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This year, TNLA turns 25—and we’re feeling all the pride, gratitude, and excitement that comes with a milestone like this. For 25 years, we’ve grown together, advocated together, and built something bigger than any one of us. And none of it would be possible without you—our members. So as we wrap up our fiscal year and head into the end of membership renewal season, we wanted to say thank you… and remind you of everything that comes with being part of TNLA Did You Know Your Membership Includes All This? 💼 Advocacy That Protects Your Business From water restrictions to workforce rules, TNLA is your voice at the Capitol. This year alone, dozens of members cited legislative updates as one of their top-valued benefits. 🤝 Connections That Stick Members consistently name Expo and networking events as their favorite part of TNLA. Whether you're new or a longtime member, you’ve probably made at least one lifelong friend at Expo. 📣 Communication You Can Count On We know things move fast. That’s why we keep you in the loop with timely updates, member alerts, and resources. Coming Soon! A news app--so you never have to wonder what’s going on in your industry & stay connected- anywhere, anytime! 🎓 Education That Pays for Itself Need CEUs? Want to develop your next leader? From Leadership Bootcamp to certification programs, your membership opens doors to growth—for you and your team. 📬 Tools to Hire Smarter You asked for better recruiting help—and we’re delivering. Coming Soon!! A new mobile-friendly job board! Making it easier than ever to find the right fit. 📢 A Community That Cares Did you know members rated TNLA’s overall value at 4 out of 5? We’re proud of that—and always striving to make it a 5. Our fiscal year ends June 30, so now’s the time to lock in your benefits for another year of growth, connection, and progress. Because after all—we’re not just celebrating 25 years of TNLA… We’re celebrating 25 years of serving YOU. Renew Your Membership Now by visiting: https://www.tnlaonline.org/renew-now.html See how TNLA helped defeat a risky bill, passed a key alert system, and took your voice to D.C. for real impact!The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front. Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam. While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:
Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state. Benefits include:
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee. TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans. They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:
Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:
Why it matters for TNLA: The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha Upcoming Industry Events You Won't Want to MissFREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 Audits Thursday, June 12, 2025 🕐 12:30 PM I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar: “Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.” 🔍 Topics include:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843 Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out: 🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide) 📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located. 🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.  🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only) 📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM 📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652 This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting. RSVP to:[email protected]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 24–25, 2025 Hosted Online Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs. 💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!
 👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates!
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The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.
Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam. While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:
Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state. Benefits include:
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee. TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans. They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:
Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:
Why it matters for TNLA: The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session enters its final stretch, several key bills are moving forward that could impact your business, your land, and your workforce. TNLA is closely monitoring these proposals and working to ensure your voice is heard in Austin. Here are the highlights:
🚨 Mandatory E-Verify for All Employers Senate Bill 324 (by Senator Kolkhorst) has passed the Senate and is headed to the House. If it becomes law, every Texas business—public and private—would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal work status of all new hires. ✅ What this means for you:
🌎 Foreign Ownership of Land Restrictions Senate Bill 17 (by Kolkhorst and Hefner) aims to ban certain foreign entities from buying land in Texas, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential property. The goal is national security, targeting countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. ⚠️ While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt, the bill has raised concerns about:
TNLA is watching this bill closely and urging lawmakers to consider how it might impact agriculture and green industry sectors. 🪴 Plant Pest Alert System Moving Forward There’s good news for growers and landscape pros: House Bill 1592 (by Rep. Plesa and supported by TNLA) has passed the Texas House! 📢 This bill creates an opt-in email alert system to notify you of pest and plant disease outbreaks across Texas—helping businesses respond quickly and protect their crops and landscapes. The system will be managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. ♻️ Protecting Composting and Sustainability TNLA is also working on several bills related to food waste composting facilities (SB 2078/HB 4086 and HB 4271/SB 2240). These efforts come in response to proposed changes in Lee County. We’re working to make sure any new policies:
