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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
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 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.
Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX Winter greenhouse production in Texas may appear quiet, but insect pests often persist and slowly build inside protected structures. Mild winters and heated houses allow aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, and scale insects to survive and threaten spring crops. Choosing between spot treatments and whole-house applications during this period can strongly influence pest pressure later in the season.
Spot or localized treatments focus on infested plants or areas such as near doors, vents, or long-term crops. In winter, pest populations are often low and confined, making spot treatments an efficient choice. This approach reduces pesticide costs, limits disruption of beneficial insects, and lowers the risk of resistance by decreasing overall product use. This approach often work efficiently especially for early aphid, whitefly, thrips, and mite infestations when detected through regular scouting. However, spot treatments depend on careful monitoring. Dense canopies, mixed ornamental crops, and hidden feeding sites can allow pests to escape treatment and spread as temperatures rise. Missed infestations in winter often become difficult and expensive to manage in spring. Whole-house applications may be necessary when pests are widespread, prevalence of multiple pests, a pest outbreak, or the presence of highly susceptible ornamental crops. During winter, slower insect development and reduced plant growth can improve residual control from insecticides. Whole-house treatments are also useful between crop cycles to reduce carryover populations before new plants are introduced. The drawbacks of this strategy include higher costs, increased exposure to non-target organisms, and greater potential for resistance if products are not rotated properly. For most Texas greenhouse and nursery operations, the best winter strategy is a combined approach. Intensive scouting should guide early spot treatments, while whole-house applications should be reserved for high-risk infestations or pest outbreaks. Winter is also the ideal time to rotate modes of action, strengthen sanitation, and prepare a strong IPM program for spring production. Elections don’t just shape headlines: they shape how our businesses operate every day. From water regulations and labor policies to plant movement rules and local landscape ordinances: decisions made at the ballot box directly affect our green industry. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is committed to making sure our members are informed, prepared, and empowered to participate. This guide breaks down why these elections matter, what races and deadlines to know, and how you can help ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Why Elections Matter to the Green Industry Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates.
Important Congressional Races to Watch The 2026 congressional elections in Texas will feature major races, but they’re also being shaped by unusual turnover and redistricting that could significantly change the state’s representation. So far, nine Texas members of Congress are not seeking re-election, creating many open seats. Without incumbents on the ballot, these races are expected to be more competitive and closely watched, giving voters greater influence over who represents them in Washington. At the same time, mid-decade redistricting has redrawn district boundaries across Texas, forcing some incumbents to step aside and reshaping the political landscape. Together, retirements and redistricting have turned Texas into a high-stakes battleground in 2026, one that could influence control of the U.S. House and federal policy decisions that matter to the green industry. Know What’s on Your Ballot Before heading to the polls, take time to review the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on. County election offices publish official sample ballots that reflect exactly what will appear on your ballot. For additional background and context, the Texas Tribune offers a primary ballot lookup tool to help voters see what races are on the ballot for the March primary: https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot/ Key Election Dates to RememberMark your calendar with these important deadlines for the March 3, 2026, Primary Election.
How You Can Help Strengthen Advocacy EffortsTNLA advocates for the green industry year-round, and member involvement plays an important role in helping us stay informed, responsive, and effective. When members share what they’re seeing and stay engaged, TNLA can identify issues earlier and advocate more proactively on behalf of the industry.
Member participation helps:
Here are a few ways you can help and stay involved: 1. Stay Informed TNLA regularly shares legislative and regulatory updates through the Hive Legislative & Regulatory Group. This group is a central place for timely information, advocacy updates, and opportunities to engage. 👉 Join or follow the group here: https://thehive.tnlaonline.org/topics/45449/feed 2. Share What You’re Seeing Many issues affecting our industry start at the local level. New ordinances, water restrictions, licensing changes, or regulatory concerns are often first noticed by members in their own communities. Members are encouraged to post and share observations in the Hive, not just read updates. TNLA staff actively monitor these conversations and use this insight to track trends and respond proactively. 3. Take Action When You Can Responding to action alerts, voting, and contacting elected officials all help amplify the green industry’s voice. Hearing directly from constituents who live and work in their districts helps policymakers better understand how decisions affect real businesses. If you’re ever unsure whether something is worth flagging, reach out. Advocacy works best as a two-way conversation, and no issue is too small to share. Working Together for a Stronger Industry Elections and policy decisions directly impact the future of Texas’s green industry. By staying informed, sharing what you’re seeing, and engaging when opportunities arise, you help ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making. Together, we can continue supporting policies that allow Texas’ green industry to grow and thrive. Questions or insights? Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team:
Rafia Khan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX Winter can feel like a break from pest pressure, but for nursery and greenhouse growers, many insects are still present and waiting for the right conditions. Protected structures, mild winter weather, and overwintering life stages allow many pests to survive on plants, in pots, in growing areas, in debris, and in weeds. If these pest populations are not addressed, they often resume early and aggressively in spring. Common winter pests include aphids, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites, and greenhouse moth pests such as the European pepper moth. These insects can survive on plant material, in potting media, or within greenhouse structures, often going unnoticed until populations increase. Programmed scouting remains the foundation of winter Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Monitoring efforts should be focused on current in-house plants and newly arrived plant material. Inspect leaf undersides, stems, and growing points, and use sticky cards to detect flying insects early. Cultural practices play a key role in reducing pest pressure during winter. Sanitation, such as the removal