Cahaba Tractor Co.
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Issue 62                            
April 2016
 

 

Spring is finally here! It's time to pull off the heavy jackets, put on the garden gloves and get outside. 

Need help with your lawn? Kubota has a great line of Walk-Behind and Zero-Turn mowers, like the Kubota Z122RKW-42 inch cut Zero Turn Mower. This Kommander series mower will help you get the job done in less time and it's still on sale at a great price, just $3,899 plus a 3-year warranty. Get it now with 0% financing for 36 months. See more below.

Forget the zombie apocalypse! We've got alien invaders--right here in Alabama! No, this is not an April Fool's joke. Get all the breaking news in our three-part series Invasion of the Alien Species, Part I: Invasive Plants in this month's Chewin' the Cud. 

Grab your tools, gloves and the April Gardening Guide and start planting!  

Springtime brings many opportunities to check out what's going on around the state. See April Activities and Events for details. 
  
  Spring has Sprung  
Let's Get in Gear!
 
Kubota Z122RKW-42 Zero Turn Mower $3,899
3 year warranty and 36 months with 0% financing!

Come by and check it out today!


  Used Products and Specials  

Check out all the great deals at cahabatractor.com.
Hurry in for the best selection!

Get this and other great buys in our Used Products!
John Deere 5075M $38,800 with New Loader


Grab these Specials today!
Kubota L2501 with Front Loader
See dealer for Special Package Deal Prices!

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 Used and Special-priced equipment! 
Chewin' the Cud: The Cahaba Tractor Corner
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   Invasion of the Alien Species
        Part I: Invasive Plants    
 

They're here! While these aliens are not from outer space, the goal of these little green invaders is to take over the world---or at least our state. It just may take some super hero help to eradicate these villains once and for all.

Invasive species are non-native species of plants, animals or other organisms that are introduced to an area located outside their original territory or region. Since they have no natural enemies to limit their reproduction and growth, they aggressively spread throughout their new home causing environmental, economic and human harm-hence the name "invasive". Current research estimates that there are more than 4,300 invasive non-native species in the U.S.

Invasive species are one of the leading threats to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and human health costing the U.S. over $120 billion in damages every year. They are also a threat to the survival of approximately 42% of endangered species.

Unlike many non-native plants, which can be beneficial to their surroundings and are easily controlled, invasive plants out-compete native plants for nutrients and water. They also tend to flower more frequently and produce more seeds giving them a stronger foothold over the native plants. Therefore, it is imperative to control and eradicate them early on.

These are some of the negative impacts from invasive plant species:
*Decrease biodiversity by dominating plant communities
*Change ecosystem processes such as fire, nutrient flow and flooding
*Hybridize with native plants and cause loss of genetic material
*Threaten agriculture and livestock
*Hinder efforts to restore threatened and endangered species
*Reduce recreation opportunities
*Expensive to control

The Alabama Invasive Plant Council, a non-profit state-wide organization, was formed in 2003 to provide education and support in identifying and preventing the spread of invasive plants in Alabama and the Southeast. Though the list of state invasives can be extensive, the organization has compiled a list of Alabama's 10 Worst Invasive Weeds:

1. Kudzu - Known as "The Vine that Ate the South," this rapidly reproducing invader is native to China. It was introduced into the South in the 1930s and 50s for forage, erosion control and as a quick-growing ornamental. However, in the spring it can grow up to a foot a day and cover anything in its path. Control methods: herbicides, overgrazing and mechanical root removal.


2. Tallowtree - This deciduous tree is native to Eastern Asia. It was introduced to South Carolina in the 1700s and the gulf coast in the early 1900s. The colorful fall foliage made it a favorite landscape tree. However, many southern states have banned its sale because of its aggressive growth and displacement of native forest trees. Control methods: herbicides to foliage, stems or cut stumps.


3. Cogongrass - Native to Asia, this highly flammable grass was introduced into the Mobile area in the early 1900s. More than one half of the state's counties have infestations of cogongrass. It is a federal and Alabama State-listed Noxious Weed. Control methods: multiple herbicide treatments done over several years.


4. Chinese Privet - Was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental plant in 1853. This evergreen shrub is sold as a variegated traditional hedge. It is also useful as a deer browse and habitat for birds. The plant invades fencerows, forested creek bottoms and upland forests through seeds carried by birds and prolific root-suckering. Densely stemmed infestations can reach up to 30 feet tall. Control methods: herbicides to foliage, stems and cut stumps.


5. Tropical Soda Apple - This thorny perennial shrub is native to Brazil and Argentina. It was introduced to Florida in 1988 and Alabama in 1994. It has since invaded about one million acres in five southern states within seven years after its arrival. Currently, more than fifteen thousand acres in Alabama are infested with the shrub. Easily spread through cattle, hay, composted manure and wildlife, this is a federal and Alabama State-listed Noxious Weed. Control methods: multi-year herbicide applications.


6. Japanese Climbing Fern - This viney perennial fern is native to Asia and Australia. It was brought to the U.S. in the 1930s and is increasingly spread throughout Alabama by wind-blown and water carried spores and shipments of contaminated pine straw. It dies back each winter. However, new growth quickly covers shrubs and trees, displacing native plants and wildlife. Control methods: Prescribed burns to reduce vines and herbicide applications to foliage to control underground stems.


7. Invasive Roses - Comprised of multiflora rose, Cherokee rose and Macartney rose, these invasive plants are native to Asia and were introduced to the U.S. as ornamentals, livestock containment and wildlife habitat plantings. The invaders quickly dominate pastures, forest edges, right-of-ways and wetlands habitats making areas impenetrable. Control methods: repeated herbicide applications and biocontrol agents to weaken plants.


