If you haven’t caught on yet, Sargent’s is all about growth. We grow plants. We grow people. We grow communities. It’s kind of our thing.
To that end, we are also growing the services we offer our customers. Our tree care services were introduced a few years ago and since then, we’ve helped a lot of customers keep their trees and shrubs happy and healthy. As demand for this service continues to grow, so does our need for passionate, talented people. Enter Hannah Hayes.
Although she’s a brand new member of the Sargent’s team, we can confidently say that her knowledge and passion for trees is unmatched. Read on to learn about Hannah and how she became a tree expert. If you have a tree or shrub problem that you’d like Hannah to take a look at, head over to our Tree Care Services page and request your free consultation!
When did your passion for horticulture begin?
Both of my parents are BIG gardeners, which meant until I was 17, I wanted nothing to do with plants. My parents used to take the LONG way when dropping me off with friends so they could drive by their favorite gardens, or bring me with them to a nursery where I would tell anyone who listened that I was bored out of my mind.
Fast forward to college, I had some WONDERFUL advisors who encouraged me to take Horticulture 101 during my freshman year. It took only a few days of classes before I knew this was going to be my passion in life. Since then, I have fully embraced the fact I am becoming my mother.
What's your favorite tree and why does it hold a special place in your heart?
THIS IS SUCH A HARD QUESTION FOR A TREE GEEK!
While it’s not suitable for Minnesota, one of my favorites is The 7-Sons-Flower Heptacodium miconioides. It is such a cool plant, with interest in all seasons. It has this beautiful peeling bark that stands out in the winter and long handsome leaves that give the tree a full and fluffy appearance. But the coolest part of this plant is its flowers.
It blooms in late September, which is very strange, but it gets even stranger! The large white blooms at the end of the new tips are so fragrant you can smell it from down the street, not to mention the sound of bees happily harvesting late-season pollen. BUT when the 3 week flowering period is over the petals drop off and reveal vivid red sepals that give the appearance of a second bloom that lasts into early November!
What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
I really love getting to help people find the root cause of the issue and find a suitable solution.
As someone who works with trees every day, do you have any secret tips you can share?
The best thing you can do for your trees, shrubs, family, or friends is try to reduce stress by controlling things you CAN control. Starting with small things like watering, fertilization, and mulching, to bigger items like pruning and insect treatments.
What is something unique about you that few people are aware of?
I have a cone and insect collection – not a big shock when you get to know me.
I tore my ACL at a horticulture event, trying to get a better look at a radish.
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