TNLA Is Working for You We’re actively engaged in advocacy every step of the way—reviewing language, testifying at hearings, and keeping members informed. Your business, your land, and your workforce matter to us. Stay tuned for more updates as the session continues—and thank you for being a part of TNLA.  A Pioneer in Horticulture, Conservation, and Community
It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we honor the life of John T. Nickel, Chairman of the Board of Greenleaf Nursery Company, who passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John was not only a visionary nurseryman and conservationist, but also a longstanding and dedicated member of the TNLA family. Since 1972, Greenleaf Nursery Co. has been a TNLA member—marking over five decades of unwavering support and leadership in our industry. The company has exhibited at Nursery/Landscape EXPO for 52 consecutive years, a commitment that speaks volumes to John’s belief in advancing horticulture through shared knowledge and community. John’s contributions to our association extended beyond the business he built. Greenleaf is part of TNLA’s Circle of Legends, an honor reserved for those whose influence and service have left an indelible mark on our industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to excellence, and passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world reflected the very heart of TNLA’s mission. Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1935, John’s love of horticulture took root early. At just 22 years old, he founded Greenleaf Nursery Co. on the shores of Lake Tenkiller, growing it into one of the largest wholesale producers of shrubs, trees, and container-grown plants in the U.S. His legacy lives on not only through Greenleaf’s continued success but through the lives he touched, the natural spaces he preserved, and the generations he inspired. John’s achievements were many—Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, inductee into both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Halls of Fame—but to those in our community, he was also a generous leader, a loyal friend, and a fierce advocate for the green industry. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his five children, grandson, extended family, and the over 1,000 employees at Greenleaf who John proudly considered part of his extended family. We are grateful for the impact John had on our association, our industry, and our world. May his legacy continue to bloom.  Honoring Women’s History Month In the horticulture industry, true leadership is defined by the ability to cultivate growth—not just in plants, but in people. Kylie Diaz, M.S., at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), exemplifies this vision by spearheading the creation and growth of a dynamic new Horticulture Program. As a dedicated program leader, Ph.D. student, and mother, Kylie masterfully balances multiple responsibilities to shape the industry's future leaders. Under her leadership, the Horticulture Program at WTAMU is already making strides. From an initial group of eight students, enrollment is expected to double by next fall. Kylie’s approach combines classroom education, practical experience, and strategic partnerships, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Forging Industry Connections Kylie understands the importance of connecting students directly with the horticulture industry. She has actively developed partnerships with key organizations such as the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and industry sponsors, including the TNLA Region VI Board & TNLA Members, Wolfe Nursery Direct. These partnerships have enabled students to access valuable certifications like the Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCLA), enhancing their career opportunities and competitiveness. Kylie emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Students aren’t just learning horticulture; they're actively shaping its future. The connections they build today will sustain their careers tomorrow.” Hands-On Learning for Real-World Impact Kylie has implemented several practical learning opportunities:
Leadership and Advocacy Kylie’s leadership goes beyond her professional roles; she is a strong advocate for women in agriculture and horticulture. As a mother and Ph.D. student, her personal journey illustrates resilience and dedication. Balancing family life, rigorous academics, teaching responsibilities, and program leadership, she remains committed to paving the way for future generations. “Balancing everything isn’t easy,” Kylie reflects, “but witnessing students succeed and grow makes all the effort worthwhile. We're building something meaningful and lasting.” Looking Ahead The WTAMU Horticulture Program, under Kylie’s guidance and with TNLA’s continued support, is set for ongoing growth and industry impact. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize Kylie Diaz for her remarkable contributions to horticulture education and her inspiring role in shaping the future of our industry. Want to Support the Future of Horticulture? Connect with Kylie Diaz at [email protected] to learn how your business can help support and nurture tomorrow’s horticulture leaders.  You may have seen that President Trump has announced another 30-day pause on tariffs for "USMCA-compliant goods" coming from Canada and Mexico. Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products qualify for trade benefits if they are entirely made in one of the three countries or meet strict regional value standards—usually 75% or higher. Based on these criteria, peat moss should qualify for this 30 day pause on tariffs, though TNLA members should talk to their suppliers for confirmation.
