The Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders, educators, and solution-providers who help move the Texas green industry forward. We’re grateful for the support of industry partners who continue to invest in our community and serve professionals across the state.
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Here’s a look at a few of the companies supporting the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum.

For more than 185 years, John Deere has helped customers become more productive through innovative, reliable equipment and technology-driven solutions. Known for its commitment to sustainability and long-term value, John Deere develops intelligent, connected machines that deliver real results in the field and on the job site.
From equipment performance to parts, service, and lifecycle support, John Deere focuses on helping businesses operate efficiently while unlocking both economic and sustainable value. Learn more HERE

Heritage Landscape Supply Group has acquired Leaf Landscape Supply, marking its first focused expansion into live goods distribution. This addition strengthens Heritage’s presence in Texas and creates a foundation for long-term growth in nursery products alongside its existing landscape supply network.

Leaf Landscape Supply continues to serve landscape professionals across the Austin area with a strong focus on nursery products and live goods. The company maintains its local leadership and team while benefiting from additional resources to support continued growth. Learn more HERE

Founded in 1984, Landmark Nurseries is a family-owned wholesale nursery dedicated exclusively to serving landscape contractors throughout Texas. With more than 900 acres of production across multiple growing facilities, Landmark produces a wide range of high-quality plant material, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and trees.
Supported by a statewide network of wholesale distribution centers, Landmark Nurseries helps contractors access consistent inventory, fair pricing, and efficient delivery — reinforcing its role as a reliable plant partner for the Texas green industry. Learn more HERE

We appreciate the continued support of these companies and their commitment to serving landscape professionals across Texas. You can meet many of our industry partners in person at the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum, January 5–7 in Grapevine, Texas.
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👉 Learn more about the Lone Star Hort Forum:
https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html

​At TNLA, leadership development isn’t just a benefit—it’s an investment in the future of Texas’ green industry. Through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, presented by the TNLA Foundation, professionals from across the state gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively in today’s evolving business environment.

This week, TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V gathered in Dallas for their third session, combining in-depth education with real-world learning experiences.
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The session began with a full-day education program focused on Communication Mastery: Speak, Listen, Influence, led by instructor Dee Maddox. Participants explored how clear communication strengthens teams, improves workplace culture, and drives better business outcomes—skills every leader needs, regardless of role or company size

The class also participated in guided tours that connected leadership concepts to real-life operations:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Omni Dallas Hotel, hosted by the Omni’s Top Management , highlighting leadership and culture in a large-scale hospitality operation.
• A visit to SuperScapes with Craig Duttarer, offering insight into leadership, operations, and growth within the Texas Green Industry. 

​These experiences are a hallmark of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp—bridging classroom learning with practical application.

Class V is now approaching the finish line. Their final session and graduation will take place during the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum, and all members are encouraged to register and attend to celebrate their achievements and see firsthand the impact of this program.

Why Apply for the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp?
Participants leave the program with:

• Stronger communication and leadership skills
• Greater confidence in managing teams and challenges
• A powerful peer network across the Texas green industry
• Practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses

If you have emerging leaders—or are ready to grow as one yourself—the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp is a proven pathway to success.
Applications are now open for the next class please reach out to [email protected] for more info or questions

Register for the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum and join us for the Class V graduation: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html

A special thanks to our Key Contributing Partner

• Landmark Nurseries, Inc.

Thank you to our Sponsors for making this happen:

• Southwest Wholesale Nursery
• Aquaterra Outdoors
• Lone Star Trees
• Billy Long Enterprises, Inc.
• Hotchkiss Insurance Agency

Partner:

• GO TEXAN

👉 Learn more, apply: https://www.tnlaonline.org/leadershipbootcamp.html

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

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working on publishing a series of educational articles to assist homeowners and green industry professionals in recognizing and managing two recently confirmed invasive insect pests in Texas: the two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and the short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus). These pests pose emerging risks to ornamental plants by affecting plant health, appearance, and market value.

The planned articles will provide clear descriptions of pest identification and injury patterns to support early detection. Feeding by the two-spot cotton leafhopper causes a condition known as “hopperburn,” characterized by leaf curling, yellowing, bronzing, reduced vigor, and, in severe cases, plant death. This pest attacks a wide range of ornamental hosts, including hibiscus, and is often difficult to detect due to its small size and concealed feeding behavior. Short-spined thrips are tiny, highly polyphagous insects that feed on numerous ornamental crops, including annual bedding plants and tropical ornamentals. Their feeding leads to foliar scarring, distorted shoots, flower drops, and stunted growth, resulting in reduced plant quality and marketability.

In addition to injury symptoms, the articles will summarize current regulatory actions, including quarantine measures and inspection efforts implemented by regulatory agencies to limit pest movement and spread. Management options discussed will be based on science-based recommendations developed from research conducted by other researchers and institutions, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as monitoring, sanitation, cultural practices, and targeted chemical controls when necessary.
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Through these publications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension aims to improve awareness, encourage early reporting, and promote informed decision-making. By providing timely, research-informed guidance, Extension seeks to help homeowners and professionals reduce the impact of these invasive pests and protect the long-term sustainability of Texas landscapes and ornamental production systems.

​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.
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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.

Filing is open now.
Candidate filing for the 2026 party primaries began Saturday, November 8, 2025, and runs through Monday, December 8, 2025. This cycle includes all 38 of Texas’ U.S. House seats, all 150 members of the Texas House, half of the Texas Senate, and U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s seat. It’s the official period when races become real—when incumbents lock in their re-election plans and new challengers step forward. What happens over these next few weeks will shape the policy environment Texas businesses will work in for years to come.

Mark the big dates.
Texas’ Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and the General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Between now and then, TNLA will continue monitoring candidate filings, tracking key open seats, and creating opportunities for members to engage in non-partisan education about how public policy affects our industry—from workforce access and water supply to business taxation and regulatory certainty.

New congressional maps = new dynamics.
This fall, state leaders approved redrawn U.S. House districts to be used for the 2026 midterms (pending litigation). The new map is widely viewed as creating additional Republican-leaning opportunities and reshaping several formerly competitive districts—meaning fresh openings and new pressure points for TNLA’s advocacy on workforce, water, and regulatory issues.

Court challenges are ongoing, so details could still shift, but for now these are the lines under which candidates are filing. This means your business could now fall into an entirely new congressional district.

➡️ The Texas Tribune created a helpful lookup tool to compare your previous and current congressional districts: View it here.

What that means for TNLA advocacy.
Redistricting—combined with a wave of retirements—will produce many new faces in Texas’ congressional delegation. At this point, the list of Members of Congress not seeking re-election includes:

• Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-8)
• Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10)
• Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19)
• Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) – running for Texas Attorney General
• Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)
• Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38) – running for U.S. Senate

These departures will open key committee seats and long-standing relationships that TNLA has cultivated for years. Our team is already mapping how these changes intersect with the green industry’s footprint across Texas—preparing to educate new lawmakers about the economic impact our members generate and the jobs, water-efficiency, and environmental benefits our sector provides.

TNLA’s plan for 2026.
As this election cycle unfolds, TNLA will:

• Track candidate filings and analyze new district boundaries affecting member companies.
• Coordinate facility tours and in-district visits so our elected officials see the green industry firsthand.
• Mobilize TNLA’s legislative affairs team and grassroots advocates to be ready for outreach.

TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory team is here to keep you informed—and to make sure our elected officials understands how nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and suppliers keep Texas growing.

Questions or want to host a tour? Reach out at [email protected]—we’re Working for You.

Questions? Please reach out to [email protected] for more information on member perks or [email protected] for more information on membership types, rates or joining. 

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​