At the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA), our mission is to elevate the business success of our members through advocacy, education, networking, and professionalism. For more than 80 years, TNLA has served as the trusted resource and unifying voice of the Texas Green Industry — empowering members to grow their businesses and strengthen their communities.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, TNLA is proud to spotlight one of our long-time members, Ruibal’s Plants of Texas, a family-owned Dallas nursery whose story embodies the values of leadership, inclusion, and community that define our industry.
TNLA Chairman Devin Guinn is continuing his mission to spotlight the diversity, leadership, and heart that make up our horticulture community.

For his second Chairman Member Spotlight, Devin visited Ruibal’s Plants of Texas in Dallas — a family-run business whose story blends hard work, inclusion, and generational growth.

Founded by Michael and Linda Ruibal, Ruibal’s began as a small color plant operation and has since grown to nearly 195 greenhouses, four Dallas retail nurseries, a wholesale farm, and even a new restaurant, Bucket & Rope (a name inspired by Michael’s grandson’s childhood nickname for Baby Doe’s restaurant).

But what makes Ruibal’s truly remarkable isn’t just their success — it’s their commitment to community and opportunity. For 34 years, the family has partnered with Notre Dame School of Dallas, providing students with disabilities hands-on work experience and helping them transition from school to meaningful employment. That partnership began thanks to Linda Ruibal, whose daughter attended Notre Dame and inspired the family to give back in a lasting way.

The Ruibals also run a unique farm system, where young teens (some as young as 12) work alongside their parents on weekends, loading cars for tips and learning responsibility. Many of these young workers stay through high school — and several return as full-time employees with their own clientele.

Now entering its third generation, the company is transitioning leadership from Michael and Linda to their son, Mark Ruibal. Mark shared how they’ve been evolving from a “family-tells-you-what-to-do” model to a more collaborative operation, where roles are delegated, and employees — many of whom have grown up within the company — are empowered to lead.

During the visit, Mark reflected on how TNLA has shaped his journey.
“TNLA helped me realize that so many of our peers are facing the same challenges we are. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone — and it’s important to pay attention to what others are doing and foster that collaboration. We might not always agree, but TNLA provides that platform for open conversation and growth.”

As a long-time TNLA member, Ruibal’s has found value in staying informed on water and legislative updates, while also investing in certification programs that have helped many of their employees become Certified Nurserymen — building credibility and expertise they can proudly share with customers.
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For Devin, this visit was a perfect example of what his Chairman theme represents: celebrating diversity in our community and uplifting women in horticulture. Through Linda’s leadership, the Ruibal family has built a legacy that grows far beyond plants — they’ve cultivated opportunity, compassion, and connection.

Watch the full spotlight interview here or click the image below: https://youtu.be/IvIiy3Dvf6U​

Water is the lifeline of our industry. Whether you’re a landscaper, grower, or irrigator, your ability to thrive depends on the reliability and rules of the system that supplies your water. Yet many Texans don’t know who their actual water purveyor is, or what authority sets the policies that affect their operations.

Understanding this is not just good business, it’s essential for protecting your livelihood and preparing for the future.

Step 1: Identify Your Water Provider
Your water can come from several types of sources:

🏙️City or Municipal Utility – Common in urban and suburban areas. These utilities often adopt drought contingency plans, watering restrictions, and rate structures that directly impact landscapes and irrigation.
🏢Private Provider or Investor-Owned Utility – Smaller systems that are still regulated but may have different policies and pricing structures.
🪣Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) – In many rural areas, a GCD manages groundwater pumping and permits. Districts were created at different times with different powers, so the rules vary greatly across Texas. TNLA supports GCDs being managed through locally elected boards rather than top-down mandates.
🗺️No District at All – In some areas, there is no conservation district, which can leave water users exposed to less oversight but also fewer protections for long-term supply.

To find your provider, check your most recent water bill or your county’s water utility listings. For groundwater users, consult the Texas Water Development Board’s list of GCDs.


