new Texas Agriculture Commissioner. But TNLA is not waiting until January to start building that relationship. Recently, the TNLA PAC hosted Republican nominee for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Nate Sheets at a member nursery to introduce him to our industry, our businesses, and the issues impacting nursery and landscape professionals across the state.  TNLA PAC Board members meet with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Republican nominee Nate Sheets to share the priorities and challenges facing the Texas green industry. The conversation was about building a relationship for the future. It was understood that it would take more than just one meeting. It was about making sure the leaders who will make decisions affecting our industry understand who we are, the challenges we face, and the important role our members play in Texas. That is what the TNLA PAC helps make possible. Your TNLA membership supports the advocacy work we do every day.
Your TNLA PAC contribution helps build and strengthen the relationships that make that advocacy more effective. When decisions are being made about water, workforce, regulations, and the future of Texas agriculture, our industry needs to already have a seat at the table. Help us continue building relationships today that protect the future of the Texas green industry.
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During the last legislative session, TNLA worked to solve a challenge our industry has dealt with for years: getting timely information when new pests, diseases, or quarantines impact Texas. Working alongside Representative Mihaela Plesa and Senator Lois Kolkhorst, TNLA passed legislation creating a statewide pest, disease, and quarantine e-mail alert system. That system is now officially live. 👉 You can sign up for the email alert system here: https://agalert.tamu.edu/ Why This MattersWhen a dangerous pest or disease is identified or when a quarantine is put in place, our industry needs to know quickly. Growers, retailers, and landscape professionals need accurate information to make decisions and respond. HB 1592 helps address that challenge. The new system: • Is operated through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension • Provides email notifications for:
How TNLA Got This Done TNLA heard concerns from members about the need for better communication during plant health events. During the last Sunset Review of the Texas Department of Agriculture, TNLA identified and supported the conclusion that timely, accurate information was critical for our industry regarding quarantines, quarantine updates, pest and disease detection, and measures to contain them. Understanding the need for better communication needed a legislative solution, we brought those concerns to lawmakers and worked with legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders. The result was this brand-new email-based pest alert. TNLA helped move this bill from an industry idea, through the legislative process, and ultimately into a resource that is now available statewide. What You Should Do NowThis tool only works if industry members sign up and use it.
Take a few minutes to: • Select your county (or multiple counties where you operate) • Receive alerts for your area • Stay informed about potential threats 👉 Sign up today: https://agalert.tamu.edu/ Your support allows TNLA to continue protecting and strengthening our industry. One of the most common complaints from homeowners during the growing season is the appearance of a black, soot-like coating on leaves, stems, patios, vehicles, and outdoor furniture beneath landscape plants. While many assume this black growth is a plant disease, the real culprit is often an insect infestation. Sooty mold is a fungal growth that develops on honeydew, a sticky, sugar-rich waste product excreted by sap-feeding insects. Common honeydew-producing pests in Texas landscapes include aphids, whiteflies, scales, mealybugs, and psyllids. As these insects feed on plant sap, they remove more sugar than they can utilize and excrete the excess as honeydew. Sooty mold fungi then colonize this sticky residue, forming a dark coating on plant surfaces. The mold itself does not infect plant tissues or directly damage leaves. However, heavy accumulations can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis, leading to decreased plant vigor and aesthetic quality. In severe cases, leaves may yellow, growth may slow, and plants can become stressed, particularly when combined with other environmental challenges. Several landscape plants are commonly affected by sooty mold in Texas, including crape myrtle, gardenia, holly, hibiscus, magnolia, citrus, and many ornamental trees and shrubs. Crape myrtle bark scale, for example, is a frequent cause of heavy honeydew production and subsequent sooty mold development on crape myrtles. Likewise, whiteflies and aphids often contribute to outbreaks on ornamentals and flowering plants. Successful management requires addressing the underlying insect problem rather than focusing solely on the mold. Begin by inspecting plants carefully, especially the undersides of leaves and stems, where many sap-feeding insects congregate. Look for live insects, cast skins, sticky honeydew, or ant activity. Ants are often attracted to honeydew and may indicate the presence of hidden pest populations. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy. Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and predatory bugs that help suppress aphids, scales, and whiteflies. Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticide applications that may disrupt beneficial insect populations. When pest numbers exceed acceptable levels, select insecticides based on the target pest and follow all label directions. Once the insect population is reduced, honeydew production will decline, and existing sooty mold will gradually weather away through rainfall, irrigation, and normal leaf growth. In some situations, washing leaves with water can improve appearance, but this will not solve the problem if the insects remain active. When blackened leaves appear in the landscape, remember that sooty mold is usually a symptom rather than the primary issue. Identifying and managing the honeydew-producing insects will provide the most effective long-term solution and help maintain healthy, attractive landscape plants throughout the season.
