|
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 |
|
You've completed the project. The client is happy. Your team has moved on to the next job. So why take the time to enter an awards program? For past winners of the Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL), the answer goes beyond bringing home an award. TEIL gives Texas green industry professionals an opportunity to document their best work, recognize the people behind it and earn industry recognition for what their companies have accomplished. With the October 5 application deadline approaching, we asked recent winners what earning a TEIL Award meant to them. Recognition for the Work Your Team Is Already DoingFor Southern Botanical, earning a TEIL Award provides outside recognition of the quality its teams deliver.
Jeanette Gallardo, Marketing Coordinator at Southern Botanical, also has simple advice for companies wondering whether they should enter: “If you’re on the fence about applying, do it: the recognition speaks for itself.” There's an important point in that advice: your team has already done the difficult part. The project has been designed, installed, maintained or transformed. Entering TEIL gives you an opportunity to document that accomplishment and put the team's work in front of industry peers. An Award Can Help Build Your Company's ReputationFor Set Roots owner Kyle McLaughlin, TEIL recognition became part of a much larger company story. After purchasing the company in 2017 following 12 years working for a large commercial landscape maintenance firm, McLaughlin says Set Roots initially took on smaller projects because those were the opportunities available to the company. As the business grew, so did the work.
For him personally, the recognition represented something more. He described reaching that level as a remarkable achievement, something he hadn’t imagined would be possible when the company was getting started. That’s one of the strongest reasons to consider entering. The project you’re completing today could become part of the story you tell about your company tomorrow Even the Submission Process Can Have ValueWinning isn't the only benefit. Landscape architect Matt W. Stevens began submitting projects to TEIL a few years after starting his own company and overseeing the installation of his designs. He found value in the process itself. “The process gave me a chance to self-reflect and share my process with others.” The project photography he gathered for his entries also became material he could use on his own website. Stevens says he values having a statewide organization that can validate the work being done in the landscape design-build industry. Gallardo shared a similar perspective, noting that preparing a submission can “deepen your appreciation for the work your team has already accomplished. Think Your Project Isn't Award-Worthy? Take Another Look.TEIL recognizes outstanding Texas landscape projects across residential and commercial installation, maintenance, design, special projects and unique features. Your project doesn't have to look like someone else's winning project. Instead, consider the story behind your own work.
A strong TEIL entry doesn't require complicated marketing language. Start with a clear challenge → solution → result, then use strong project photography to support the story. Your Work Is Done. Don't Let the Opportunity Pass.If you've already started a TEIL application, now is the time to finish it. If you haven't started, there is still time to put your project forward. Applications close October 5. TEIL is open to green industry professionals with projects in Texas, and TNLA membership is not required. Entry fees are $250 for TNLA members and $300 for nonmembers. Winners will be recognized February 23, 2027, at the TNLA Awards Festival during the Lone Star Hort Forum in Waco. Your team did the work. Give them the opportunity to have it recognized. Questions? Contact Amber Aultman at [email protected] or call 512-579-3864.
0 Comments
On June 30, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) introduced a bipartisan bill that would deliver the first statutory reform to the H-2A visa program since it was created under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. That's 40 years without an update to a program that green industry employers across Texas increasingly depend on. Chairman Thompson didn't mince words when he introduced the bill: "Congress has not updated the H-2A visa program since Ronald Reagan was president of the United States, and if you ask anyone who used the program, they'll say that you can tell." He's right and TNLA members who have wrestled with H-2A's paperwork, unpredictable wage rules, and rigid seasonal limits know it firsthand. Why This Bill Matters to TNLA Members The bill directly addresses several of the pain points our growers face every season. And while the most direct impact falls on them, a more stable H-2A program affects the entire green industry supply chain, from the retail nurseries selling what's grown to the suppliers who serve every business in between.
