The Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders, educators, and solution-providers who help move the Texas green industry forward. We’re grateful for the support of industry partners who continue to invest in our community and serve professionals across the state.
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Here’s a look at a few of the companies supporting the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum.

For more than 185 years, John Deere has helped customers become more productive through innovative, reliable equipment and technology-driven solutions. Known for its commitment to sustainability and long-term value, John Deere develops intelligent, connected machines that deliver real results in the field and on the job site.
From equipment performance to parts, service, and lifecycle support, John Deere focuses on helping businesses operate efficiently while unlocking both economic and sustainable value. Learn more HERE

Heritage Landscape Supply Group has acquired Leaf Landscape Supply, marking its first focused expansion into live goods distribution. This addition strengthens Heritage’s presence in Texas and creates a foundation for long-term growth in nursery products alongside its existing landscape supply network.

Leaf Landscape Supply continues to serve landscape professionals across the Austin area with a strong focus on nursery products and live goods. The company maintains its local leadership and team while benefiting from additional resources to support continued growth. Learn more HERE

Founded in 1984, Landmark Nurseries is a family-owned wholesale nursery dedicated exclusively to serving landscape contractors throughout Texas. With more than 900 acres of production across multiple growing facilities, Landmark produces a wide range of high-quality plant material, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and trees.
Supported by a statewide network of wholesale distribution centers, Landmark Nurseries helps contractors access consistent inventory, fair pricing, and efficient delivery — reinforcing its role as a reliable plant partner for the Texas green industry. Learn more HERE

We appreciate the continued support of these companies and their commitment to serving landscape professionals across Texas. You can meet many of our industry partners in person at the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum, January 5–7 in Grapevine, Texas.
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👉 Learn more about the Lone Star Hort Forum:
https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html

​At TNLA, leadership development isn’t just a benefit—it’s an investment in the future of Texas’ green industry. Through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, presented by the TNLA Foundation, professionals from across the state gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively in today’s evolving business environment.

This week, TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V gathered in Dallas for their third session, combining in-depth education with real-world learning experiences.
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The session began with a full-day education program focused on Communication Mastery: Speak, Listen, Influence, led by instructor Dee Maddox. Participants explored how clear communication strengthens teams, improves workplace culture, and drives better business outcomes—skills every leader needs, regardless of role or company size

The class also participated in guided tours that connected leadership concepts to real-life operations:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Omni Dallas Hotel, hosted by the Omni’s Top Management , highlighting leadership and culture in a large-scale hospitality operation.
• A visit to SuperScapes with Craig Duttarer, offering insight into leadership, operations, and growth within the Texas Green Industry. 

​These experiences are a hallmark of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp—bridging classroom learning with practical application.

Class V is now approaching the finish line. Their final session and graduation will take place during the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum, and all members are encouraged to register and attend to celebrate their achievements and see firsthand the impact of this program.

Why Apply for the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp?
Participants leave the program with:

• Stronger communication and leadership skills
• Greater confidence in managing teams and challenges
• A powerful peer network across the Texas green industry
• Practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses

If you have emerging leaders—or are ready to grow as one yourself—the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp is a proven pathway to success.
Applications are now open for the next class please reach out to [email protected] for more info or questions

Register for the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum and join us for the Class V graduation: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html

A special thanks to our Key Contributing Partner

• Landmark Nurseries, Inc.

Thank you to our Sponsors for making this happen:

• Southwest Wholesale Nursery
• Aquaterra Outdoors
• Lone Star Trees
• Billy Long Enterprises, Inc.
• Hotchkiss Insurance Agency

Partner:

• GO TEXAN

👉 Learn more, apply: https://www.tnlaonline.org/leadershipbootcamp.html

​Rafia Khan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center,
Overton, TX

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working on publishing a series of educational articles to assist homeowners and green industry professionals in recognizing and managing two recently confirmed invasive insect pests in Texas: the two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and the short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus). These pests pose emerging risks to ornamental plants by affecting plant health, appearance, and market value.

The planned articles will provide clear descriptions of pest identification and injury patterns to support early detection. Feeding by the two-spot cotton leafhopper causes a condition known as “hopperburn,” characterized by leaf curling, yellowing, bronzing, reduced vigor, and, in severe cases, plant death. This pest attacks a wide range of ornamental hosts, including hibiscus, and is often difficult to detect due to its small size and concealed feeding behavior. Short-spined thrips are tiny, highly polyphagous insects that feed on numerous ornamental crops, including annual bedding plants and tropical ornamentals. Their feeding leads to foliar scarring, distorted shoots, flower drops, and stunted growth, resulting in reduced plant quality and marketability.