This latest pause is a positive sign, but it is not permanent. We are continuing to push for long-term solutions, and momentum is building. Just this week, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) specifically raised the importance of peat moss with the White House: “I absolutely am weighing in … things like potash, nitrogen, I’d throw peat moss in there, too, because that’s important to horticulture and mushroom growers,” Thompson said in a Politico article. “I’m not bashful about weighing in with the White House. I got a great relationship with everyone, including the president. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no.” What happens next? We are working with a coalition of partners who have sent letters to key leaders, including:
Our message is clear: ✅ Exclude sphagnum peat moss and peat-based products from any tariffs, or ✅ Grant peat moss "critical mineral" status, which could protect it from future trade restrictions. In the meantime, things remain extremely fluid at the federal level. The situation in Washington, D.C., is being described as chaotic, with many industries scrambling to protect their supply chains from unexpected tariffs. TNLA is working hard to protect our industry’s access to critical materials like peat moss, and we will keep you updated every step of the way. Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, (Coleoptera:Buprestidae) is a serious pest of all north American ash (Fraxinus spp.) white fringe tree (Chiananthus virginicus), and European Olive (Olea europaea) of all sizes. This pest is a small beetle (0.25-0.50 inches in length, 0.06 inches wide) with a bright metallic green color and coppery-red abdominal segments under the wings. They have long, narrow bodies that are rounded on the bottom and flat on the top. The life cycle of EAB includes eggs, larvae, pupa and adult stages. The larvae are 1-1.25 inches long, flattened, translucent pale-yellow color with a wide tan head, and 10 abdominal segments that are bell-shaped creating a serrated look. There are five larval instars of EAB. Emerald ash borers are phloem and cambium-feeding insects. Minor damage is done by adult EAB which feeds on ash foliage, leaving irregularly shaped leaf margins. Larval stages cause significant damage by building galleries below bark in the phloem and cambium layers (producing new wood and conductive tissues). Larval feeding injury cause tree girdling, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients leading to the tree's death. Infested ash trees show symptoms including vertical bark splitting, serpentine (s-shaped) galleries behind outer bark, D-shaped exit holes from adult beetles (1/8 inch wide on the bark surface), canopy thinning, crown/branch dieback, epicormic shoots (suckers) from the base/lower trunk/branches and increased activity of woodpeckers. Larvae can survive in greenwood, firewood, and logs when the bark is attached, capable of spreading EAB from one place to another. The emerald ash borer (EAB), native to East Asia, was first detected in Michigan, U.S., in 2002. In Texas, EAB was identified in Harrison County in 2016 and has since spread to 27 additional counties as of July 2024, with 11 new infestations in just one year. This invasive pest threatens North America's hardwood forests and nursery stock, killing unprotected ash trees, causing substantial aesthetic, ecological, and economic damage to urban forests. Human-assisted spread of EAB in Texas has been accelerated by movement of infested nursery ash trees, logs, landscape waste, and firewood, has accelerated EAB movement in Texas. These activities have played a significant role in the rapid spread of this invasive pest across the state. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, the management of EAB (treatment, removal of dead trees, processing debris, and replacement of trees) would cost more than $29 billion over the next 20 years in Texas. Chemical treatments, such as drenching or foliar applications, are currently the only effective method to protect ash trees infested by emerald ash borer (EAB). These treatments are most effective for trees with less than 30% canopy decline and for susceptible trees within a 30-mile radius of known EAB infestations.  Figure 1. Adult Emerald ash borer (EAB). Photo courtesy, Randy King  Figure 2. Emarald ash borer-infested ash trees with more than 50% canopy loss. Photo courtesy Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org. Questions? Please contact Rafia Khan Assistant Professor Extension Entomologist