Step 2: Learn Their Rules and Plans
Once you know your purveyor, the next step is to understand the framework that governs them:

🚦Drought Contingency Plans – These dictate how and when watering restrictions are implemented. For example, a Stage 1 drought may limit outdoor watering to twice a week, while Stage 3 could ban it altogether, which could mean nurseries, growers, and landscapers could face severe impacts if not prepared. Click here for an example of Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan.
🏗️Infrastructure Investments – Many utilities are building new or expanding existing treatment plants, negotiating water supply contracts, or exploring aquifer storage. These projects will affect both reliability and cost.


Step 3: Understand Regional Water Planning
Texas is divided into 16 Regional Water Planning Groups. Every five years, these groups develop plans that feed into the State Water Plan. Each plan identifies future supply needs and strategies to meet them.

If you’re in the green industry, you should know which region you’re in and review the plan.

• Irrigators are legally required to be represented in this process, but growers and landscapers have a stake too—because conservation targets, drought triggers, and water supply projects all ripple down to our members.

Step 4: Know Your Source
Different water sources bring different risks and rules:

🌊Surface Water (Rivers, Reservoirs) – Prone to drought shortages, often tied to large contracts with entities like the Brazos River Authority or Colorado River system.
💦Groundwater – Can be reliable, but subject to pumping limits or well spacing rules if a GCD is in place.
🔀Mixed Supply – Many cities now diversify, combining surface water contracts with groundwater leases.

The source matters because conservation policies often reflect their vulnerability. For example, a city reliant on surface water may adopt tighter outdoor watering restrictions than one with strong groundwater supplies.


Step 5: Put It into Practice
Once you understand who your purveyor is, take these steps:

1. 🤝Introduce Yourself – Reach out to your city’s conservation staff or GCD board. TNLA has seen the value of being a resource, not just a customer.
2. 🔔Stay Informed – Sign up for drought stage notifications, attend utility meetings, and review regional water plans.
3. 📣Be a Voice – Remind decision-makers that landscapes, nurseries, and irrigation systems are not optional luxuries but vital infrastructure for cooling cities, preserving green space, and supporting Texas’ economy. TNLA advocates for conservation that balances efficiency with customer choice.

Final Thought
Water policy in Texas is not one-size-fits-all. Districts were created at different times, under different laws, and with different powers. But no matter where you live or work, one fact is true: knowing your water purveyor and engaging with them gives you a seat at the table.

Our industry is part of the solution. By working with water providers and planning groups, we can ensure that Texas landscapes stay vibrant, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come.


📬 Questions or need help?
Contact Karan Mehta, Legislative & Regulatory Manager – [email protected]

This week, from Monday through Wednesday, TNLA was in Washington, D.C. as part of AmericanHort’s Impact Washington Fly-In. Texas brought one of the largest state delegations in the country to advocate and educate our U.S. Senators and Representatives. Nine TNLA members participated alongside more than 120 advocates from across the nation.
These fly-ins are always fast and frantic, as we zigzag across Capitol Hill to meet with as many legislators and staff as possible. But they are also one of the most important ways we make sure the voice of the Texas green industry is heard in our nation’s capital.

Workforce & Labor (H-2A & H-2B)
Our industry depends on seasonal and year-round workers to grow, install, and maintain landscapes. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs are vital, but both need reform. We called on Congress to expand access, streamline applications, and modernize wage calculations so that businesses can meet labor needs while keeping costs predictable. Without these improvements, growers and landscape businesses face growing shortages that threaten their ability to operate.

Tariffs, Trade & Supply Chain
Tariffs on key horticulture inputs are driving up costs across the board. Many of these products cannot be produced anywhere in the U.S.—leaving green industy businesses no alternatives. We urged Congress to support a transparent and functional exclusion process so businesses can reliably access the inputs they need without being burdened by unfair costs.

Farm Bill
The Farm Bill expires on October 1, 2025. While it’s a cornerstone for agriculture, too often specialty crops and horticulture are left out. Current programs lock our industry out of crop insurance and other protections. We pushed for a bipartisan Farm Bill that reflects the realities of horticulture, ensuring access to risk management tools and expanding support for nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operations.

