Overseeding and Aeration on Nashville’s Fescue Lawns

Overseeding_Aeration_ParkeCompany_NashvilleIt’s that time of year again for Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area: overseeding and aeration of your lawns. Yearly maintenance is crucial in keeping a fescue lawn looking beautiful during the chilly months, which is why September and even October are key months to get it done. Perhaps the Parke Company had to come in and remove a tree early this summer — now it is time to plant grass over the bald spot. Whatever the reason, the time for this landscape chore is now.

A few things to keep in mind during the process:

  • Fescue is a cool season grass and needs seeding during the fall for those shady and cool spots.
  • Spreading seed across the lawn will not get the job done. Additionally, it’s a waste of seed. The product must be integrated into the lawn somehow — this is why aeration is so important.
  • September and October are crucial months to complete this job. If bad weather hits the aeration project, it could potentially damage the lawn for fall and early spring.
  • This overseeding and aeration process is for cool season grass such as fescue, not warm season grass like Bermuda grass.

While you are getting your landscape services caught up for the season, be sure to check off any tree services you need to accomplish with the Parke Company. Tree removal, stump grinding, healthcare analysis and even stock up on firewood are all things to think about as well. As the saying goes, “why not kill two birds with one stone?”

Take this time and complete any and all of your landscape services and tree service around your residence. The Parke Company works throughout all of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Cool Springs, Madison, Franklin and Brentwood. For more information about tree service or questions about lawn aeration, call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.

Bison Meadow and The Parke Company: Working Together to Bring Nashville History to Life

As part of the Tennessee Bicentennial Project in 1994, The City of Forest Hills established Bison Meadow. Bison Meadow, a mirror of the prairies that once prospered in the state, is filled with wildflowers, trees and Indian grass. Staying true to its history, the 2.5-acre of land is on part of the state’s Natchez Trace and embodies the wild ecosystem that was once there. (Thanks to landscape architect Tara Armistead.) As part of Natchez Trace, bison, elk and other large mammals traveled through this prairie to get to the large salt lick along the Cumberland River.

The Parke Company has since maintained the meadow and kept it true to its history. From the treecare to building the bison topiaries, the Parke Company is steadily involved in the meadow’s upkeep for the last 6 years. Surrounded by dry-stack stonewalls, funded by The Garden Club of Nashville, the meadow maintains a peaceful serenity away from the residential areas of Forest Hills.

While there are no live bison in Bison Meadow, there are shrubs throughout the property shaped like the giant creatures. The metal frames (where the trees grow from) were created by artist Alan LeQuire. When the bison trees were originally sculpted, Hicks yew was used for the topiary. Since then, the Parke Company determined that the yew was not as prosperous for the local growing zone as they hoped. Instead, they’ve deceived to convert to arborvitae, which is much more conducive to this area.

Fast Facts about American Bison:

  • Heaviest land animals in North America with weights ranging from 950 to 2,200 pounds.
  • Stand about 5 to 6 1/2 feet tall.
  • These herbivores are grazers, eating grass, twigs and shrubs. They also regurgitate their food and eat it again before it’s finally digested.
  • The lifespan of a bison can range from 12 to 20 years.

With the Parke Company’s help with its treecare, Bison Meadow will continue to be an asset of both Nashville and Forest Hill. With so much wildlife and American history behind the meadow, it’s no wonder the Parke Company took on this tree project. Located on the corner of Hillsboro Pike and Tyne Blvd., guests are welcome to visit the meadow, and encouraged to come during different times of year when the wildflowers and trees are blooming.

For additional information about treecare and shrub information, call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.

Open Burning Regulations in Tennessee: What you Need to Know

OpenFireRegulations_ParkeCompany_NashvilleTennesseeWe’re not sure how, but the summer is coming to an end. The retail stores throughout Nashville are slowly stocking up on plastic pumpkins, Halloween candy and apple cider. Pools will eventually close, nights will cool down and a bonfire will be the new centerpiece of every party. The Parke Company loves a great shindig; however, it’s important to know all the ins and outs of outdoor burning (from bonfires to burning brush) within the state of Tennessee.

