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

A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. 

The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. 

One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. 

Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. ​

The Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. 

Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. 

The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. 

This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. 
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For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. ​

For TNLA members, success would mean: 

• More workforce certainty for seasonal employers 

• Better project planning and scheduling 

• Reduced operational disruptions during peak seasons 

• Greater ability to retain and hire year-round American workers 

• Continued support for Texas’ growing economy and infrastructure needs 

Most importantly, members wanted policymakers to hear directly from businesses experiencing these workforce challenges every day. 

​TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. ​

Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just a member, they’re a Strategic Partner, contributing over $30,000 in 2025 alone to support TNLA programs and events. That investment helps strengthen the entire industry.

What Landscapers, Builders, and Suppliers Need to Know

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is preparing to actively inspect soil quality under newly installed turfgrass—a requirement that has been in the city code for nearly 20 years but has never been consistently enforced.

This is the first time we’re aware of a Texas water utility inspecting soil quality on single-family homes, and it could influence how other cities handle water-conservation rules in the future.

TNLA is tracking this closely to ensure members understand what’s coming and how it may impact your projects in San Antonio and beyond.

SAWS’ goal is straightforward: improve soil beneath sod so landscapes use less water over time.
Better soil means:

• Stronger root growth
  
• Better moisture retention
  
• Less runoff
  
• Healthier, more resilient turf
  

Inspections are expected to begin in 2026, with SAWS staff evaluating:

• Soil depth
  
• Soil organic matter (SOM)
  
• Debris content
  
• Overall soil quality before sod is approved
  

San Antonio’s existing soil rule states that new turfgrass must be installed over at least 4 inches of soil, which must include a minimum of 0.25 inches of Soil Organic Matter (SOM).

SOM may come from enriched topsoil or contractor soil mixes that improve structure and water-holding capacity.
In short: sod must be installed on quality soil that can hold water and support healthy growth.
​
This isn’t a new rule—this is new enforcement. 

In November 2024, the TNLA Board formally adopted a position supporting a minimum 4-inch soil depth in areas with water-conservation concerns.

The science is clear:
Healthy soil is essential for responsible water use and long-term landscape success. ​

TNLA supports soil standards that:

• Protect water resources
  
• Improve plant health
  
• Reduce long-term maintenance needs
  

Because SAWS is the first Texas water utility to launch this type of inspection on single-family homes, other municipalities may look to this strategy as a model.
This could influence:

• Builder requirements
  
• Landscape installation practices
  
• Soil specifications for new developments
  
• Future city-level conservation policies
  

TNLA will continue engaging in these discussions to ensure the industry has a voice as policies evolve.

TNLA will:

• Monitor SAWS’ rollout
  
• Participate in stakeholder meetings
  
• Keep you informed as inspections move closer to 2026
  
• Advocate on behalf of member businesses statewide
  

We’ll provide updates as more details become available.

Last week, TNLA hosted a webinar with Jeremy Mazur, one of Texas’ leading voices on water policy, to examine how Proposition 4 and other statewide initiatives could shape the future of our state’s water supply, conservation, and infrastructure. Proposition 4—on the ballot this November—would dedicate $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund producing up to $20 billion of new funding over the next 20 years.

​
Jeremy emphasized that while new funding tools are essential, Texas’ long-term water security will ultimately depend on sustained infrastructure investment and close collaboration among utilities, landscapers, growers, and irrigators. He highlighted the role TNLA members already play in leading the way—designing sustainable landscapes, advancing efficient irrigation practices, and advocating for balanced policies that promote both conservation and customer choice.
​
 📺 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/lq-BuOC35qY
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv6buk 

On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.

Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher:

What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations.

Example:
If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000.

Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:

• Importers may raise prices to offset the cost
• Distributors and retailers may adjust pricing
• Ultimately, consumers and other businesses feel the impact

Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know

🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports
Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history.

🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry.

Exemptions include:

• Items under national emergency provisions (50 U.S.C. 1702(b))
• Steel, aluminum, and autos already under Section 232
• Copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals
• Energy and critical minerals not produced in the U.S.
• Bullion (precious metals)

These tariffs will remain until the administration determines that U.S. trade imbalances and unfair practices have been addressed.

🔹 Canada & Mexico
Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:

• USMCA-compliant goods: 0% tariff
• Non-USMCA-compliant goods: 25% tariff
• Non-USMCA energy and potash: 10% tariff

If these orders are lifted in the future, non-USMCA goods will be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong
The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:

• May 2, 2025: $25 or 30% per item (whichever is higher)
• June 1, 2025: $50 per item

This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce.

🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs
A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025.

​A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025.

Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes.

What TNLA Members Should Do Now
If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:

• Review your supply chains
• Talk with vendors about possible alternatives
• Evaluate potential cost increases
• Watch for evolving updates

While some of these tariffs may be temporary, the financial impact could be long-lasting.

Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever
These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive.

Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand.
In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable.

TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business.
​
Stay tuned for updates.