|
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 |
|
The strongest industries are the ones willing to invest in themselves. Look at any industry that's held its ground against unfriendly regulation or gotten ahead of a rule before it became a costly problem, and you'll find the same thing behind it: people in that industry who were willing to show up, get involved, and put resources behind protecting what they'd built. For the green industry in Texas, that's where TNLA PAC matters. And this week, we're going to do more than tell you why it matters. It Starts With Access Bill Carson, Past TNLA Chair, has been in this industry long enough to know the difference between a business that reacts to legislation and one that gets ahead of it.  His answer, in short: every two years, the legislature has the chance to help or hurt your business, and whether you have a say in that depends entirely on whether you've built the relationships before the bill is written, not after.  As Bill puts it, PAC support doesn't buy a legislator's vote. It buys something more durable than that: a legislator who takes your call and hears your side of the issue before the vote happens, not after the damage is already done. Why TNLA Members Give It's one thing to hear this from a former board Chairman. It's another to hear it from the members who've watched this play out year after year, bill after bill. Ask any TNLA member why they give, and you'll hear some version of the same answer: the issues being discussed in Austin today determine what our industry looks like tomorrow. Water policy, quarantine regulations, labor rules. These aren't abstract political debates. They're decisions that show up directly in day-to-day operations, margins, and what's even legal to grow, sell, or ship. TNLA members give because they've seen firsthand what it looks like when the industry has a seat at the table, and they've seen what it costs when it doesn't. If that sounds like the kind of industry you want to be part of, here's your chance to invest in it. Gold Star Companies Lead By Example Gold Star status is a TNLA PAC recognition for companies where at least four employees each give $50 or more to TNLA PAC. It's not just about writing one big check. It's about a whole team, from ownership down, recognizing that this industry's future is worth investing in together. The businesses that reach Gold Star status didn't get there by accident. They got there because their people, not just their leadership, understood that a business's long-term success is tied to the health of the industry it operates in. Why Do YOU Give? This is the part of the story that isn't ours to tell. It's yours. We want to hear from TNLA members across the state: why do you give to TNLA PAC? Maybe it's as simple as: "I support PAC because the issues being discussed today determine our future." Or maybe it's something more specific: a bill that hit close to home, a regulation you saw coming because someone in this industry had the relationships to warn you first. Whatever your reason, we want to feature it. Reply to this post or send your quote directly to [email protected]. Member voices are what make this campaign work. This isn't about TNLA telling you why PAC matters. It's about members telling other members. Ready to invest in your industry's future? Every dollar to TNLA PAC helps keep our industry's voice in the room when decisions are being made in Austin. Give what you can today.
0 Comments
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 Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities. That's why TNLA PAC exists. Why Advocacy Matters Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully. The reality is simple: If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be. TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made. Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work. But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business. They don't automatically understand:
That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight. Building Relationships Before They're Needed One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed. Advocacy Creates Real Results Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table. Those efforts have helped TNLA:
That's the value of being proactive. Investing in the Future As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever. Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow. That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future. Help Strengthen Our Voice If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC. Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry. TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds 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] The companies staying competitive right now aren’t standing still. They’re investing in:
What Teams Bring Back From EXPO  Real Industry Perspective
Bottom Line The companies adapting fastest are usually the ones:
Questions?For Exhibitor questions, please contact [email protected] or call 512-579-3864.
For Registration questions, please call 512-280-5182 ext 3876 or email [email protected]. The Texas House and Senate have now released their 2026 interim charges, the official study topics committees will work on ahead of the 2027 legislative session. These charges often become the foundation for the next round of legislation, giving us an early look at the issues that may shape the future policy environment for our industry. You can review the full charges here:Senate Interim Charges: https://www.ltgov.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Interim-Charges.pdf House Interim Charges: https://www.house.texas.gov/pdfs/speaker/F-Interim-Charges-3.25.pdf From TNLA’s perspective, the biggest themes are water supply and supporting Texas agriculture, but the interim charges extend well beyond those issues. They also address insurance affordability, property tax relief, local government fees, workforce transportation, housing growth, permitting timelines, and the overall competitiveness of Texas agriculture and small businesses.
