The Edge January/February 2026

WE’RE FOR EVERY TREE.

RECENT WINS Another one of NALP’s tier one priorities is defending against threats against pesticide and fertilizer use. NALP has had a very strong year at the state level avoiding the passing of several troublesome bills that would have restricted landscape professionals’ ability to use tools to protect plants. Additionally, Bob Mann, senior director of regulatory and technical affairs for NALP, was elected to chair the Pesticide Policy Coalition. Mann is the first non-agricultural chair of the PPC, which shows the level of respect he has gained in D.C. “He is helping steer the agenda for the collective pesticide community in Washington,” Bray says. On the H-2B front, NALP was able to ensure the release of the additional 64,716 supplemental visas for FY 25. We have now secured very advantageous language in Appropriations legislation for FY 26, but as the government continues to work under a continuing resolution, we are pressuring the adminis tration to again release the maximum (64,716) supplemental H-2B visas. “The last three years, when we’ve gotten these visas re leased, one’s been in early December,” Bray says. “The other two announcements were made in November. But the shutdown has bogged this process down a bit, we’re looking at a likely December release” NALP has also served on the leadership of the H-2B Work force Coalition for the past four years. WHY ADVOCATE? Bray says that often people forget their representatives work for them. “These aren’t movie stars, per se, and so there’s no reason to be intimidated,” Brays says. “They work for you, and generally, they want to try to help you, and they certainly will listen to you.” It’s always important to remember that while the policymak er may always not do what you want, what matters is having respectful discourse. “If we fail to advocate for the industry, then there are people who don’t appreciate or understand what we do, and they will be dictating the laws and regulations that we need to abide by, and that’s never a place we want to be,” Bray says. TE

EXPERT TREE CARE FOR 119 YEARS — AND GROWING. Magnolia grandiflora , commonly known as Southern Magnolia, is just one of the thousands of species we specialize in. For 119 years, our family-owned company has brought a rare mix of groundbreaking science, award-winning safety practices, and global resources to every tree and shrub care task at hand. And at the heart of our success are our people — experts who know and champion every tree, no matter the species. Discover how our passion is inspiring one beautiful property after another.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS ■ NALP’s advocacy ensures

Call 877-227-8538 or visit bartlett.com PRUNING | FERTILIZATION | CABLING & BRACING INSECT & DISEASE MANAGEMENT | TREE INSPECTIONS STORM DAMAGE | LIGHTNING PROTECTION | REMOVALS

join the Advocacy Am bassador program, and attend fly-ins or other advocacy events. affairs team continues to deliver tangible wins, including defending pesticide and fertilizer use, expanding H-2B visas, and launching the Healthy Green Spaces Coalition to promote sus tainable water practices.

the industry’s voice is heard on critical issues at the local, state, and federal levels through relationship-building, coalition partnerships, and continuous legisla tive tracking. ■ Member engagement is the foundation of advo cacy success, with oppor tunities to stay informed through The Advocate,

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