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Invasive Species Plague Nashville Trees and Plants

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by The Parke Company

Invasive plant species are nothing to laugh about. Though self-explanatory, these species can be dangerous for your “urban forest”, including your trees. Not only are they hard to identify if you’re unsure, but they also are hard to get rid of without professional help. The Parke Company can help in identifying these species and show you the proper steps in getting rid of your invasive species.

According to the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, there are 403 invasive species reported within the state of Tennessee including herbs, grass, trees, shrubs, vines and aquatic plants. Annually, invasive species cost the state of Tennessee about $2.6 million. Davidson County is the second largest county with the most reported invasive species at 293. Though prominent, if you can identify and understand what these species do, you’re one step closer in making sure your trees and yard stays happy and healthy.

Top four invasive species in Nashville, Tenn.:

1. Bush Honeysuckle (Asian Bush Honeysuckle) — This is a very prominent bush around Middle Tennessee, and is made up of about five species. The scrubby underbrush spreads by birds who feed off their fruits. Originally native to Asia, these invasive species can harm native plants and have negative impacts on wilderness regeneration. This shrubs can range anywhere from five to 20 feet and produce yellow flowers and red and orange fruits.

2. Japanese Honeysuckle — The Japanese Honeysuckle is a vine that grows and twists up small trees and limbs. Native to Japan and Korea, this perennial has few natural threats in the Nashville area. It grows fast and can overtake native species quickly. Its prey (small trees and shrubs) can die if the honeysuckle grows and twists too tightly around the plant preventing water intake. In addition, the dense growth of the vine can prevent necessary sunlight. The Japanese Honeysuckle can reach up to 80 feet long and can reach up to 2 inches thick. During the spring and summer, the plant has fragrant white and/or yellow flowers.

3. Japanese Privet: Similar to the Japanese honeysuckle, the Japanese Privet can dominate plants by dense growth and prevent sunlight, which in turn, can kill native species. Often found along fencerows, streams and forest margins, this plant has rapid reproduction rates in a variety of habitats, which makes them hard to eradicate. Japanese Privet can grow up to 30 feet tall, with shallow but extensive roots. With aromatic blossoms during the springtime, the branches arch downward.

4. Japanese Stiltgrass: This grass grows in low light and moist to dry locations. The plant sprawls out in large patches throughout these areas invading other plants. The species has long, pale green leaves that range from 1 to 3 inches. The stiltgrass can reach a height of 3.5 feet virtually killing off native species that can’t compete.

From Bellevue to East Nashville, invasive species are common problems within the city, as well as the surrounding county. It’s important to be able to identify and treat the problem before they harm your trees and other plants. The Parke Company can help answer any questions or help identify any invasive plants you might have on your property. For more information or a free estimate, email danbeasley@theparkecompany.com. For more information on invasive species, visit www.tneppc.org.

Fire, Foliage and Fourth of July: How the Parke Company Can Help

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by The Parke Company

Fourth of July is right around the corner. Fireworks in Riverfront Park, cookouts in Centennial Park and pool parties in your backyard are just some of the things people do to celebrate America’s independence. However, with celebrating, comes a responsibility for your loved ones. According to National Fire Protection Association study issued last year, over 15,000 firework-induced fires were reported. Not only can these fires result in hundreds of dollars in property damage, but it can also cause bodily injury to you or a loved one. So while you, your friends and family gather around your backyard to celebrate, make sure you have taken all the proper precautions necessary if you plan on setting off a few fireworks.

Have a fallen tree in your back yard? Call the Parke Company to have the tree removed. This will prevent any unnecessary problems if a firework flies in that direction.

Have any deadwood or brush that needs to be removed? Same with a fallen tree, the Parke Company can assist in removing any deadwood or brush that could be potentially hazardous during Independence Day festivities.

Have any overgrowth that needs that needs to be cut back or even removed. Have any landscaping questions? Not only can overgrowth upset the ambiance of a barbeque, but it can also “fuel the fire” if the overgrowth is out of hand. Call the Parke Company for any landscaping or design questions you have before the holiday.

There are many things to consider before hosting your 4th of July get-together in Middle Tennessee — from bratwursts to party music to even deadwood. Celebrate this year’s Independence Day with ease and schedule your tree maintenance or landscaping needs now before it is too late. Call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548 for more information.

Don’t Let Pollen Allergies Get the Best of You This Spring

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by The Parke Company

Pollen allergies — what an awful feeling for anyone who’s had the displeasure of experiencing such a thing. The running nose, the watery eyes and overall hit-by-a-truck feeling are anything but pleasant. And yet, how are you supposed to enjoy the beginnings of spring if the first thing you do when you step outside is sneeze?