Even TNLA members who don't directly hire H-2A workers feel the impact of labor instability upstream. When growers can't staff up reliably, it means fewer plants on retail shelves, delayed installs, and softer demand for everything suppliers provide. A more predictable, workable H-2A program strengthens the entire Texas green industry pipeline, not just the businesses using the visas directly. Simply put: this is the most significant attempt in a generation to modernize a labor program that has an outsized impact on our entire industry and that you continue to see are being pushed toward as workforce shortages continue to squeeze the Texas green industry. Take Action Today Legislation this significant only moves with a full chorus of industry voices behind it. TNLA needs you to tell your member of Congress that H-2A reform can't wait another 40 years, whether your business grows it, installs it, sells it, or supplies it. Visit TNLA's Action Center on VoterVoice to send a message to your representative urging them to support and cosponsor H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act: 👉 www.votervoice.net/TNLA/Home It takes less than five minutes — VoterVoice will identify your congressman based on your address and let you send a pre-drafted (and fully editable) message directly to their office. The more Texas green industry voices Congress hears, the stronger the case for getting this bill across the finish line. As always, TNLA will keep members updated as this legislation moves in Congress. If you have questions about how this bill could affect your operation, reach out to TNLA's advocacy team. Healthy plants are the foundation of a successful greenhouse and nursery operation. As growers continue to face new pest challenges, emerging diseases, and changing regulatory requirements, staying informed about effective pest management strategies is essential. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service invites greenhouse growers, nursery professionals, landscape professionals, and horticulture enthusiasts to attend the Greenhouse and Nursery Pest Management Seminar on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, Texas. This one-day educational program will provide practical, research-based information to help participants improve integrated pest management (IPM) programs, protect plant health, and enhance production efficiency. The seminar will feature specialists from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and industry partners. The program will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and will include presentations covering a wide range of topics important to greenhouse and nursery production. Attendees will earn six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units (CEUs), including one hour in Laws and Regulations and five hours in Integrated Pest Management. Morning sessions will focus on building strong pest and disease management programs. Mark Freeman and Sam Gray with Bioworks will discuss the use of biopesticides as part of modern IPM strategies. Dr. Kevin Ong, professor and associate department head with AgriLife Extension, will share approaches for preventing greenhouse plant diseases through proper sanitation and production practices. Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife, will discuss emerging and established insect pests affecting ornamental crops, including monitoring and management strategies. The morning will conclude with Desaray Melina Delaloza from the Texas Department of Agriculture, who will provide updates on laws and regulations impacting greenhouse and nursery operations. After lunch and networking, afternoon sessions will highlight sustainable approaches to pest management. Dr. Arash Kheirodin with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension in Dallas will discuss ecologically based IPM strategies for controlled environment cropping systems. Dr. Andrew King with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Overton will present horticultural practices that support IPM and promote healthy ornamental production. The seminar provides a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to learn from experts, connect with peers, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately. With increasing pest pressures and evolving production challenges, proactive management and continued education are key to maintaining healthy plants and successful businesses. Registration is $50 per person and includes seminar materials and lunch. The event will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located at 1710 FM 3053, Overton, Texas. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for a day of learning, collaboration, and networking as we work together to strengthen greenhouse and nursery pest management programs across Texas. Whether you are a seasoned professional or looking to expand your IPM knowledge, this seminar offers valuable information and resources to support healthier plants and more successful production systems.  Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist 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 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] Excess rainfall during spring and summer can significantly increase pest pressure in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. Warm temperatures combined with high humidity and prolonged moisture create favorable conditions for rapid pest development, survival, and spread. Soft-bodied insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and mites often become more active during wet weather periods. Excess moisture promotes lush plant growth and tender foliage, which are highly attractive to many pests. Standing water and saturated growing media can also encourage European pepper moth, fungus gnats and shore flies, particularly in greenhouse production systems. Wet conditions can make pest management more challenging. Rain may reduce the effectiveness of contact insecticides by washing away spray residues, often requiring repeated applications. Prolonged wet weather can also limit access to production areas, making routine scouting and timely pesticide applications difficult. High humidity and dense plant canopies further complicate early pest detection. Many pests, including thrips and mites, remain hidden within flowers, buds, or on the undersides of leaves, allowing populations to build unnoticed. In addition, storm events and strong winds may contribute to the movement and spread of invasive pests into new production areas. Excess rainfall may also disrupt beneficial insect activity. Natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids are often less active during prolonged storms and humid conditions, reducing natural pest suppression and allowing pest populations to increase rapidly once environmental conditions improve. Implementing proactive integrated pest management (IPM) practices is essential during periods of excessive rainfall. Regular scouting and monitoring with sticky traps can help detect pest populations early. Improving drainage, increasing air circulation, maintaining proper sanitation, avoiding overwatering, and removing heavily infested plant material can reduce favorable conditions for pests. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action and conserving beneficial insects are also important strategies for long-term pest management and resistance prevention. As weather patterns continue to become increasingly unpredictable, adopting management practices and maintaining consistent monitoring programs will remain Rafia Khan, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX On May 15, 2026, TNLA met with San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to discuss a new pilot initiative called the WaterSaver Pro Program for large residential properties. This program is designed to recognize landscape and irrigation practices that demonstrate long-term water savings, efficient irrigation use, and landscape resilience. Program Overview: According to SAWS, WaterSaver establishes both minimum and enhanced “Pro” standards for the design, installation, and retrofit of irrigation and landscape systems on residential properties with irrigated areas greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet. This program is intended for: landscape designers, irrigation professionals, builders, landscape installation contractors. SAWS emphasized that the major theme throughout the program is intentionality; designing landscapes and irrigation systems with long-term efficiency, water conservation, and site functionality in mind. Benefits of WaterSaver Pro Participation Projects achieving the WaterSaver Pro designation may qualify for:
WaterSaver Pro Point Categories SAWS outlined four major scoring components:
Additional items discussed during the meeting included:
Pilot Program Participation TNLA discussed the importance of identifying potential pilot participants, particularly:
SAWS indicated they are still refining some program details, including: approved smart controller models, pilot program timelines, communication and submittal procedures At this time, SAWS recommended that participants communicate progress through spreadsheets and submitted irrigation/landscape plans as projects are finalized. Next StepsTNLA is currently gathering interest from members who may want to participate in the pilot program or provide industry feedback as SAWS continues developing the WaterSaver Pro standards. If you are interested in participating in the pilot program or learning more, please contact TNLA. We will coordinate with SAWS regarding next steps and future discussions. Below are the materials SAWS provided outlining:
Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
|
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
|
RSS Feed
