Common Weeds found in Tennessee

March 7, 2024June 3, 2020 by The Parke Company

Watch Out for These Weeds in Your Tennessee Lawn

Blowing on dandelions and watching their fluffy seedlings float through the air is a cherished summertime memory nearly everyone can relate to. But if you remember the joy of playing with dandelions, you can probably also recall the frustration of your mom or dad as they scolded you for spreading seeds across the lawn that would eventually turn into weeds.

As an adult, you know better. At this point in time, your first thought when you see a weed is how you can keep it from infiltrating your lawn or garden.

But just like all desirable plants are a little bit different in how they grow, different weeds are kept at bay by different methods.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your Nashville landscape from weeds.

What are the Most Common Weeds in Tennessee?

According to the landscaping experts at Preen, there are three different categories of weeds: broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, and woody weeds.

Each type of weed is named for their appearance. Broadleaf weeds are identified by the large leaves they tend to grow. Grassy weeds are similar in appearance to grass, which can make them difficult to identify. Woody weeds get their name from the strong, twig-like stems they grow, making them exceptionally tricky to remove.

In Tennessee, the most common weeds you’ll find will likely fall into the broadleaf or grassy weed categories.

Common Broadleaf Weeds

Bull Thistle

If you’ve ever walked through your lawn barefoot, only to feel the shock of a sharp pain underfoot, chances are that you’ve come in contact with some bull thistle.

These weeds have spines that are sharp and stiff and can grow between two and five feet tall. They develop a thick taproot within a year, so be sure to address these quickly.

Honeyvine Milkweed

This member of the milkweed family has heart-shaped leaves and white veins. Honeyvine can grow to be up to fifteen feet long and will wrap around any nearby vegetation or fences.

Removing these weeds is crucial for maintaining the health of the rest of your landscape.

Common Grassy Weeds

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is every property owner’s nightmare because it can present a whole host of lawn problems.

Crabgrass is often difficult to approach simply because it looks so similar to grass around it. This weed typically spreads outward, but it can grow up to two feet upright.

Green Foxtail

Chances are that you have seen this weed crawling up the sides of your buildings or creeping out of cracks in the pavement.

Green foxtail is a weed that forms clumps of grass, growing up to three feet tall with bristly “fox tails” at the top.

While these four are some of the most common types of weeds you may encounter in Tennessee, the list goes on and on. It is crucial that you have an advanced understanding of exactly what you’re dealing with on your property.

In any case, don’t leave the health of your landscape up to chance, leave it up to the experienced professionals at The Parke Company.

From lawn mowing to tree removal, the landscaping professionals at The Parke Company have the experience and the skills to handle lawn problems and answer your landscaping services questions.

Let us meet the unique needs of your property and bring your design dreams to life. Let’s start with those weeds.

Give us a call (615-350-6033) or contact us online today to see how The Parke Company difference can work for you.

Traditional Mulch Vs. Pine Straw: Which Should You Choose?

March 7, 2024May 14, 2020 by The Parke Company

Should You Go With Mulch or Pine Straw?

As a homeowner or property manager, there are a million different decisions to make when it comes to landscaping. Between flower gardens, tree lines, and landscape installations, the finer details like soil and mulch might feel like unimportant choices to make. While easy to ignore, details like what goes into your soil are anything but small. If your landscape doesn’t have a healthy foundation, there is little chance that it will foster the kind of growth necessary to create a beautiful landscape. Don’t leave these crucial details up to chance. Make the right choice when it comes to soil health and opt for the mulch that’s perfect for your soil. If you’re lost deciding between a traditional mulch or pine straw, here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

What to Consider in Choosing Mulch or Pine Straw

Cost

Cost is one of the first factors to take into account when weighing your mulch options is cost. Mulch tends to cover large areas, so it may be a larger investment than some of your other landscaping project materials. As many landscaping professionals can attest, traditional mulch is typically the more expensive option of the two. Particularly if you are attempting to cover a large area (and don’t have a large budget to match), you may find that pine straw is a more prudent choice. On the whole, if what you’re looking for is a cheap option, pine straw is a quick, easy solution.

Maintenance Level

When it comes to a low-maintenance solution for mulch, it’s not quite as apparent which choice is the simplest of the two. In terms of installation, traditional mulch is a bit more cumbersome and labor-intensive. However, while installing pine mulch may be easier, maintaining it over time is a bit trickier. Pine mulch does not stay in place nearly as well as traditional mulch can, which can be problematic after a heavy rainfall or windy storm. In this case, pine straw needs to be replaced more regularly, which might even mean that it costs more than traditional mulch in the long run.

Efficacy

Efficacy of mulch might mean different things to different property owners. When deciding which mulch would be the most effective for your landscape, keep these metrics in mind: aesthetic, nutrient-value, environmental impact. In terms of aesthetic quality, mulch has a much more diverse array of options to cut, color, and material. Depending on your desired aesthetic, traditional mulch may be better suited to match your unique property. On the other hand, according to landscaping professionals like GreenPal, many people do prefer the look of pine straw, particularly in areas with dense populations of pine trees. Far and away, traditional mulch offers a greater nutrient-value to your plant beds. Furthermore, traditional mulch also acts as a much better moisture and weed barrier– keeping in the things your landscape needs and keeping out what it doesn’t.