Airborne pollens are deposited close to the tree from which it was released. You are more likely to have a reaction to the pollen if the tree is in your yard, as opposed to trees few houses down. The Parke Company can discuss with you hypoallergenic alternatives for your yard and how to properly maintain trees with high pollen levels already on your property.

Some things to consider if you live with pollen allergies:

Get allergy tested: Go to the doctor to determine what pollen is causing a reaction. This will allow you to specify what trees and plants you can be around and which ones you should avoid.

Plant your trees accordingly: Once you’ve determined what trees and plants you can be around, plan your landscape accordingly and eliminate the plants you have a reaction with.

Keep up with the pollen index: Check the Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s pollen index regularly. This will give you an idea as to when pollen is most prominent and reactions are possible. Plan your outdoor activities when pollen levels are at their lowest. According to Prevention Magazine, the time of day levels are lowest is mid to late afternoon. In comparison, the time of day when pollen levels are the highest is during the morning from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and early evenings.

Preventing pollen allergies are not 100 percent guaranteed, especially if you live near high tree-populated areas such as Edwin Warner Park or Shelby Bottoms, but the best you can do is take precautions when you are most susceptible. Talk with the Parke Company about trees and plants that create less pollen levels in your yard. The Parke Company can also assist in transplanting trees that cause severe allergies for you, your family or employees. For more information on pollen and The Parke Company’s services, call them at 615-405-6548. In addition, be sure to visit the Weather Channel’s website for a daily pollen count of Nashville.

Trees and Tornadoes: Handling Severe Storms in Nashville

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by The Parke Company

Tornado season is underway and a real threat in many parts of the country. These deadly storms can whisk an entire piece of land away in a matter of minutes without much warning. It is important to stay cautious and be prepared if a tornado or a large storm comes through Nashville. Have an emergency kit for your home, discuss your emergency plans with your family and be sure your house is well maintained. So, is there anything you can do for your yard? Unfortunately, since the landscape can’t come inside with you, you have to be sure your trees are armed against the elements.

Have a health evaluation done on your tree regularly to ensure your tree can stand strong against large storms. The Parke Company can do a comprehensive analysis of your tree regarding insect infestation, disease, and water and soil conditions.

Remove any access deadwood or brush. This small and easy chore is necessary for many reasons, including severe storm and tornado safety. This will decrease the risk of limbs and other brush falling on your property causing damage.

If a tree does fall after a severe storm and/or tornado, call the Parke Company’s emergency services for assistance. They will be able to help you with services such as tree removal, stump grinding, clean debris, and chip and mulching to restore your home back to how it was before the storm.

From the hills of Bellevue to the neighborhoods of East Nashville, Nashville and Middle Tennessee are areas to be cautious of severe storms and tornadoes during this time of year. Be prepared for every level of severity for both inside your home and outside. For more information about the Parke Company’s services, including their emergency service, call (615) 405-6548.

Arbor Day in Nashville — How Will You Celebrate?

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by The Parke Company

Earth Day has gone down in the books as another successful recognition of our beautiful planet. So what’s next? Good thing Arbor Day is just around the corner. A day to recognize and plant beloved trees is not only great, but also important. Founded in 1872, more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska where the holiday originated. Today, people around the country celebrate Arbor Day (most commonly celebrated on the last Friday of April) to promote treecare and tree awareness.

Here are some activities any aspiring arborist can do to celebrate Arbor Day.

Plant a tree — this is the most simple and logical way to celebrate. If you want to plant a tree but don’t know how, The Parke Company can assist you in planting trees on your property and teach your appropriate treecare for the future.

Spend some time outside — Visit Centennial Park or take a hike in Edwin Warner. Take an arborist as your guide to enlighten your outing. Gather your friends and plan a landscape makeover for a public area in Nashville or in Middle Tennessee. Or you can visit a local arboretums, such as The Hermitage, Cheekwood or Vanderbilt.

Learn something new — Read a book on treecare or attend a class about gardening or planting trees. If you are the head of an organization or a committee, plan a tree trivia contest to test everyone’s knowledge of Arbor Day.

You don’t have to be an arborist to enjoy the holiday. Arbor Day can be a fun way to acknowledge the trees we sometimes take for granted. Dedicating a day once a year to plant and appreciate trees is an important measure to maintaining Nashville’s natural beauty. No matter how you choose to celebrate it, be sure to take some time and admire the trees around you. For questions about your trees or treecare, the Parke Company is readily available to answer any questions. For more information, call 615-405-6548. Happy Arbor Day!