Texas Certified Nursery Professionals
What is a Texas Certified Nursery Professional and why should I care? Although you don’t need to lose sleep worrying over this question, it is a good thing to know, especially at this time of year.
A Texas Certified Nursery Professional is someone who has passed a comprehensive test administered by the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. The test covers plant identification, pests, plant nutrition, basic landscape design and the proper use of chemicals.
It’s not an easy test – the testing lasts for hours and only 30% of those who take the test pass it on the first try. That’s why we’re particularly proud that seven folks on the staff at Smith’s passed the test the first time around. That means we know our stuff!
This is the time of year when you’ll start to see problems with your turf, your trees, your shrubs and flowers. Sometimes it’s an insect; sometimes it’s a disease; often it’s improper watering.
It’s important to identify the problem correctly. Spraying a lot of insecticide on a plant that has been improperly watered won’t help – it could hurt and it is expensive.
When you have trouble, bring a sample of the affected plant (seal it inside a zip-lock bag, in case it is something contagious) and bring it in to Smith’s. Photos can also be very helpful.
Let one of our TCNP’s help you diagnose and care for your problem plants. We’re more qualified that that guy down the street (no offense, neighbor), or the gardening expert online who may live in Massachusetts (no offense, Mass.).