How to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

November 2, 2018 by

It’s fall, and that means it’s time to get your trees ready for winter. Here are some tips to prep your trees for cold weather:

  1. Close-up of yellow birch trees in the fallFertilize – Winter can be tough on plants and trees. One of the best things you can do to protect trees in the winter is to fertilize them in the fall. Proper fertilization can improve your trees’ lifespan and protects them from insects and diseases.
  2. Rake – Not raking can create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Without removing the leaves, you increase the chances your trees will contract diseases during the spring when the weather warms and fungal spores are released.
  3. Water – Trees can suffer drought stress during winter just like summer. Make sure they stay hydrated by watering your trees’ root zone.
  4. Mulch – Mulching can help plants and trees stay warm and hydrated during fall and winter months. Just make sure to not pile it up directly against the trunk as this can lead to rot.
  5. Inspect – Make sure your trees and plants are free of disease and insects. Mites, beetles, lace bugs, and many other pests are very active during this time of year.
  6. Plant – Winter is the perfect time to plant trees in Alabama. The cooler fall weather makes for the perfect condition to stimulate root growth among newly planted trees.

If your Alabama nursery is in need of autumn trees, contact us today at (800) 892-4326. We have the shade trees and ornamental trees that are perfect for your clients’ commercial and residential lawns!

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Reds, Yellows, and Oranges: Top Trees For Best Fall Color

October 4, 2018 by

Close-up of red maple leaves on a branch

Looking to stock some beautiful trees for your Alabama nursery or landscape company? Then consider these 3 colorful Alabama fall trees:

  • Gingkos – The gorgeous gingko tree originates from China and sports unique fan-shaped leaves. These ancient trees are the sole survivors of tree varieties that grew over 200 million years ago! Their one-of-a-kind leaves turn a beautiful yellow during the fall.
  • Yellow Poplar – These are among the first trees to turn colors in the autumn, so they’re great to add a little color early in the season. As the name implies, their leaves turn a beautiful yellow color.
  • Maples – Truth be told, we could have filled this entire list with maples. Red Maples are the most popular choice in Alabama and also make wonderful shade trees. Japanese Maples are a smaller variety and produce red, purple, and bronze leaves in the fall and green and red leaves in the summer. When properly cared for, Sugar Maple leaves turn a stunning yellow or orange in the Fall. Silver Maples are another excellent choice for yellow fall leaves. Finally, consider Paperbark Maples to add bright red to an autumn yard.
  • Dogwoods – Another wonderful option is the Dogwood. Dogwoods are known for their amazing spring flowers, but this tree is equally beautiful during fall months when it sports a deep, rich red foliage.
  • Hickory – This long-lived deciduous tree is an excellent choice for open areas or very large landscapes. Tall and handsome, Hickories turn an outstanding deep yellow in the fall.

Looking for more information on ornamental Alabama trees? Then sign up to receive the free 3am Growers ornamental tree and shrub catalog today!

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What’s With Red Leaves in Summer?

September 6, 2018 by

red leafWhen we think of healthy plants and shrubs, we think of vibrant green leaves. But have you ever noticed that some trees and shrubs have red leaves all year round? We’re used to seeing beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall as the leaves change, but certain foliage stays that way no matter what time of year. Here’s why…

Why Leaves Are Usually Green

Have you ever wondered what makes trees, grass, and other plants green? At 3am Growers in Tallassee, Alabama, we thought we’d tell you. It’s all about chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is used in conjunction with sunlight to create food in plants. It’s a vital part of photosynthesis and integral for plant life.

Reasons for Red Leaves

Some plants have red leaves all year round because they are parasitic. Certain weeds, vines, and other plants can’t produce their own chlorophyll so the take it from other plants and trees growing nearby.

Other trees and plants with red leaves produce chlorophyll, but they have other stuff going on as well. Chlorophyll actually absorbs and filters out red and blue light, leaving the vibrant greens we see in most plants. However, some plants, trees, and bushes have other pigments at work that shine through the filtration system of its chlorophyll.

Plants with red leaves that produce their own chlorophyll also produce high levels of anthocyanins. This is another pigment that has a high level of red and purple pigments.

Why Does This Variation Happen?

No one is 100 percent certain why some trees have a higher level of anthocyanins and hence a red-colored leaf. Some think it’s an adaptation to protect against sun intensity. One thing we do know, though, is that trees like Japanese Maples and other red leaved trees can be a beautiful part of your residential or commercial landscaping. Give us a call to find out more about your options at 3am Growers today!

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Design Your Landscape with Curb Appeal!