Figure: Sooty mold on crape myrtle leaves (A) caused by crape myrtle aphid (B), and sooty mold on crape myrtle stem/bark caused by crape myrtle bark scale (C)
Companies that invest in workforce development are better positioned to grow. Explore TNLA's education pathways, certifications, and online training designed specifically for Texas landscape professionals Texas has moved into summer earlier than usual, with high temperatures arriving well before the traditional peak season. While warm weather accelerates plant growth, it also creates ideal conditions for many insect and mite pests. For nursery growers, greenhouse producers, and landscape managers, early heat can mean earlier and more severe pest outbreaks. Many pests develop faster under high temperatures, allowing them to complete more generations in a shorter period. At the same time, heat and water stress can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pest infestations. This combination often leads to increased pest pressure during early summer. Some of the most common pests to watch include spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and scale insects.
The best defense remains a strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Frequent scouting is critical during hot weather. Inspect plants regularly, especially new growth and leaf undersides, and use monitoring tools such as sticky cards or pheromone traps for early detection. In addition, minimizing plant stress through proper irrigation and balanced fertility can improve plant resilience. When treatments are necessary, rotate insecticides with different modes of action to help delay resistance development and preserve beneficial insects. Early detection and timely intervention are key. During hot summer weather, successful pest management starts with protecting plant health and staying proactive rather than reactive.  Rafia Khan, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to recognize the retirement of longtime industry leader John Peters following an extraordinary 40-year career with Calloway's Nursery. Throughout his career, John has been more than a respected garden center professional; he has been a dedicated advocate for the Texas green industry and a passionate supporter of TNLA and its members.  Many members know John through his years of service and leadership within the association. He served as TNLA Chairman during 1992–1993 and remained actively engaged long after his term concluded. Over the years, he contributed his time and expertise to numerous committees and initiatives, including the Research Committee, Retention Task Force, and Editorial Task Force. John's commitment to professional excellence was reflected in his achievement of both Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional (TMCNP) and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Executive (TMCNPE) certifications. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting fellow professionals earned him TNLA's prestigious Award of Recognition Program (ARP) Award in 2019. For four decades at Calloway's Nursery, John helped shape one of Texas' most recognized and respected garden center brands. His influence extended far beyond the walls of any single business, impacting industry professionals, customers, and communities throughout the state. Those who have worked alongside John know him not only for his knowledge and leadership, but also for his willingness to mentor others, build relationships, and strengthen the industry he cared deeply about. As he begins this next chapter, TNLA extends its sincere gratitude for John's decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the Texas nursery and landscape industry. On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, thank you, John, for the lasting impact you have made on our association and our industry. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes in the years ahead. Protecting Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities. That's why TNLA PAC exists. Why Advocacy Matters Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully. The reality is simple: If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be. TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made. Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work. But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business. They don't automatically understand:
That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight. Building Relationships Before They're Needed One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed. Advocacy Creates Real Results Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table. Those efforts have helped TNLA:
That's the value of being proactive. Investing in the Future As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever. Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow. That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future. Help Strengthen Our Voice If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC. Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry. TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds How the Right Connection Can Help You Solve Problems Faster When people think about attending a tradeshow, they often focus on the education sessions, exhibits, or products on the show floor. Those things matter. But ask long-time industry professionals why they keep coming back to Nursery/Landscape EXPO, and you’ll often hear a different answer: The people For Billy Long, Past TNLA Chair and longtime industry leader, the value of EXPO comes down to relationships.
In an industry where businesses are working through labor challenges, supplier changes, rising costs, and day-to-day problem-solving, having the right people to call can make a real difference. Sometimes the answer isn’t found online. Sometimes it’s found in a conversation. Why It Matters The right connection can help you:
As Billy puts it: That is one of the reasons EXPO continues to matter. More Than Information. It’s Access. Information is easy to find. What is harder to find is context.
"The value isn’t just attending. The value is knowing who to call when you need help" The relationships built at EXPO often continue long after the show ends. Why Industry Professionals Keep Coming Back
As more growers focus on serving large retailers and national accounts, independent businesses often have to work harder to find unique products, new suppliers, and trusted partners. That’s one reason Mark continues to invest in EXPO. 
"We have probably increased our business with new growers, liner companies, and suppliers by about 80%" And while products and trends may change over time, one thing has not. As Mark puts it: “I go there to meet my people.” Simple. But powerful. Because business is still built on relationships. Join the Conversation The education, exhibits, and events are important parts of EXPO. But some of the most valuable takeaways may come from a conversation you didn’t expect to have.
Join us August 11–13 in San Antonio and discover the value of one conversation. Make plans to join us for the TNLA Annual Business Meeting during EXPO! At this important gathering, you’ll:
Can't make it?We'll be LIVE STREAMING the event on our Nursery/Landscape EXPO Facebook page. Make sure you follow us for live updates on the tradeshow floor! Need to register for Expo?For Exhibitor questions, please contact [email protected] or call 512-579-3864. For Registration questions, please call 512-280-5182 ext 3876 or email [email protected].  The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine in 2026, adding five new counties: Clay, Montague, Young, Hardin, and Erath. The latest additions bring the total number of quarantined counties to 38 as officials continue efforts to slow the spread of this invasive pest, which attacks and kills all ash tree species. What TNLA Members Should Know:
Looking AheadThe addition of five counties in less than a month highlights the continued spread of Emerald Ash Borer across Texas. TNLA will continue monitoring new detections and regulatory developments affecting the green industry.
For any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Curtis Smith Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, TNLA (512) 579-3851 |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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