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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
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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 LETHAL BRONZING UPDATE: BEXAR COUNTY ADDED TO TEXAS QUARANTINE LIST The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded its lethal bronzing quarantine areas, adding new regulated zones in Bexar County. Why it matters:The most notable development is the establishment of a new quarantine area in Bexar County, marking a significant expansion of lethal bronzing beyond the Gulf Coast's previously concentrated outbreak areas. TDA also added new quarantine zones in Kemah and Jamaica Beach in Galveston County. Lethal bronzing is a fatal palm disease spread by insect vectors and the movement of infected plant material. There is currently no cure once a palm becomes infected. Susceptible species include Canary Island date palms, Sabal palms, Queen palms, Mexican fan palms, and several other commonly planted landscape palms. What TNLA Members Should Know:
Looking Ahead TNLA will continue monitoring additional detections and quarantine expansions. The addition of Bexar County demonstrates that lethal bronzing is no longer solely a coastal concern and reinforces the importance of early detection and movement compliance across Texas.
Protecting the industry starts before an ordinance is even written. TNLA continuously monitors local and state regulatory activity to identify issues that could impact nursery and landscape businesses. Recently, TNLA identified an Austin City Council directive asking city staff to explore potential regulations on noise from non-vehicular motors and engines operating in the public right of way. While the initial language was broad, TNLA’s review and conversations with city staff indicated that landscape maintenance equipment was a significant focus of the discussion. Potential approaches discussed include operating-hour restrictions that could limit when crews use equipment, as well as noise limits that could impact a wide range of tools; including both gas-powered and electric landscape equipment. No specific restrictions on landscape equipment have been proposed. However, TNLA engaged early to ensure policymakers understand how potential regulations could impact landscape businesses, employees, and customers before recommendations are developed. TNLA’s Track Record Protecting Equipment Choice Equipment regulations are not new. Across the country, local governments have explored restrictions on professional landscape equipment, particularly targeting gas-powered tools. Recognizing this growing trend, TNLA proactively worked with lawmakers in 2023 to pass legislation protecting Texas businesses from local landscape equipment bans based solely on fuel source. The current Austin discussion is different. City staff are reviewing potential noise regulations and operating-hour restrictions rather than a fuel-source ban. However, TNLA remains engaged because regulatory challenges continue to evolve, and early involvement ensures the green industry has a voice before decisions are made. TNLA Brings the Industry to the Table After identifying the issue, TNLA contacted Austin’s Development Services Department (DSD), the department responsible for reviewing potential options and gathering stakeholder feedback. When DSD convened an industry roundtable, TNLA helped bring experienced professionals representing landscape maintenance, arboriculture, fleet management, and field operations to the conversation. The goal was simple: make sure decisions about landscape equipment include input from the people who use it every day. Industry representatives highlighted several key concerns: Commercial equipment needs are different. Many landscape companies are already incorporating battery-powered equipment where practical. However, challenges remain with battery runtime, field charging, replacement costs, and performance for heavy-duty commercial applications. Austin’s own Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Study, which was completed just last year found that less than 10% of commercial landscape equipment currently operates on electric power, with battery life and charging limitations identified as major barriers. Regulations must be practical and enforceable. TNLA raised concerns about how noise limits would be measured and enforced consistently across contractors, residents, construction crews, utilities, and city operations. Early morning operations are critical. Landscape professionals explained that many crews begin around 7:00 a.m. to reduce worker exposure to extreme Central Texas heat, improve efficiency, and meet customer needs. Landscape maintenance supports Austin’s broader goals. Professional landscape care helps protect tree canopy, manage stormwater, reduce heat, support fire prevention, and maintain healthy communities. What Happens Next? The city remains in an information-gathering phase. Staff are reviewing feedback, evaluating enforcement challenges, and considering additional stakeholder engagement before making recommendations to City Council. TNLA will continue monitoring the process, working with city staff, and advocating for practical solutions that protect the ability of landscape professionals to operate. This is why TNLA advocacy matters: identifying issues early, bringing industry expertise to the table, and ensuring the green industry has a voice before decisions are made. Contact TNLA's Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team Curtis Smith Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs [email protected] Karan Mehta Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Manager [email protected]  The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to congratulate former TNLA State Board Chair Bobby Eichholz, ASLA, on being elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Council of Fellows as part of the 2026 Class of Fellows.
Election to the ASLA Council of Fellows is among the highest honors bestowed by the organization and recognizes individuals whose careers have made exceptional contributions to the landscape architecture profession and society. Eichholz, principal of Rialto Studio in San Antonio, joins a distinguished group of landscape architects from across North America who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and professional achievement throughout their careers. For many within the Texas green industry, Bobby is known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the broader horticulture and landscape community. His leadership as a past TNLA State Board Chair helped strengthen connections between landscape architects, landscape professionals, growers, and other green industry stakeholders across Texas. "The 2026 Class of ASLA Fellows represents the very best of our profession, leaders whose work has strengthened communities, advanced environmental stewardship, and expanded what landscape architecture can do for people and places," said ASLA President Brad McCauley, FASLA. ASLA Fellows will be formally elevated during a special investiture ceremony at the 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles, California, September 16–18, 2026. On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, we extend our congratulations to Bobby on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued contributions to the landscape profession and the Texas green industry. Congratulations, Bobby! |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
June 2026
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