Nashville’s Summer Weather Fluctuation: How to Tell When Your Trees Have Had Enough Summer Fun

Fourth of July has come and gone this year. And for many Nashvillians who stayed in town, we all know it was a tad wetter and cooler than last year’s Independence Day. So instead of boating on Percy Priest Lake or enjoying a picnic in Centennial Park, most people enjoyed their holiday inside. And while the Parke Company is sure you all made the best of the rainy situation, it just goes to show that Mother Nature can be a fickle woman, and it’s important to keep your trees healthy and ready for anything.

Last year, Nashville was at a daily record high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit with rain nowhere in sight, and there is no telling what it is in store for our Fourth of July festivities next year. That’s why it’s important to be ready for the fluctuation of the heat and precipitation of weather and keep an eye out on your trees for any signs of distress throughout the summer.

Some things to keep an eye out for:

  • Loss limbs or deadwood
  • Insect infestations or nests
  • Invasive plant species
  • Dehydration during draughts
  • Flooding and excessive water
  • Signs of disease or other problems

The summer is only half way over, so your trees still have some time to spend out in the heat. If you see signs of disease or distress, call the Parke Company for a consultation. Not only can they assist you with your piles of deadwood from your summer storms, firewood, stump grinding and tree removal services, but they can also perform extensive health analyses of your trees if anything calls for concern during these unpredictable months. For more information or questions in Middle Tennessee call the Parke Company, please call (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!

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.

Planning Ahead: Scheduling Tree Services in Nashville With The Parke Company

Things are heating up here at the Parke Company! While the sun is hitting hard outside, Parke Company employees are doing the same for customers all over Nashville. Though the jobs may stack up, it doesn’t change the Parke Company’s goal: making sure the trees around Middle Tennessee are happy and healthy. Stay one-step ahead and schedule with the Parke Company now for all of your tree service needs including tree removal and plant health care need services.

Benefits of scheduling early:

  • Ensuring the job is getting done in your time frame. Do you remember the saying, “the early bird catches the worm?” This is the best way to avoid running into scheduling constraints for both parties, and the job gets done when you want it to.
  • Scheduling early is a chance to prepare. If the Parke Company needs extra assistance with removing a tree, or if the weather becomes an issue, or if you know of any setbacks, it’s good to know that earlier rather than later. Uncontrollable surprises on a tight schedule can not only be inconvenient but also a setback.
  • Give yourself ample time to enjoy your trees and property before the winter chill takes over. The earlier you schedule the services, the earlier the job will get done. This will ensure you’ll be able to enjoy more time outside on your property, rather than inside waiting for the work to get done.

The Parke Company understands that this time of year can get hectic — school is starting and it is the end of summer. However, scheduling your tree service right now can only benefit in the long run rather than waiting until things become an emergency. The Parke Company’s services range from everything to plant health care to stump grinding. In addition, the Parke Company works for residential and commercial areas in Nashville and Middle Tennessee including Franklin, Belle Meade, Berry Hill and Bellevue. To schedule an appointment with the Parke Company, call (615) 405-6548 today.

Landscaping, Construction and Tennessee Wildlife: Protecting Exposed Tree Roots

Landscape, construction or Tennessee wildlife can be hard on those exposed tree roots in your yard, especially weed eaters or the metal sides of a mower.  (Oh, and let’s not forget that it can damage the equipment too!) And most of the time the big, unanswered question is, “oh… is that bad for the tree?” Well, constant running over surface roots will weaken them and create entrances for insects and other infestations. However, if the damage is done, consult the Parke Company on what options are available on proper tree care and how to fix it.

Look Out! Tree roots are a problem all through Nashville — from Madison, TN to Bellevue. Consult with both your Nashville landscape and maintenance company for the best ways to avoid the roots and the bottoms of trees. The more you and your workers are aware, the more likely you will not damage the tree or equipment.

Protect! Plan ways to protect your tree roots and tree trunks year after year by investing in tools such as a tree trunk protector. In addition, consider planting a bed around a tree to keep mowers and weed eaters outs. This method can be very tricky so consult with the Parke Company first to avoid long-term problems. But whatever you do, do not cut the surface roots out. Not only does it make the tree more susceptible to disease but it also weakens the tree and can cause potentially dangerous situation. We all know how finicky the weather in Middle Tennessee can be!

Take Care! If damage does occur, call the Parke Company right away if you start to see signs of illness or distress. Tree healthcare is incredibly important to your property’s ecosystem, so it’s vital you stay on top of it. Signs of a sick tree are dead limbs, browning leaves during off-seasons and insect infestations.

Taking care of your landscape doesn’t stop at the flowerbeds and lawns. Your trees are important as well. Be cautious when doing landscape or other activities, as damaging tree roots and trunks could be harmful. In addition, watch out for wildlife such as deer that could use their antlers to hit against the tree. This could do the same type of damage. If you notice your tree is getting ill or distressed due to exposed root or tree trunk damage, call the Parke Company to discuss tree healthcare options and other services moving forward. For more information, call (615) 405-6548.