But the number one rule before you burn: Contact your local authorities to see what permits and guidelines are necessary before burning. Though the state department has general guidelines to follow when you begin open fires, it’s crucial to double check with local authorities for any additional guidelines or required permits. Lack of preparation or permit can result in a fine or even damage to you and your property. It’s important to be educated on your local rules, whether it’s a recreation bonfire or a brush pile of limbs. Other guidelines include:

  • Let your neighbors and local authorities know you plan to burn.
  • Supervise the burn closely.
  • Supervise any children.
  • Bonfires need to be at least 50 feet away from anything that can burn such as trees and overhead limbs. Recreational fires (campfires or fire pits) need to be at least 25 feet away.
  • Don’t burn on windy, dry days.
  • When burning, have a hose or a bucket of water nearby. Never use gasoline or other flammable substances.
  • Extinguish the fire completely.
  • Call 911 immediately if the fire gets out of control.

Whether you’re prepping for a party or just getting rid of some old brush, it’s important to do a little research beforehand. It’s OK not to know where to begin. If the Parke Company doesn’t know your local regulations, they will do their best to direct you to someone who does. Though local regulations still apply, contained firepits from your local home improvement store are great alternatives for open fires. The Parke Company services Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Cool Springs, Franklin and Madison.

For additional information on Nashville Metro’s guideline’s click here.  You can also contact the Nashville Fire Marshal at (615) 862-5421 or the Codes Department at (615) 862-6500 for additional information. Be safe out there, everyone!

Let the Parke Company Help You During Football Season

SONY DSCFootball season provokes thoughts of sports mania, tailgating and lots of finger food for people around America, especially Nashville — home of the Tennessee Titans. And it’s not just professional football we’re talking about! Nashville is home to Vanderbilt Commodore fans, Tennessee State University Tigers fans, University of Tennessee Volunteer fans and even Hillsboro High School burro fans. No matter whom you cheer for every season, we understand that it can take up a huge portion of your weekend leaving little time for lawn maintenance or tree services. But that’s OK! That is what the Parke Company is here for. They can take care of your lawn maintenance and tree service needs while you and your family are out enjoying football season. Some of their basic treecare services include:

  • Tree removal
  • Stump Grinding
  • Deadwood Removal
  • Crown Thinning

Treecare services popular during football season (when the weather begins to cool down and the plants begin their dormancy) include:

  • Debris Removal
  • Firewood Services and Delivery
  • Transplant Services
  • Lawn Maintenance

Perhaps you don’t follow football as much as others do; however you want to spend more time with your friends and family while the weather is still nice. The less home maintenance you have to worry about and the more time you can spend outside in Music City. Even if you like doing outdoor work, sometimes a dangerous job is not worth the risk.

No matter what category you fall in, the Parke Company has your back. The company understands the importance of family life and the importance of football. After all, many consider it America’s favorite sport. From firewood delivery to tree removal, the Parke Company is certified in a variety of services — so the only thing you need to be certified for the football season is touchdowns. For more information about tree services, call the Parke Company at 615-405-6548.

Additions to Existing Irrigation Systems in Nashville, TN

The Parke Company landscape irrigation additions in Nashville

irrigation-additions-nashville-tnOperating an irrigation system for your property is an involved task. It’s important to know all of your options in order to maintain the quality of your lawn while respecting the limitations of your budget. Sometimes, an entire renovation of the existing irrigation system is necessary. However, a lot of times it’s appropriate to just provide the system with irrigation additions, which can increase the lifespan. Here are some add-ons to consider:

  1. Rain Sensors: Poorly programed sprinklers don’t register rain, which means that your sprinkler will run during a thunderstorm. This an inefficient use of resources and will end up costing you unnecessary dollars on the water bill. Overwatering can also damage the integrity of your lawn. Rain sensors ensure that your lawn is getting the right about of irrigation, not too much and not too little.
  2. Lake Pumps: The Middle Tennessee area holds many lakes and waterways. If your plot is near a natural water source you can use that resource to irrigate the lawn. Lawn pumps can be installed after the fact and can work to decrease water costs.
  3. Extra Filters: It’s important for irrigation auditors to be mindful of the quality of water that is being released from the sprinkler heads. Some water, depending on the closest water sources, could include unhealthy sediments that could harm the turf or clog the sprinklers. Installing filters can reduce this risk of costly repairs.
  4. Additional Sprinkler Heads: Landscape irrigation systems need to have an appropriate amount of strategically placed sprinkler heads around the lawn. Many factors contribute to the placing of the sprinkler heads: elevation, natural waterways and turf type are just a few. Consider hiring a certified irrigation designer to evaluate the areal view of your lot to determine where more sprinkler heads might be needed.

The Parke Company is equipped to service any additional features needed for your irrigation system. Located in Nashville, Tenn., we service the surrounding Middle Tennessee area and are available for consults and contracted work. Call us today at (615)-207-8390.