Landscapers 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.

Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected]
Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]

Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates. 

• Local officials decide on water restrictions, landscape ordinances, and development requirements that can vary city by city. 

• State leaders influence workforce rules, licensing requirements, and agricultural regulations that shape how businesses hire, operate, and expand. 

• Federal offices help determine labor policy and agricultural priorities that affect the availability and cost of labor across Texas. 

For an industry rooted in local communities but influenced by statewide and national policy, engagement at every level matters. ​

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. ​

TNLA 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:

• Surface potential challenges before they escalate
• Provide real-world insight that informs advocacy
• Support efforts to shape policy, not just respond to it

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:

• Curtis Smith, Director – [email protected]
• Karan Mehta, Manager – [email protected]

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 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association recently helped bring a congressional district tour to Brazos Citrus Nursery in West Columbia, about 60 miles southwest of Houston. The nursery is owned and operated by George Shackelford, a second-generation citrus grower who also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, and the visit included staff from Congressman Troy Nehls’ office who came out to see firsthand how citrus is grown and managed here on the Gulf Coast.

The conversation covered challenges that growers across the green industy are dealing with every day, including:

• Workforce shortages tied to H-2A and H-2B visas
• The need for a strong, workable Farm Bill
• The importance of nursery crops to Texas agriculture

George also shared how dramatically the citrus industry has changed, explaining that Texas has gone from more than 100 citrus growers to just three in the past 15 years. Ongoing threats like canker and greening have made tree production risky and expensive, needing a lot of investment, patience, and determination. George’s operation stands as proof that with enough grit and commitment, it’s still possible to make citrus work in Texas, but not without challenges.

​The tour kicked off by hopping into George’s truck and heading out to several greenhouses on the property. Before anyone stepped inside, staff got their first surprise: a decontamination chamber, where they were lightly sprayed with a human-friendly sterilization solution to prevent the spread of disease.

​From there, it was through a series of double doors and powerful fans designed to keep any outside contamination from entering, followed by an overhead door for extra precaution. George explained that these steps may seem intense, but they’re necessary to protect young citrus trees.
 
Inside the greenhouse, staff were met with rows of beautifully manicured three-gallon citrus trees, lined up neatly and thriving. George walked everyone through the careful, step-by-step process he follows to make sure every tree meets the highest standards before it ever leaves the nursery. One detail that caught the congressional staff’s attention: citrus trees in his nursery don’t see direct sunlight until they’re ready to be transported to market, a testament to just how controlled and intentional the growing process is.

​As the tour continued across the property, it became clear just how much planning, precision, and hands-on care go into producing healthy citrus trees, long before they ever reach a customer.

​From the moment you meet George Shackelford, it feels less like a business visit and more like stopping by a family member’s place. He has a genuine, down-to-earth way about him that immediately puts people at ease. That humility is matched by a deep understanding of the citrus industry and an ability to adapt as the business and regulations change.
 
By his side is his wife, Leah, who keeps a close eye on the financial side of the business and knows exactly how the operation is performing. Together, they make a strong, well-balanced team. George also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, representing growers and bringing their perspective to the table.
 
While citrus is the heart of the nursery, George also works in bamboo and other fruit as a wholesaler. A walk around the property reveals a few surprises as well, including exotic deer and well-fed cattle. The cattle actually started as a school project for their daughter, who decided she wanted to show cattle. George admits he questioned it at first, but today he has no regrets.

​District visits like this are a critical part of TNLA’s advocacy strategy. They allow policymakers and staff to see real businesses, hear directly from our members, and better understand why science-based policies matter for the green industry. George’s resilience and commitment to Texas agriculture shows the dedication required to operate in today’s environment. 

​Reach out to us to learn how TNLA can help coordinate a visit and showcase the impact of your business and our industry on the State of Texas. 

Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected]
Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]

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.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued an emergency quarantine to prevent the spread of the invasive Cotton Jassid or Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper, a destructive pest first detected on imported hibiscus plants. The quarantine currently applies to all Hibiscus species, but may expand to include additional host plants as more data becomes available.
​
The quarantine currently covers shipments from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where the pest has been detected.

It also applies to Texas counties where detections have occurred, halting the movement of hostable plants without required phytosanitary documentation

No regulated articles may move from or within quarantined areas except under the following conditions:

1. Certification:
   Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Inspection issued by TDA or an authorized official confirming the articles are pest-free based on inspection or treatment. Certificates must include origin, destination, commodity, and pest-free declaration.
2. Treatment:
   Articles must be treated using TDA- or USDA-approved methods, such as:
   • Insecticidal dip or spray using EPA-registered products effective against leafhoppers (e.g., neonicotinoids like imidacloprid at labeled rates, applied to runoff).
   • Fumigation if approved for the commodity.
3. Pest-Free Certification:
   For propagation materials, a Pest-Free Area Certificate or Systems Approach Certification verifying production in a pest-free zone under USDA/APHIS guidelines.
4. Emergency Exemptions:
   Shipments for scientific, research, or immediate processing purposes may be allowed with prior TDA and/or USDA approval under containment protocols.

​
➡️ Violations are subject to penalties under the Texas Agriculture Code, including fines up to $4,000 per violation, seizure or destruction of articles at the owner’s expense, and potential criminal charges.

While the quarantine focuses on movement control, TDA and Texas A&M AgriLife recommend the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in infested areas:

• Scout: Inspect the undersides of leaves on the 3rd–5th nodes from the top; treat when 1–2 nymphs per leaf show visible injury.
• Treat: Use labeled insecticides (e.g., acephate, bifenthrin) and rotate chemical classes to prevent resistance. Avoid broad-spectrum applications that harm beneficial insects.
• Cultural Control: Maintain irrigation to reduce plant stress, destroy crop residues after harvest, and monitor or remove nearby weed hosts.

TNLA is in close communication with TDA’s Plant Quality Division and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologists to ensure the industry has up-to-date guidance and clear compliance information.
Members are encouraged to:

• Inspect incoming plant shipments carefully,
• Maintain documentation for all plant movements, and
• Report any suspected pest activity to TDA Plant Quality at (512) 463-7660.

TNLA will continue to monitor this developing issue and share timely updates as new guidance or quarantine adjustments are announced.
👉 Learn more and view TDA’s current quarantine notice.

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 

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