2026 UNLA Awards
The UNLA is now accepting 2026 UNLA Award Nominations
Event Details
The UNLA Industry Awards Program seeks to honor and highlight green industry individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to their fields. We would like to recognize their accomplishments and outstanding work. *Remember, you can nominate others or yourself.*
Nominations will close on October 10th, 2025, and award winners will be notified by the UNLA in November 2025. All award winners will be recognized at our awards reception to be held on January 5 during the 2026 Utah Green Conference, as well as in the 2026 Vol 1 Trunkline magazine, and promoted through the UNLA website and social media.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Distinguished Contribution Award
Criterion: Recognizing and celebrating outstanding contribution to the nursery and landscape industry, awarded to any UNLA member.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination, duration in industry, and UNLA membership.
Public Service Award (Municipalities, Water Districts, and Educators)
Criterion: Awarded to a non-elected official, honoring a public servant who made significant contributions by implementing policies that promote professional innovation.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination and a demonstration of application of standards, change, and industry impact.
Women in the Green Industry Award
Criterion: Awarded to a woman who has made significant contributions, demonstrated achievement, and success in the Utah green industry.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination, detailed achievements listed, and industry duration and impact.
Outstanding Merit Award
(The award recipient will be decided by the Executive Board)
Criterion: Awarded to a UNLA member who has given unselfishly of their time, resources, and talents to serve the association.
LANDSCAPE AWARD CATEGORIES
Eligibility Requirements: The landscape awards are open to UNLA members, and they may only submit projects that are completed in Utah. Companies should be compliant with standards that align with the UNLA. Projects may include any or all the following features: plantings, hardscapes, structures, water features, and lighting. We will make a video with pictures from the project.
Commercial Landscape Installation Excellence Award
Criterion: Awarded to a company for outstanding work on a commercial landscape installation, including but not limited to aesthetics, functionality, and owner satisfaction. For a nomination to be complete, this submission will require picture demonstration.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination, high quality pictures showing functionality and aesthetics, and quality of installation.
Residential Landscape Installation Excellence Award
Criterion: Awarded to a company for outstanding work on a residential landscape installation, including but not limited to aesthetics, functionality, and owner satisfaction. For a nomination to be complete, this submission will require picture demonstration.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination, high quality pictures showing functionality and aesthetics, and quality of installation.
Landscape Management & Maintenance Award (Residential or Commercial)
Criterion: Awarded to a project where the plants under consideration have been cared for by the entrant for 12 months or more. Photos showing progression are highly recommended and please mention in the written description whether your project includes lawn care. For a nomination to be complete, this submission will require picture demonstration.
What judges are looking for with this category: description and reasoning for nomination, high quality pictures showing functionality and aesthetics, and quality of installation over a duration of time.
For More Information:
RECOGNITION & PUBLICITY
• All award-winning companies will be invited to attend the UNLA Industry Awards Reception at the Utah Green Conference on Monday, January 5, 2026.
• All winning entries will receive a beautiful, personalized plaque. You will also receive a digital copy emailed to you.
• Each winning entry will be featured on the UNLA Website under blog articles and listed in the 2026 Volume 1 Trunkline.
• UNLA will promote the award winners on social media.
• Companies will receive marketing tools such as digital award graphics, press release, and more!