TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 5: Rooted in Quality: A Conversation with Savanna Taylor Thornton of Lone Star Trees

In this episode, we sit down with Savanna Taylor Thornton, Business Development lead at Lone Star Trees, to get an insider’s look at how the 2025 spring season is shaping up for one of Central Texas’ premier wholesale tree growers. Savanna shares what’s flying off the field this year, the growing demand from landscape and nursery professionals, and what trends are taking root when it comes to tree types and sizes.

We also dive into how recent worldwide issues that are impacting production, the ongoing challenges her team is navigating—from labor and logistics to pricing pressures—and how Lone Star Trees continues to prioritize quality and service.

Beyond the field, Savanna brings a dynamic perspective shaped by her roles as Vice Chairman of TNLA Region VIII and a graduate of TNLA’s Leadership Bootcamp. She talks about how those leadership experiences have informed her approach to business development and industry advocacy.

Savanna shares her foresight into looking ahead to what’s next for Lone Star Trees in 2025 and shares how professionals can best connect for collaboration and sourcing.

Guest Bio:
Savanna Taylor Thornton is the Business Development lead for Lone Star Trees, a family-run wholesale grower of field-grown specimen trees based in Central Texas. She also serves as the Vice Chairman of TNLA Region VIII and is a proud graduate of TNLA’s Leadership Bootcamp Class III. With a strong horticultural background and a passion for supporting the green industry, Savanna is dedicated to bridging the gap between quality tree production and the professionals who need them.

Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by the Federation of Employers and Workers of America (FEWA). FEWA is committed to supporting ethical employment practices and workforce solutions in agriculture and beyond.

To learn more, visit https://fewaglobal.org/.