Trees have been used for thousands of years as a form of decoration, typically to celebrate winter through many different cultures. Pagans used evergreen fir branches to decorate the inside of their home during winter to get them excited for spring to come. Romans used the trees to decorate their temples. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God.

Though there are many stories about the first Christmas tree, the first person to bring a Christmas tree inside was likely Martin Luther in the 16th century. In Germany, the first Christmas trees were decorated with things like gingerbread and painted apples along with glass ornaments. Christmas trees did not make it over to Britain until the 1830’s but then became quickly popular with the help of Prince Albert. Today, two thirds of US households display an artificial tree where fewer than 1 in 5 display a real tree.

There are several different species of trees used as Christmas trees but these are the most popular:

1. Balsam Fir
2. Douglas Fir
3. Frasier Fir
4. Scotch Pine
5. Colorado Blue Spruce

As for the Christmas lights, there are a few claims regarding who began this tradition. In 1880, Thomas Edison strung some of his new electric bulbs around the his office. Then, in 1882, Edward Johnson, a colleague of Edison’s, hand strung red, white, and blue bulbs together and put them on his tree in his apartment.

The holidays are a time of reflection, looking back at what you have accomplished and looking forward at what is to come. So we decided to study up on the history of the Christmas tree. As we reflect, we think about how our faith got us to where we are. Thank you for another year of business. We hope you enjoy the holiday season relaxing and enjoying with your loved ones. We are looking forward to a bright 2019.

When 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!

Folks 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!

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.