8. Eurasian Water Milfoil - Introduced into the U.S. in the 1940s as an aquarium plant, this plant originates from Eurasia. The submersed, mat-forming perennial grows in fresh and brackish waters. It aggressively invades reservoirs, rivers and lakes, replacing native wildlife and destroying fish habitation. Plant fragments cling to boats and trailers, spreading throughout waterways. Seeds also cause mass reproductive growth. Control methods: herbicide applications


9. Hydrilla - This submersed herbaceous plant is native to Asia and Africa. It was introduced into Florida in the 1950s or early 60s. It infests fresh water ponds, rivers and lakes. It also has plant parts that piggy-back on boats and trailers--overcrowding native plants and fish habitats. The dense mats interfere with water flow, drainage, navigation and harbors mosquitoes. It is a federal and Alabama State-listed Noxious Weed. Control methods: herbicide applications


10. Alligator Weed - This perennial freshwater invader, introduced to the U.S. in the 1890s through ship ballast water, is native to South America. It forms dense mats in various water bodies, wetlands, low-lying and upland areas replacing native species and destroying fish habitats. The thick mats prevent recreational use and can cause flooding issues due to slow drainage. Control methods: While the South American flea beetle was used for controlling the weed's spread in Florida, the beetle won't survive the colder winters of central and north Alabama. Therefore, herbicide treatments over several years will better help control and eradicate the weed. 

These are just some of the many invasive pants located in Alabama. Since these plants are highly adaptable and have developed the survival skills to out-compete native plants, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to limit their spread and potentially eradicate these alien invaders by: 
  • Planting native plants and removing all invasive plants in your garden.
  • Clean all boots, gear, boats, tires and other equipment regularly after use to remove insect and plant parts that may spread to other areas.
  • When camping, buy firewood near your campsite (within 30 miles) to eliminate invertebrates and plants from hitching a ride to a new area.  
To learn more about Alabama native plants read, the ACES Extension Daily article:
Plant Alabama Native Plants for an Earth-Friendly Landscape. 
 

 Next month: Part II: Invasive Animals 

 
Spring has sprung! Things are growing and blooming and we've got all the equipment you'll need to keep up. Our job is to make your job easier, so come on by and see us for all the latest from Kubota.

Sincerely,
Cahaba Tractor Co.
2411 Hwy. 31 South
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 663-1470



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At Cahaba Tractor,
we make work seem like play!
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 Somebody's Watching

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to 
place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze.

When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light back on and began searching for more valuables.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."
 
Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice.

Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.  "Did you say that?" He hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."   

 

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"  

 

"Moses," replied the bird.   

 

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of stupid people would name a parrot Moses?"   

 

The bird promptly answered, "Probably the same kind of people that would name a Rotweiller "Jesus"! 

 


--Anonymous 

Planting
April    
Gardening Guide

Fruits and Nuts:

Strawberry planting season continues. Bud apples and peaches. Plant raspberries and blackberries. Begin spray program for all fruits.    

 

Vegetable Seed:

Plant tender vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers. Plant heat-loving vegetables in lower south Alabama. Follow the AL Vegetable Garden Planting Chart for planting dates.

Vegetable Plants:
Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes and parsley.

Annuals and Perennials:
Plant early-started annuals and bedding plants from nurseries and garden centers. Divide mums or root cuttings. Dig up and divide dahlias.

Bulbs: 
Plant gladiolas, fancy-leaf caladiums, milk and wine lilies, and ginger and gloriosa lilies.

Roses:
Watch for insects and disease. Continue removing old flower heads. Plant container grown plants from nurseries or garden centers.
   
Shrubs:

Prune spring-flowering shrubs after flowering. Fertilize azaleas and camellias. After new growth is half completed, spray all shrubs with fungicide. 

 

Lawns:

Continue planting. Water newly planted lawns as needed and fertilize at 3-6 week intervals. Keep rye grass cut low, especially if over-planted on bermuda lawns.     

 

Miscellaneous: 

*Spray camellias, hollies, etc., for insects.     

 

*Carefully water new plantings of shrubs and trees.  

 

*Pinching out tips of new shoots promotes more compact shrubs.      

 

*April is ideal for transplanting trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials.  

   

The gardening guide is based upon the USDA hardiness zones for Alabama.

The state zones are: 

North Alabama - 7a
Birmingham area - 7b
South Alabama - 8a
Mobile area - 8b
 
For more gardening info, visit:
April
 Activities and Events

April in Talladega
April 8-9

Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival
Millbrook
April 9

Alabama Book Festival
Montgomery
April 9

Cajun Cook-off
Railroad Park
Birmingham
April 9


April 14

Spring Plant Sale
Brookwood Village
April 14-17

USS Alabama Crewmen's Association Reunion
Mobile
April 16




April 22

Racking Horse Spring Show
Decatur
April 21-24

Magic City Art Connection
Birmingham
April 22-24

Earth Day at the Gardens
Birmingham
April 23

Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party
Orange Beach
April 23


April 29

Southern Youth Bulls and Barrels
Centreville
April 30

Delta Woods & Waters Expo
Spanish Fort
April 30

Morgan County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Decatur
April 30 - May 1

For more Alabama events this month, visit birmingham365.org or

    

Contact Us:
Cahaba Tractor Co.

2411 Hwy 31 South
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 663-1470
sales@cahabatractor.com
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm M-F

          8:00am-12:00pm Sat.


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