August 24, 2018 by

curb appealFolks will call just about any yard with a little bit of grass and a plant or two “landscaped.” But at 3am Growers in Tallassee, Alabama, we know a thing or two about planting your property for maximum curb appeal. Creating a beautiful outdoor space can change the way you feel about your home and the way others look at your it. Luckily there is a science to it, though.

Work With Your House

A lot of landscapers will try to bring in all kinds of crazy plant combinations to make a yard look fancy. However, the most important part of a well-landscaped yard starts with the house. Every yard is different and at 3am Growers, we take the time to walk you through different species that will work great with the canvas that your house gives you instead of trying to force trendy designs into the wrong space.

Aim the Focus

If you are landscaping to maximize your curb appeal, you should focus on trying to center your design on the path from the drive to your front door. This area draws the eye and will be the most seen aspect of your landscaping. Making your walk beautiful is half the battle, so definitely don’t skimp here.

Accessorize!

Once you have a solid plan for your front walk, you’ll want to start thinking about how to fill out the rest of your front yard. Evergreens like hollies are great fillers because they keep your yard looking vibrant all year long. Creating mulched flower beds around trees is another great option.

No matter what you’re working with, though, our pros at 3am Growers can help you find the perfect complement of plant species to make your curb appeal pop!

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Breathe Easy With These 3 Air-Purifying Trees

August 3, 2018 by

green maple tree leavesThere are so many reasons to love trees, from their beauty to their many environmental benefits. In addition to providing wildlife with habitat space that is often lacking in modern neighborhoods, preventing erosion, and providing shade, they also serve another very important function: purifying the air!

If you’re considering adding trees to your yard, we’re here to help. Read on to learn how trees improve air quality, and which trees will make great additions to your landscape.

How do trees purify the air?

Just as humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon monoxide as a waste product, trees “breathe” too! However, they take in carbon monoxide (as well as pollutants like nitrogen oxide, ammonia, ozone, etc.) and release oxygen as a waste product.

What type of trees should I plant?

  • Maple – This tree has a high capacity for absorbing CO2. Not to mention that it’s beautiful and grows a staggering 82 feet.
  • Oak – Oaks are a wonderful option. These majestic trees also eliminate large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants, and they can grow even larger than maples. Some species of Oak grow to well over 100 feet tall!
  • Ash – This deciduous tree grows quickly and can store large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants over the course of 30 years.

Are you ready to add value to your home, beautify your yard, and do your part to help reduce smog and CO2? Well then contact us by giving us a call today at (800) 892-4326! We’d love to help you choose the trees that are right for you.

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Tips for Pairings Plants in Your Yard

July 20, 2018 by

landscaped yardWhether you’re a bona fide green-thumbed gardener or just planting your first leafy friend, you probably know some plants go better together than others. But even the pros can get mixed up from time to time.

At 3am Growers, we want to make sure your landscaping looks top notch. We have some tips for picking out plants that could go great in your yard. Check it out and then get out and plant something!

Flowers, Bushes and Trees

We’re lucky to have wide array of plant species that thrive here in Tallassee, Alabama. So, finding a good mixture of trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers for your yard shouldn’t be too difficult. Flowers such as Hydrangeas like a nice warm morning light with shade in the afternoon. Think about planting a holly bush next to it to provide some contrasting color and late-day cover.

Cedar trees are fast growing trees that don’t lose their leaves and provide lots of shade. Try adding a flower bed around the bottom of a cedar tree with flowers that like shade.

Seasons Turn, So Should Your Garden

When you’re planning out what to plant, remember to think about all the growing seasons. You can easily maintain a beautiful landscape at least nine months out of the year by planting smart. At 3am Growers, we have a great selection of plants that will thrive in spring, summer and fall. Your best bet is to give us a call or visit our plant nursery to find out what plants match your needs specifically. We’re always happy to help!

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Spotting Summer Tree Diseases

July 5, 2018 by

TreesWhat’s better than sitting in the shade of that big old oak tree in your yard sipping some lemonade and taking in the gorgeous green landscape of Alabama in the summer? We can’t think of much that could top that and at 3am Growers, we want to ensure your trees stay healthy so you can keep enjoying those special moments.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few tree diseases that can affect your landscaping. But most diseases can be treated if caught early. Using our list to identify problems with your trees can save your favorite shade tree and your summer relaxation!

Cankers– There are a lot of different canker diseases that will attack trees. Cankers are caused by a fungus that invades trees with wounded bark. Cankers look like a blister or a burl section on the tree. If a canker is spotted on a limb, the limb should be cut off. More advanced cankers will require a professional tree service.

