TNLA's Green Matters Newsletter provides industry news, trends, and research every Tuesday

How One Company Is Testing and Scaling AI in the Field

Keeping up with new technology, especially artificial intelligence, can feel overwhelming. Rather than shy away, Level Green Landscaping formed an internal AI council that brings team members from across the company together to test, evaluate, and share new tools before deciding what’s worth investing in. Read More

Is Retail Spending Really “K-Shaped”?

On the surface, 2025 retail sales look strong. But new research from the National Retail Federation shows a more nuanced picture. Growth is being driven largely by the top 20% of spenders, while the majority of income segments saw negative growth in discretionary spending, creating what economists call a “K-shaped” pattern.

For green industry businesses, this signals a shift: higher-income consumers may continue spending, while lower-income segments may pull back on non-essential purchases. Understanding who is driving growth will be critical for pricing, inventory, and service strategy in 2026. Read More

US Drought Monitor: Feb 12, 2026 Map

In Deep South Texas, long-term dryness continues to intensify. From August 14, 2025, through February 10, 2026, Rio Grande City ranks as the fifth warmest and third driest on record dating back to 1928, while McCook ranks as the second warmest and sixth driest since 1942 according to NWS and NOAA. A nearby Texas Mesonet site near Hebbronville recorded just 3.81 inches over the past 180 days, and another Mesonet site along the Starr and Jim Hogg County line recorded 11.5 inches, with only 0.33 inches falling during December and January combined. Persistent six-month precipitation deficits and continued warmth reinforced long-term hydrologic stress across the lower Rio Grande Valley. Read More

2026 Federal Estate & Gift Tax Exemption Update

The IRS has released updated federal estate and gift tax exemption amounts for 2026. These changes could impact succession planning and asset transfers for green industry business owners.

If you’re thinking about retirement or passing your business to the next generation, now is a good time to review the numbers. Read More

New Crop Finishing Videos Now Available for Growers

Looking to fine-tune your crop finishing strategies? A growing YouTube playlist now features crop-specific production videos covering major annuals and perennials from Angelonia and Begonias to Petunias, Sunflowers, and more.

If you’re finishing crops in the greenhouse this season, this resource may be worth bookmarking. Read More