From labor shortages to supply chain costs to ensuring our growers have a safety net, these policies directly affect the health and competitiveness of Texas’ horticulture industry. Trips like this Fly-In show how TNLA is actively fighting for our members’ businesses—from Washington, D.C. to back home in Texas.

Contact Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3851 or  Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Karan Mehta by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3874

Bell County now marks the furthest south the invasive pest has been confirmed in the U.S.
The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been newly confirmed in Jack, Navarro, Somervell, Bell, and Rockwall counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Notably, Bell County’s detection marks the southernmost known presence of EAB in the United States—a major milestone in the pest’s expansion and a growing threat to Texas ash tree populations.


🪲 What is Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a destructive, exotic beetle that infests and kills ash trees by burrowing beneath the bark and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within 2–3 years.
EAB was first confirmed in Texas in 2016 and has now been detected in 31 counties statewide. The latest confirmations in 2024 represent a notable southward jump, increasing the risk for nurseries, landscapes, and natural ash populations across Central Texas.
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Counties Affected

The USDA Interactive Map displays confirmed detections across the U.S., including the growing number in Texas.

What’s Being Done to Tackle It
The Texas A&M Forest Service is leading surveillance and outreach efforts to slow the spread of EAB. Confirmed counties are subject to state quarantines that restrict the movement of ash wood products to prevent further dispersal. Ongoing education and early detection efforts are critical tools in protecting remaining ash populations.


Key Considerations for TNLA Members

• If you grow or handle ash trees, especially in newly affected or adjacent counties, consult the TDA’s quarantine guidelines.
• Expect increased regulatory scrutiny around movement of nursery stock, wood products, and green waste.
• Landscape companies and urban foresters should monitor ash trees for dieback symptoms and woodpecker activity.

Here are some of the symptoms that are key to notice:

• Dead branches near the top of a tree
• Leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk.
• Bark splits exposing s-shaped larval galleries.
• Extensive woodpecker activity
• D‐shaped exit holes

Stay Informed

• Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Emerald Ash Borer Hub for the latest maps, detection protocols, and resources.

Next Steps from TNLA
TNLA is monitoring the EAB expansion and will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure members remain informed and compliant. If you have questions about how EAB may impact your nursery or landscape operation, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

The proposed overhaul of Texas’ congressional map—pushed by President Donald Trump—is designed to give the GOP five additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. While the newly drafted lines would likely deliver some Republican pickups, an analysis of the redistricting plan suggests that a full five-seat gain is far from guaranteed.
These changes, based on 2020 census data, could help solidify Republican control in up to 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional districts—a significant shift with long-term implications for the green industry’s federal priorities.


🔄 Key Districts to Watch
Two South Texas districts remain highly competitive—and one carries particular importance for TNLA:
👉 Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28, Laredo)
👉 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34, McAllen)

Both represent districts that leaned Republican in the last presidential election, yet they successfully held onto their seats. The new map makes each district slightly more conservative—a calculated gamble banking on continued GOP gains among Hispanic voters.

For TNLA, Congressman Cuellar is a critical ally. He has been one of the most consistent and vocal champions of the H-2A and H-2B guest worker programs, which are essential to the nursery and landscape industry. His leadership has helped secure program stability, visa processing improvements, and continued momentum toward year-round labor solutions.

🗳️ As redistricting reshapes the political landscape, TNLA is watching closely—not just for shifts in party control, but for how these changes could impact federal advocacy for the green industry.


🔵 Other Competitive Districts
Several Democratic-held urban and suburban districts could also become heavily Republican—under the proposed map. These include:
• TX-9 – Rep. Al Green (Houston)
• TX-32 – Rep. Julie Johnson (Dallas suburbs)
• TX-35 – Rep. Greg Casar (San Antonio to Austin)
If adopted, these changes could turn currently blue districts into strong-performing Republican seats, further reshaping the state’s congressional delegation.


🧠 Why This Matters to TNLA Members
Programs like H-2A and H-2B are the backbone of a reliable workforce for TNLA members. Continued engagement with trusted allies like Rep. Cuellar ensures our industry’s needs are front and center in Washington.