Molds– Again, there are a lot of different types of molds that can distress and even kill your trees. From sooty mold which looks like chimney soot, to powdery mildew which has a white, powdery appearance, the best way to treat mold is to call in the pros.

Bacterial Wetwood– this infection is also known as slime flux and looks like a wet, weeping section on a tree’s trunk or limbs. It usually appears near a crotch section or near old pruning scars. Unfortunately, there are no proven methods to cure a tree with wetwood. The best action is to make sure your tree’s overall health is as good as it can be so it is better able to fight off the infection naturally.

For more information about spotting tree diseases or to have your trees inspected, give our tree service experts a call at 3am Growers in Tallassee, AL.

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Save Your Trees from the Summer Heat

June 18, 2018 by

It’s no surprise that it gets hot in the Alabama summer–at 3am Growers we’re already sweating! Your customers aren’t the only ones suffering, though! Trees also need protection from the soaring temperatures and scorching sun in these months. Customer education will go a long way towards creating and retaining a loyal customer base, so make sure you’re keeping yours up to date on how to care for their trees in the summer.

Moisture is one of the first things to go in the heat. Watering should be done during the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and water is less likely to evaporate before it does any good. This will also help to conserve water, especially in drought situations. Make sure customers adjust their automatic sprinklers if applicable. Adjust watering schedules based on the weather–if it’s raining a lot, water less.

Proper mulching helps protect surface roots from sun damage and helps to keep moisture in the soil long enough to get used by trees, rather than sucked back up into the atmosphere. And remember not to encourage trimming, especially in a drought situation. Trimming encourages new growth, and that requires a lot more water.

With proper care and management, trees provide shade that helps keep cooling costs down in homes and businesses. They also provide much-needed sources of food and shelter for beneficial insects and animals, and they look so lovely! Help your customers take care of their trees during the hot summer months and everyone will benefit.

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Spring’s Beautiful Blooms: Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, & More

June 1, 2018 by

spring flowersThe warm weather and blooming flowers are signs that spring is here and winter has passed. With this season, there is more color on lawns, across mountains, and in meadows than any other time of the year. There is a natural beauty about spring that is difficult to ignore.

Although flowers normally get most of the glory, they are not the only element of spring that causes jaws to drop. Take a look at several spring trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulb plants that can transform your lawn into a beautiful oasis:

Spring’s Shrubs & Trees

Most everything about nature’s spring season is pleasing to the eye. But, spring is not all about color; it’s about differing heights, too! With beautiful trees and shrubs layered throughout your lawn, they create a backdrop for the stunning spring flowers that bloom. Several trees and shrubs that bloom during spring include witch hazel, forsythia, and magnolia trees. Adding one or more of these trees and shrubs to your yard will enhance its aesthetically pleasing element and give you, the homeowner, a plethora of benefits.

Spring’s Perennials & Bulb Plants

Underneath the much-needed shrubs and trees are flowering perennials and bulb plants. Perennials are plants that grow every spring and summer but die off during autumn and winter. Perennials, such as a Lenten rose and Pasque flower, are a great purchase because they last for years to come. Bulb plants, such as daffodils and snowdrops, add astounding color to one’s lawn. Combining these plants can create a haven for gardeners and outdoor lovers, alike.

Before spring ends, come to 3am Growers in Tallassee, Alabama, for your greenery needs. Contact us today if you have any questions!

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Trees for Bees!

May 24, 2018 by

Bees serve a crucial environmental function, and more and more people are becoming aware of that. If your customers are seeking ways to improve conditions for bees in their landscaping, point them to trees! Trees don’t just improve a customer’s curb appeal, provide shade, and protect the soil. The right ones will also make a great home for these important pollinators.

How important are bees? Well, approximately one third of the food we eat on this planet is the result of honey bee pollination. That’s a huge amount of food! Think what would happen if that stopped? Bees aren’t just cute and useful–they’re also very industrious. A worker bee will fly over 30,000 miles in their lifetime. That’s bigger than the circumference of the earth.

What kind of trees are best for bees? Native species, of course. Fortunately for those of in the American Southeast, that means beautiful trees like magnolias. Their sweet blossoms will provide food for bees as well as birds and more. Native species will also marry best with the environment to help bees and other beneficial wildlife keep happy and healthy. Make sure your customers know how best to select and position their trees in their landscape.

The best time of year to plant trees is in the fall, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stock up now. As pollinators return, customers are thinking of ways to make these fuzzy creatures flying creatures welcome. Make sure you’re stocked up with the varieties offered by 3am Growers!

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