Finally, as any ethical property owner would, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of mulch and pine straw. This category is a win for pine straw. In the production of traditional mulch, there are usually large machines used that have a negative impact on the environment. Mulches can also contain dyes and chemicals that may be hazardous in some cases. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you decide on the type of mulch that is right for the unique needs of your landscape– even if that is a combination of the two types! In any case, don’t let a random choice put the health of your landscape at risk, leave it up to the experienced professionals at The Parke Company.

From lawn mowing to tree removal, the landscaping professionals at The Parke Company have the experience and the skills to handle lawn problems and answer your landscaping services questions. Let us meet the unique needs of your property and bring your design dreams to life.

Give us a call (615-350-6033) or contact us online today to see how The Parke Company difference can work for you.

Jumpstarting Your Spring Irrigation System

March 7, 2024April 23, 2020 by The Parke Company

Get Ahead of Irrigation This Spring

Spring has arrived, and in some regions of the U.S., the warmer weather has already begun. After another long winter, you might be tempted to jump right back into your lawn maintenance and landscaping, and no one would blame you. After all, winter weather can take a heavy toll on your natural outdoor spaces, and you might think that the sooner you can breathe life back into your greenery, the better.

That said, you must approach these processes carefully and strategically, especially when it comes to jumpstarting your irrigation system. Failing to take the proper precautions can damage your lawn and your irrigation system itself.

How to Jumpstart Your Irrigation System

Understanding Your Irrigation

The first step to avoiding an irritating irrigation experience this spring is having a basic understanding of how your irrigation system works. While there is plenty of variation between these systems, they can serve the same purpose and function similarly. Their purpose, of course, is to automatically and consistently provide your lawn and garden with the right amount of hydration they need to thrive. When properly installed and calibrated, your irrigation system should save you time, energy, and water in the long run.

Irrigation systems are made up of several key components, namely pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. Of course, the size, shape, and material of these components will vary based on your circumstances, needs, and budget. In order for your irrigation system to operate efficiently and safely, the GPM (gallons per minute) of your water source must be measured. This rating will help determine the flow, size, and overall design of your system.

Your system must also be optimized for the type and size of surfaces being watered. For example, lawns require larger sprinklers to remain hydrated, and flower beds (which are more delicate) benefit from smaller heads. Sprinkler heads may also be stationary or rotate at a certain rate and angle. Lastly, your system’s shut-off valve and backflow prevention valve(s) should be placed in convenient locations to save on water costs and allow you to control flow.

Taking Proper Precaution When Rebooting Your Irrigation System

Even with a rudimentary notion of how your irrigation system functions, you might wonder why improperly restarting it in the spring can lead to lawn problems and potentially damage your system’s components.

Consider this: your pipes (which are beneath the soil) and sprinkler heads (which are just above it) have just endured several months of freezing temperatures at the ground level. Additionally, water has not been flowing through your system during this time. All of this means that the inside of your system will be stiff and fragile, even if spring has already commenced. If you suddenly send gallons of water through it right after this dormant period, you’re bound to burst a pipe at the very least.

In order to jumpstart your irrigation system this spring without any problems, the first step is to be patient. You’ll want to wait until the ground has fully thawed. You can do so by inserting a shovel into the soil, aiming to penetrate at least 12” before contacting hard, frozen ground. Then, be sure to inspect your system’s components (sprinkler heads, valves, etc.). Check for damage and remove any dirt, debris, clogs, etc.

Also, make sure your backflow prevention device is properly attached to your system (you or your lawn services may have removed it for the winter months) and close test cocks, open shut-off valves, and tighten all bolts. Once everything checks out, you can turn on the water, but do it very, very slowly, opening the main valve just a bit so a small amount of water can enter the system. The less pressure, the better.

When in Doubt, Rely on the Professionals

All of the steps outlined above are necessary for getting your irrigation system back in action for spring. But if it all sounds too complicated or you simply want a professional touch, hire a reliable irrigation and/or landscaping service. At The Parke Company, our irrigation services include installation of new systems, add-ons to existing ones, repairs, backflow testing, winterization and spring startups, and more. Let us help you prepare your lawn for the warm weather. Give us a call today at 615-350-6033.

When is the Best Time of Year to Prune?

March 7, 2024April 13, 2020 by The Parke Company

When You Should Trim Your Bushes

When your natural outdoor spaces start looking shaggy, some pruning and/or trimming is probably in order. But before you get out there with your shears or hire tree trimming services, consider whether it’s the right time to perform this task. Indeed, certain times of the year present more optimal conditions for pruning trees and shrubs. Pruning during a less optimal season is more than just a hassle — it can have detrimental effects on your foliage, lawn, and potentially your property.

So, when is the best time of year to prune? Generally speaking, late winter through early spring. Of course, the “best time” to prune somewhat depends on what you’re pruning, so the answer isn’t so cut and dry (no pun intended).

What to Consider About Pruning

What are You Pruning?