of plant debris, leftover shipped plants, weeds, volunteer plants, and unused containers, should be removed from the production sites as they may harbor pests. Manage irrigation carefully to avoid conditions favorable for fungus gnats and root pests, and inspect incoming plants before placing them into production areas. When treatments are necessary, applying products strategically and rotating insecticide modes of action helps protect product performance and avoid costly resistance issues. Winter is also the best time for growers to step back and evaluate what worked and what didn’t during the past season. Reviewing pest records, adjusting management plans, and training employees to recognize early pest signs can pay off quickly. Investing time in winter pest management reduces carryover populations, improves plant quality, and helps operations enter spring with fewer surprises and lower control costs. Figure: Some greenhouse pests in winter. European pepper moth larva (A) and adult (B), Thrips (C), and mealybug (D)Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses. This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters. Day One: Grounded Perspectives and Practical TakeawaysDay One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away  We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism. From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:
A Special Highlight: Women in Horticulture One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics. The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:
It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level. Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:
Day Two: Celebrating Excellence and Learning From Each OtherDay Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward. Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Winners: This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it. Young Leader Award Winner- Dylan Cantu, TMCNP of Calloway's Nursery What Was New This Year Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026: Texas Garden Retailers Awards (TGRA)This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint. View all TGRA award winners HERE Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL) The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:
View all TEIL award winners HERE Summit Award Winner- Austin Wood Recycling / Texas Native ARP Award Winner- C. Scott Evans TMCNP, TCLP of Rancho Encino, FEWA & Native Jump Start Industry & Emerge Tours In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours. These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses. A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members. Day Three: Investing in Leadership and the Future The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.  Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry. The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools. Why Lone Star Hort Forum Still Matters Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work. Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful. Special thanks to all our wonderful sponsors  On December 31, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced plans to make 35,000 additional H-2B visas available for fiscal year 2026, on top of the 66,000 visas already authorized by Congress each year. The agencies have indicated these supplemental visas will be released through a temporary final rule, with details expected in the coming weeks.
This is welcome news for seasonal employers, but it’s important for TNLA members to understand both what this announcement does and does not address. The Administration confirmed it will use its congressionally granted authority for FY 2026 to release the 35,000 supplemental visas. That number is significantly lower than in recent years, representing roughly a 50 percent reduction compared to the supplemental visas made available in fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The Administration has also indicated that these visas will be targeted toward what it considers critical infrastructure sectors, including forestry, hospitality, tourism, transportation, manufacturing, and related industries. Many green industry businesses could fall within or support these sectors, but the exact eligibility requirements, filing timelines, and worker restrictions have not yet been released. Those details will come once the temporary final rule is published. Even with this announcement, the H-2B program remains heavily oversubscribed. The first-half cap for fiscal year 2026 was reached on September 12, and the second-half cap is expected to be reached quickly. Without a timely release of the supplemental visas and potentially further action by Congress, many seasonal employers will continue to face workforce shortages that directly affect their ability to operate. As TNLA has outlined in its advocacy efforts, the H-2B program is already costly and highly regulated. Employers must recruit U.S. workers, pay premium wages, secure approvals from multiple federal agencies, and comply with strict program requirements. The workers themselves are temporary and seasonal, and they return home at the end of the season. They are not immigrants. For many businesses, access to H-2B labor is what allows them to meet peak demand, keep year-round American employees working, and avoid turning down work or cutting services. For the green industry, lack of access to H-2B labor often means delayed projects, reduced services, higher costs, and lost contracts. Research shows that each additional H-2B worker supports multiple full-time U.S. jobs, including supervisors, drivers, logistics staff, and administrative employees. When labor shortages persist, businesses are forced to scale back operations, putting American jobs at risk and increasing costs for customers. TNLA continues to press both the Administration and Congress to move quickly. This includes urging the Administration to promptly issue the temporary final rule allocating supplemental visas for FY 2026, encouraging Congress to retain seasonal employer protections in the FY 2026 DHS appropriations process, and continuing to push for longer-term cap relief that provides predictability and stability for responsible employers. We are actively using these points on Capitol Hill and in ongoing conversations with federal agencies to advocate for the full scope of the green industry. As more details become available, TNLA will continue sharing updates and practical guidance so members are prepared to act. Link to press release HERE Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]  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. Here’s a look at a few of the companies supporting the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum.  John DeereFor 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  Leaf Landscape SupplyHeritage 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
Landmark NurseriesFounded 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.
👉 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. Inside TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V – Session III This week, TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V gathered in Dallas for their third session, combining in-depth education with real-world learning experiences. 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:
These experiences are a hallmark of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp—bridging classroom learning with practical application. Celebrate With Us at the Lone Star Hort Forum 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:
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
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
February 2026
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