Taken together, these charges examine many of the core factors that determine how easy or difficult it is to operate a green industry business in Texas, from access to water and labor to the cost of trucks, insurance, land, and local permits. Two House committees stand out as especially important for our members. House Agriculture & Livestock includes meaningful charges on invasive species, Texas Department of Agriculture authority, agricultural resiliency, and expanding markets for Texas-grown products. These discussions could directly affect plant health response, quarantine processes, specialty crop competitiveness, and the visibility of Texas-grown nursery and landscape products. House Natural Resources may be the most significant committee for the green industry this interim. Charges on groundwater management, new water supply strategies, brackish groundwater, data center water use, and regional water planning all go directly to long-term water availability and allocation. These discussions will influence how Texas balances growth, agriculture, urban water needs, and future supply development. On the Senate side, we are also closely tracking charges related to data center water demand, utility revenue transfers, desalination, insurance affordability, local fee transparency, and CDL standards. Each of these has real implications for project timelines, business costs, labor flexibility, and long-term water affordability. Our advocacy team will be actively monitoring hearings, identifying opportunities for committee feedback and testimony, and ensuring the voice of Texas nurseries, landscape professionals, irrigators, and allied businesses is part of these conversations. The interim is where many of the biggest ideas for the next session begin to take shape, and we believe the 2026 cycle could be especially consequential for water policy, Texas agriculture, and the overall business climate for the green industry. We will continue to keep you updated as these hearings develop. Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, and decisions being made right now will directly impact Texas nursery and landscape businesses. TNLA members are encouraged to take five minutes to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for the Farm Bill and its specialty crop provisions. Just last month, TNLA provided a full breakdown of the Farm Bill and what it means for horticulture and specialty crops. Now, as the bill moves forward in Congress, it’s time to take action. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the businesses affected by these policies. Your voice helps ensure the green industry is represented as this legislation moves forward. The Background: Why the Farm Bill Matters The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that shapes federal agricultural policy in the United States. While it is often associated with traditional row crops, the Farm Bill has become increasingly important for specialty crops, including nursery and greenhouse production, as well as the broader green industry. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. During that time, the industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic challenges, including freezes, drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. The current proposal, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, represents the first major opportunity in years to update policies that directly affect our industry. How It Affects the Green Industry The Farm Bill includes several provisions that impact the green industry supply chain: from growers to landscapers to suppliers. Stronger Risk Management Tools Improvements to specialty crop insurance help address long-standing gaps compared to traditional agriculture, providing better protection against weather-related losses. Improved Disaster Assistance Updates to programs like the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) improve how quickly and effectively growers can recover from losses, with added flexibility for replanting. A Permanent Emergency Assistance Framework The bill establishes a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance, providing more predictability instead of relying on ad hoc relief. Water & Conservation Programs Expanded conservation programs support irrigation efficiency and water stewardship, helping offset costs for implementing water-saving practices. Research, Grants & Innovation Farm Bill funding supports research, extension services, and grant programs that improve pest management, develop resilient plant varieties, advance automation, and expand market opportunities. In Texas, many of these programs are delivered through university and extension partnerships that directly impact day-to-day operations for green industry businesses. Why This Matters Now The green industry plays a significant role in Texas’s economy, but it faces unique challenges that require policies tailored to specialty crops. This Farm Bill represents meaningful progress in addressing those needs: strengthening risk management, improving disaster response, supporting water efficiency, and investing in long-term innovation. As Congress continues to debate the legislation, it is important that policymakers understand the role and needs of our industry. TNLA Working for You The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is actively engaged in monitoring the Farm Bill and advocating for policies that support specialty crops and the green industry. Through coordination with national partners and direct engagement with policymakers, TNLA is working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Bottom Line The Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of the green industry. But advocacy matters. Your participation helps ensure the green industry is represented in federal policy decisions that affect our future.
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. Why SAWS Is Doing ThisSAWS’ goal is straightforward: improve soil beneath sod so landscapes use less water over time. Better soil means:
What the Ordinance RequiresSan 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. TNLA’s PositionIn 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:
Why This Matters Beyond San Antonio 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:
What’s NextTNLA will:
 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 Water is the lifeline of our industry. Whether you’re a landscaper, grower, or irrigator, your ability to thrive depends on the reliability and rules of the system that supplies your water. Yet many Texans don’t know who their actual water purveyor is, or what authority sets the policies that affect their operations.
Understanding this is not just good business, it’s essential for protecting your livelihood and preparing for the future. Step 1: Identify Your Water Provider Your water can come from several types of sources: 🏙️City or Municipal Utility – Common in urban and suburban areas. These utilities often adopt drought contingency plans, watering restrictions, and rate structures that directly impact landscapes and irrigation. 🏢Private Provider or Investor-Owned Utility – Smaller systems that are still regulated but may have different policies and pricing structures. 🪣Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) – In many rural areas, a GCD manages groundwater pumping and permits. Districts were created at different times with different powers, so the rules vary greatly across Texas. TNLA supports GCDs being managed through locally elected boards rather than top-down mandates. 🗺️No District at All – In some areas, there is no conservation district, which can leave water users exposed to less oversight but also fewer protections for long-term supply. To find your provider, check your most recent water bill or your county’s water utility listings. For groundwater users, consult the Texas Water Development Board’s list of GCDs. Step 2: Learn Their Rules and Plans Once you know your purveyor, the next step is to understand the framework that governs them: 🚦Drought Contingency Plans – These dictate how and when watering restrictions are implemented. For example, a Stage 1 drought may limit outdoor watering to twice a week, while Stage 3 could ban it altogether, which could mean nurseries, growers, and landscapers could face severe impacts if not prepared. Click here for an example of Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan. 🏗️Infrastructure Investments – Many utilities are building new or expanding existing treatment plants, negotiating water supply contracts, or exploring aquifer storage. These projects will affect both reliability and cost. Step 3: Understand Regional Water Planning Texas is divided into 16 Regional Water Planning Groups. Every five years, these groups develop plans that feed into the State Water Plan. Each plan identifies future supply needs and strategies to meet them. If you’re in the green industry, you should know which region you’re in and review the plan.
Step 4: Know Your Source Different water sources bring different risks and rules: 🌊Surface Water (Rivers, Reservoirs) – Prone to drought shortages, often tied to large contracts with entities like the Brazos River Authority or Colorado River system. 💦Groundwater – Can be reliable, but subject to pumping limits or well spacing rules if a GCD is in place. 🔀Mixed Supply – Many cities now diversify, combining surface water contracts with groundwater leases. The source matters because conservation policies often reflect their vulnerability. For example, a city reliant on surface water may adopt tighter outdoor watering restrictions than one with strong groundwater supplies. Step 5: Put It into Practice Once you understand who your purveyor is, take these steps:
Final Thought Water policy in Texas is not one-size-fits-all. Districts were created at different times, under different laws, and with different powers. But no matter where you live or work, one fact is true: knowing your water purveyor and engaging with them gives you a seat at the table. Our industry is part of the solution. By working with water providers and planning groups, we can ensure that Texas landscapes stay vibrant, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come. 📬 Questions or need help? Contact Karan Mehta, Legislative & Regulatory Manager – [email protected] |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
October 2026
|
RSS Feed
