BYU’s Plant and Landscape Systems Team Wins Their 10th National Championship

Four rows of smiling male and female college students wearing blue hoodies posing together for a photo. The students in the first two rows are kneeling on the floor of the stage. The student in the center of the first row holds a trophy while the students on the ends of the row hold BYU flags. Projected onto the screen behind them are the letters 'BYU'.

In March, the BYU Plant and Landscape Systems (PALS) team showcased their skills at Colorado State University during the 49th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), this event had BYU competing against 56 other four-year universities and two-year community colleges. BYU won the overall competition, marking their 10th National Championship.

BYU professors Greg Jolley and Phil Allen from the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences coached the team, while the faculty and grounds staff offered mentorship and support. This year, captains Tyler Stewart (PWS ‘26) and McKinsey Flores (PWS ‘26) personally prepared and motivated each member of the team. The presidency of the BYU PALS Club also contributed to their preparation. “The students create the synergy and team dynamic that makes them successful,” Jolley shared. Their drive to succeed and passion for plant and landscape systems is evident in their performance at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.

The competition features 30 individual events, with scores from each combined to determine the national champion. BYU had 60 students participate, scoring 5115 points out of a possible 6000. This remarkable performance marks only the second time a team has exceeded 5000 points to win the team title.

Brunette female college student wearing a black hat and a blue sweatshirt with the words 'Brigham Young University Plant and Landscape Systems' printed on the front in white on her knees with landscaping equipment scattered on the grass around her.

The NALP also gives out scholarships at this competition. This year, nearly 85 scholarships were awarded, with BYU receiving 15 of them—the highest total from any one university. BYU students received just under $20,000 in scholarship funds, including three Platinum Scholarships (PAS), each worth $2000 or more. This impressive achievement highlights BYU’s commitment to academic success.

With this remarkable victory, the BYU PALS team has set a new standard of excellence for upcoming students. Their achievements in breaking records and winning six of the last seven competitions will undoubtedly inspire future members to uphold this legacy. The unwavering support from the BYU Grounds team has played a crucial role in their success. As they look forward to future competitions, the BYU PALS team continues to move forward with dedication and a bright future ahead.

Note

First Place Winners for the Individual Competitions:

Compact Track/Skid Steer Operation – Larkin Parsons-Keir
Construction Cost Estimating – Emma Smith
Hardscape Installation – Israel Boekweg and Tyler Stewart
Interior Plant Identification – Leah Smith
Landscape Maintenance Operations – Joshua Merkley and Mia Madsen
Robotics and Technology in Landscape Design and Maintenance – Ashlyn Brown
Sales Presentation – Tucker Thompson

Second-Place Winners:

Business Management – Tahis Ibanez
Compact Excavator Operation – Ryan Apostolo
Irrigation Troubleshooting – Andrew Edholm and Trenton Hawks
Landscape Lighting – Brinlee Romney
Plant Problem Diagnosis – Geneva Bell
Small Engine Repair – Preston Madsen

Third-Place Winners:

Annual and Perennial ID – Alexandra Petty
Business Management – Ethan Winfield
Plant Problem Diagnosis – Ashlyn Thacker
Robotics and Technology in Landscape Design and Maintenance – Raeya Wardle