In addition to injury symptoms, the articles will summarize current regulatory actions, including quarantine measures and inspection efforts implemented by regulatory agencies to limit pest movement and spread. Management options discussed will be based on science-based recommendations developed from research conducted by other researchers and institutions, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as monitoring, sanitation, cultural practices, and targeted chemical controls when necessary.
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Through these publications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension aims to improve awareness, encourage early reporting, and promote informed decision-making. By providing timely, research-informed guidance, Extension seeks to help homeowners and professionals reduce the impact of these invasive pests and protect the long-term sustainability of Texas landscapes and ornamental production systems.

​The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association recently helped bring a congressional district tour to Brazos Citrus Nursery in West Columbia, about 60 miles southwest of Houston. The nursery is owned and operated by George Shackelford, a second-generation citrus grower who also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, and the visit included staff from Congressman Troy Nehls’ office who came out to see firsthand how citrus is grown and managed here on the Gulf Coast.

The conversation covered challenges that growers across the green industy are dealing with every day, including:

• Workforce shortages tied to H-2A and H-2B visas
• The need for a strong, workable Farm Bill
• The importance of nursery crops to Texas agriculture

George also shared how dramatically the citrus industry has changed, explaining that Texas has gone from more than 100 citrus growers to just three in the past 15 years. Ongoing threats like canker and greening have made tree production risky and expensive, needing a lot of investment, patience, and determination. George’s operation stands as proof that with enough grit and commitment, it’s still possible to make citrus work in Texas, but not without challenges.

​The tour kicked off by hopping into George’s truck and heading out to several greenhouses on the property. Before anyone stepped inside, staff got their first surprise: a decontamination chamber, where they were lightly sprayed with a human-friendly sterilization solution to prevent the spread of disease.

​From there, it was through a series of double doors and powerful fans designed to keep any outside contamination from entering, followed by an overhead door for extra precaution. George explained that these steps may seem intense, but they’re necessary to protect young citrus trees.
 
Inside the greenhouse, staff were met with rows of beautifully manicured three-gallon citrus trees, lined up neatly and thriving. George walked everyone through the careful, step-by-step process he follows to make sure every tree meets the highest standards before it ever leaves the nursery. One detail that caught the congressional staff’s attention: citrus trees in his nursery don’t see direct sunlight until they’re ready to be transported to market, a testament to just how controlled and intentional the growing process is.

​As the tour continued across the property, it became clear just how much planning, precision, and hands-on care go into producing healthy citrus trees, long before they ever reach a customer.

​From the moment you meet George Shackelford, it feels less like a business visit and more like stopping by a family member’s place. He has a genuine, down-to-earth way about him that immediately puts people at ease. That humility is matched by a deep understanding of the citrus industry and an ability to adapt as the business and regulations change.
 
By his side is his wife, Leah, who keeps a close eye on the financial side of the business and knows exactly how the operation is performing. Together, they make a strong, well-balanced team. George also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, representing growers and bringing their perspective to the table.
 
While citrus is the heart of the nursery, George also works in bamboo and other fruit as a wholesaler. A walk around the property reveals a few surprises as well, including exotic deer and well-fed cattle. The cattle actually started as a school project for their daughter, who decided she wanted to show cattle. George admits he questioned it at first, but today he has no regrets.

​District visits like this are a critical part of TNLA’s advocacy strategy. They allow policymakers and staff to see real businesses, hear directly from our members, and better understand why science-based policies matter for the green industry. George’s resilience and commitment to Texas agriculture shows the dedication required to operate in today’s environment. 

​Reach out to us to learn how TNLA can help coordinate a visit and showcase the impact of your business and our industry on the State of Texas. 

Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected]
Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]

The Fall issue of  the TNLA Working For You Magazine is now available, bringing timely information and practical insights for professionals across Texas’ green industry. This edition highlights key issues shaping our work today and offers resources to help businesses plan for the year ahead.

🌱 Economic Contributions of the Green Industry to Texas
This issue features an updated examination of the significant economic impact our industry has across the state. From job creation to statewide revenue, the report outlines the value Texas’s green industry delivers to communities and the broader economy.

🧑‍🌾 Updates on H-2A & H-2B Programs
Employers will find a clear, easy-to-follow overview of the latest changes to the H-2A and H-2B programs. The article covers program updates, compliance reminders, and practical tips for navigating the upcoming season.

💧 Water Planning & Conservation
Water remains one of the most important topics for Texas agriculture, landscape, and horticulture sectors. This issue provides a look at statewide water planning discussions and long-term conservation considerations that may shape future operations.

🐛 Spotlight on the Two Spotted Cotton Leafhopper
The magazine provides an important update on the Two Spotted Cotton Leafhopper, a pest of growing concern in Texas. The article covers identification, impacts on plants, and management considerations to help landscape and nursery professionals stay ahead of potential issues.

🔗 Read the Full Magazine
Click below to read the Fall/Winter issue of Working For You:
https://www.workingforyou-digital.com/tnlb/0225_fall_winter_2025/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=2098573#articleId2098573
We encourage members and industry partners to explore the articles and share insights with colleagues and teams.