Your voice—and your vote—matter. They help protect essential workforce programs and ensure support for pro-industry champions in the 2026 election cycle.
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Stay tuned for more updates as TNLA continues to monitor congressional developments and advocate on your behalf.

Spring is in full swing, and we know it’s one of your busiest times of year. Whether you’re in the greenhouse, out on job sites, or managing a team—you’ve got a lot going on. That’s why we’ve pulled together everything TNLA has going on this month, all in one place, so you don’t miss a beat.

Regional Meetings: Connect with Your Local Green Industry Community

Region I Meeting – Support the Future of Horticulture
Join us for an evening at Palo Alto Community College as we spotlight the Horticulture Program and kick off the student competition season.
April 8, 2025
Tour at 5:00 PM | Meeting 6:00–8:00 PM
Palo Alto Community College – Art Room 101
Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided
RSVP by April 7 to: [email protected]


Region III Spring Meeting – Tour & Annual Business Meeting
Tour the beautiful Purtis Creek Farm and enjoy great conversation and dinner with fellow members.
 May 15, 2025
 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 Purtis Creek Farm – Eustace, TX
 Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided
 RSVP by May 9 to: [email protected]
 Speaker: TBD

 TNLA Green Report Podcast: Industry Voices You Need to Hear
 Just Released:
Season 4, Episode 4: “Cultivating the Future” with Dr. Andrew King
Go behind the scenes of the Texas Superstar® Trials and hear what makes a plant a true standout in Texas landscapes.
Posted March 31
Listen now: Episode 4 on Podbean
Coming April 9:
Season 4, Episode 5: “Rooted in Quality” with Savanna Taylor Thornton
Get an insider’s look at the 2025 season from Lone Star Trees, plus industry insights on tariffs, labor, and advocacy.
Listen here: greenreport.podbean.com

Free Webinar: Reaching Families & Educators Through Nature

Unlocking New Customer Opportunities Through Early Childhood Connections
Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dr. Jodi Nerren and Anna Raumaker.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1:30 PM
Zoom
Register: Click here to register
Learn how to connect with families and educators by highlighting the benefits of nature in child development—and turn them into loyal green industry customers.


Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025 Registration is LIVE!
Get ready for Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025, happening August 5–7. Register early and lock in discounted rates by July 18! Booths selling fast!! Mobile App launching soon, be on the look out for updates.

 Here's a few sneak peek session titles:

• Texas Natives: Key Plants and Key Pests
• Controlling Borers and Scale Pests
• Proven Secrets to a More Profitable Irrigation Business
• Tree Risk Assessment & Structural Pruning
• Climate Resilient Trees for a 21st Century
• Next-Gen Irrigation: 4-Hour Live Demo
  … and more!

Register now at 👉 nurserylandscapeexpo.org


Coming end of April: Spring Issue of TNLA Working for You Magazine
Our Spring 2025 issue of TNLA Working For You goes live in late April, and you won’t want to miss it! This issue celebrates our award winners honored at the Lone Star Hort Forum, digs into real-time compliance guidance on immigration, features exclusive stories from WTAMU, and offers practical insights into landscape marketing, pest management, and more.

Whether you're looking to be inspired, stay compliant, or gain an edge in today’s competitive landscape, this issue has something for everyone in the green industry.

Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll let you know as soon as it’s live.

Coming in May: “Embrace Your Space” Campaign Launch!
We’re excited to launch our "Embrace Your Space" campaign this May—a free marketing toolkit to help your business promote spring planting and boost customer engagement. Get ready for downloadable social graphics, fliers, and easy-to-use content you can put to work right away.


We know this season can be intense—but we’re here to make it easier. From advocacy to events to marketing tools, TNLA has your back. Here’s to a strong spring season!

On September 24th, TNLA hosted a full-day Water Summit in Pflugerville, Texas, addressing the state's pressing water challenges. The event brought together a diverse group of TNLA members, including growers, garden centers, landscapers, irrigators, and academics, all united to tackle Texas' water crisis.

The summit started with presentations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and community garden experts. They shared insights on cutting-edge irrigation technologies, best management practices, soil health innovations, turfgrass management, and sustainable landscaping using water-efficient plants.