In today’s fast-paced Green Industry, having strong, adaptable leaders is essential for long-term business success. But leadership isn’t something that just happens—it’s developed, refined, and strengthened over time. That’s where TNLA Leadership Bootcamp comes in. This exclusive, industry-specific leadership development program is designed to equip professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to grow into effective managers and future leaders. Why Enroll One of Your Employees? Investing in leadership training isn’t just about developing an individual—it’s about strengthening your entire business. Here’s how sending a team member to TNLA Leadership Bootcamp can benefit your company: ✅ Build Stronger Leaders – Develop confident, capable employees who can take initiative, manage teams, and solve problems effectively.  ✅ Increase Employee Retention – Employees who feel valued and invested in are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and increasing loyalty.  ✅ Gain Immediate Business Impact – Participants don’t just learn theory—they get real-world strategies they can implement immediately to improve operations and team dynamics.  ✅ Expand Your Network – Through roundtable discussions, facility tours, and one-on-one mentorship, participants build valuable connections with industry leaders.  ✅ Future-Proof Your Business – A strong leadership pipeline ensures your business is prepared for growth, succession planning, and industry changes.  What Participants Will Experience The four-part program (August 2025 – January 2026) includes: 📍 32+ Hours of Leadership Training – Hands-on education to build management and leadership skills. 📍 10+ Hours of Exclusive Facility Tours – Firsthand insights into successful operations. 📍 One-on-One Mentorship – Guidance from experienced industry professionals. 📍 Self-Assessment & Personal Development – Helping participants understand their leadership style. 📍 Complimentary Registration – To TNLA’s 2025 Nursery/Landscape EXPO (San Antonio) and 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum (Grapevine). Session Schedule
With only 20 seats available, this program fills up fast. The member rate of $1,000 is available until June 11, 2025. 📩 Apply Now: Application Link Learn More: TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins: [email protected] Congratulations to the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class IV of 2024-2025  Two key leaders in the Texas Legislature have filed major proposals that could dedicate $1 billion every year to support water projects across Texas. This money would be in addition to the $2.5 billion of one-time funding which is in both the House and Senate budgets.
To make this happen, they are proposing constitutional amendments. In Texas, this is the only way to automatically set aside state funding for a specific purpose, like water, and protect it from shifting priorities in future legislative sessions. For these amendments to become reality, they’ll need two-thirds approval from lawmakers and voter approval in November. Here’s a quick look at the two approaches:
Both of these proposals are significant steps toward securing long-term, reliable water funding for Texas, and TNLA is actively monitoring and engaging on your behalf as these ideas move through the legislative process. As the legislative session moves forward, several bills have been introduced that could have a direct impact on the nursery and landscape industry in Texas. From tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to water conservation policies and HOA regulations, these proposals could shape the way our industry operates for years to come.
Below is a list of key bills that TNLA is monitoring—if any of these affect your business, please reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or insights. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to advocate for policies that support the Texas Green Industry. Tax Relief for Agricultural Inputs HB 255 / HJR 31 by Rep. Guillen
HB 1964 by Spiller & SB 1035 by Sparks
Landscaping & Water Conservation HB 1424 by Rep. Goodwin
E-Verify Mandates for Government Contracts HB 323 (Spiller), HB 1019 (Shaheen), HB 1308 (Tepper), HB 1488 (Louderback), HB 2744 (Vasut), SB 324 (Kolkhorst)
Compost Use in TxDOT Projects SB 736 by Sen. Menéndez
Environmental Regulations HB 1637 by Rep. Hull
Additional Bills to Watch HJR 97 & HB 1370 (Rep. Raymond) – Proposes a constitutional amendment for property tax exemptions on xeriscaped land to promote water conservation. HB 1592 (Rep. Plesa) – A refiled TNLA-supported bill that would require AgriLife to establish a statewide alert system for dangerous plants, pests, and diseases. Get Involved – Your Voice Matters! As these bills progress, TNLA needs to hear from you! If any of these proposals impact your business, please share your questions, concerns, or insights with us. Member input helps shape our advocacy efforts and ensures we are fighting for policies that support the industry. Reach out to me at [email protected] to discuss how these legislative efforts might affect your business. Let’s work together to protect and strengthen the Texas Green Industry! |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
June 2026
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