Different types of trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. exhibit different growth patterns, and these growth patterns largely determine when it’s a good time to prune them.

For instance, hydrangeas typically bloom in the middle of spring, so it’s best to prune these shrubs earlier in the summer. Pruning them in the winter or spring will result in removing flower buds. Evergreen shrubs, on the other hand, should be pruned earlier, sometime in March or April, and deciduous trees should be pruned earlier still (February or March).

We won’t list every type of tree or shrub here, but the bottom line is that the optimal pruning time will hinge on what’s being pruned. Seek advice from professional tree pruners to get a more concrete answer for your scenario.

Why Prune in Late Winter/Early Spring?

For the vast majority of trees and shrubs, late winter through early spring (February-April) presents the ideal window for pruning. This might be surprising to some. After all, your trees might barely be budding in February, March, or even at the start of April. Indeed, this is exactly why this time of year is the best to trim your trees.

While your trees and shrubs are still relatively bare, you or your professional pruners can gain a clearer picture of their structure, direction of growth, condition/health, etc. Additionally, most trees and shrubs are dormant during this time of year, just getting ready to start growing with the warmer weather. With all of this in mind, late winter/early spring presents the best opportunity to shape your trees and direct their new growth.

Benefits of Proper Pruning

Pruning your trees and shrubs at the right time isn’t just a matter of enhancing your lawn’s appearance in the short-term. Proper tree pruning yields other benefits as well. First, keeping your shrubs and trees well-kempt is good for their long-term health. Secondly, reducing the expanse of your trees and shrubs helps keep your lawn healthy, too, as this allows it to receive more water and sunlight. And, perhaps most importantly, trimming and pruning your trees helps ensure that large branches and limbs don’t scrape or fall on your property during high winds.

Is it Too Late to Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?

Now that we’re well into April, you might wonder if it’s too late to have your trees and shrubs pruned. The answer is: no! While we’re exiting the peak pruning season for most types of trees, there is still time to get this important task done before spring comes into full force. At the very least, here at The Parke Company, we can inspect your trees, shrubs, and lawn any time and let you know everything we can do for your property. Give us a call today at 615-350-6033.

Home Landscaping: 3 Plants and Flowers Perfect for Nashville Weather

March 7, 2024March 25, 2020 by The Parke Company

The Best Flowers for Your Nashville Home

When it comes to landscaping, one size certainly does not fit all. As you might expect, the success of trees and plants has a lot to do with the climate and weather of the land surrounding it.

If you own residential or commercial property in Nashville, you may find it tricky to figure out how to match your design dreams with what Nashville’s environment will facilitate.

If you want to avoid the trial and error of figuring out which plants will thrive in Nashville weather, here are three types of plants and flowers perfect for the Nashville landscape.

Nashville Weather: What to Expect

While Tennessee is most often considered a southern state, every Nashville resident knows not to expect a high of 75 year-round.

Nashville weather features the full four-season spectrum throughout the year, with lows of 20 degrees in January and highs nearing 89 degrees in summer months around July and August.

According to US Climate Data, precipitation in Nashville varies throughout the year, reaching its highest levels of rain in May, November, and December, and seeing the least amount of precipitation in October.

While this climate may sound temperamental, the fairly consistent rainfall and relatively mild temperatures make Nashville an incredibly hospitable environment for a variety of plants and perennials. Here are three plants and flowers to incorporate into your Nashville home landscaping:

What are the Best Flowers to Grow?

1. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree

For the property owner who wants to add aesthetic beauty to their landscape, but avoid the delicate attention required for flowers, tree planting may be a better option.

These trees grow perfectly in Nashville weather and can offer a gorgeous canopy over your property. While they certainly won’t grow as quickly as a flower bed might, it is still a rapidly growing tree that thrives in Nashville.

2. Camellias

Camellias are a perfect option for Nashville weather because they are a shrub and therefore a bit hardier, but they are also flowering, which means that they add a great deal of beauty and color to your landscape.

Unlike some other plants and perennials, shrubs require a lot less upkeep as the seasons shift.

3. Lavender

Lavender is another hardy plant that offers both aesthetic beauty and easy maintenance. Lavender is an herb that can be used for a variety of purposes outside of just adding to the visual appearance of your landscape. Lavender is also highly drought-resistant and can withstand months of low precipitation without having to overcompensate with irrigation systems.

These plants and flowers are perfect go-tos for any Nashville resident looking for a surefire way to improve the look of their landscape. Even so, there are hundreds of different plants and flowers that will flourish in Nashville’s environment.

Especially when things like proximity to wetlands, exposure to sun, and irrigation methods are taken into account, each individual property is truly unique, and it takes a skilled professional to know precisely what plant life will fare the best in your landscape.

Hiring the experienced professionals at The Parke Company for landscape services is the first step to ensuring you receive the kind of lawn services and landscaping maintenance necessary to keep your property and beautiful as possible.

From lawn mowing to tree removal, the landscaping professionals at The Parke Company have the experience and the skills to meet the unique needs of your property and bring your design dreams to life.

Give us a call (615-350-6033) or contact us online today to see how the design experts and arborists at The Parke Company can work for you.