​At lunch, Texas Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), Chair of the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee, spoke about his upcoming state water plan for the 89th Legislative Session. His proposal includes using $5 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund to develop new water sources, plus an additional $1 billion annually for future water projects. Potential solutions include brackish and ocean desalination and possibly purchasing water from other states. These measures are critical as Texas faces a projected 73% population growth by 2070, alongside an 18% decline in current water supplies.

​In the afternoon, attendees broke into small groups to discuss state water restrictions and water-saving strategies. The TNLA board will review the ideas generated for future initiatives.

​We sincerely thank all participants for their contributions to this vital conversation. Their engagement was crucial in shaping the summit’s discussions, and TNLA remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions to safeguard Texas' water resources.

The TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum (LSHF) is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! Taking place from January 6-8, 2025, this event is the perfect opportunity for horticulture professionals to learn, network, and grow. Hosted in beautiful Grapevine, Texas, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the state to explore the latest trends, research, and technology in the industry.
At LSHF, you can attend various educational sessions covering business development, sustainability, and the newest plant innovations. These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights and strategies that you can apply directly to your business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there's something for everyone.

In addition to the educational opportunities, the Lone Star Hort Forum is a fantastic place to network. Meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can help you grow your business. The connections you make here could be the key to your next big opportunity.
We also offer immersive tours that you can partake in! What to expect:

• Connect With TNLA Member Companies. Network with fellow TNLA professionals and engage in on-board discussions.
• Immersive Exploration. Experience firsthand what sets these companies apart as you tour each location. Gain inspiration and insights to transform your own business.
• Convenient Experience. Our meticulously planned tour allows you to return to your hotel in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner or the vibrant nightlife in Grapevine. 

Celebrate the best of the Texas Green Industry at our Awards Festival! Applications to be recognized as the top Garden Retailer or Landscaping Company are now open! Please click HERE for the Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards & HERE for Texas Garden Retailer Awards

Don't miss out on this incredible event! Register now to secure your spot at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections, or just be inspired by the beauty and innovation of Texas horticulture, this event is for you. We can't wait to see you there!
Register today to be part of an experience that celebrates the best of Texas horticulture and empowers you to take your business to the next level.
Click here to register, to view the schedule of events and for more information visit -> https://www.tnlaonline.org/tnla-lone-star-hort-forum.html 

We congratulate Calloway's Nursery on receiving the coveted Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. This prestigious award recognizes Texas businesses that have been operating for over 50 years and have made exceptional historical contributions to the state's economic growth and prosperity.

Founded
Frank Cornelius Sr. in 1938, Cornelius Nursery has a storied legacy. As one of the pioneers in selling container plants, the family-owned and -operated nursery began as a supplier to landscapers and retail nurseries. In 1986, Sterling Cornelius played a pivotal role in assisting the founders of Calloway's Nursery with their business plan and store model. Upon his retirement, Calloway's Nursery acquired Cornelius Nursery in 1999.

Words from CEO
"This award pays tribute to the incredible legacy built by the Cornelius family that carries on to this day, and we are honored to be recognized by the State of Texas," said Marce Ward, CEO of Calloway's Nursery. "From annual Christmas tree selections to assisting former First Lady Barbara Bush in her garden, our team cherishes the countless memories made here in Houston and beyond. We're committed to preserving and creating more treasured moments for years to come."

Did You Know? Calloway's Nursery has also been honored with several prestigious awards from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA):

• Summit Award: The highest honor bestowed by TNLA, recognizing a member company that has made significant, exceptional contributions to TNLA and member businesses.
• ARP Awards: Three of their outstanding employees—Sam Weger, John Peters, and Jim Estill—have received the ARP Award. Named after the Arp Rose Nursery Company, this award honors individual professionals for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Notably, Sam Weger and John Peters have also served as TNLA Chairmen.

​Cornelius Nursery’s rich history of innovation and excellence continues to set a high standard in our industry. We proudly celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued success and contributions. Congratulations, Cornelius Nursery, on this well-deserved recognition!