Irrigation System Repairs in Middle Tennessee

The Parke Company landscape irrigation repair in Nashville

irrigation-repairs-parke-company-nashville-tnMany residential and business owners in Nashville already know how much their landscaping can benefit from installing automated irrigation systems. Yet despite the convenience of these systems, they occasionally require maintenance to improve their performance, minimize water waste, and prevent damage to the landscape.

The first step in maintaining your irrigation system is making sure you can recognize address what is causing problems. For example, it is important to figure out if dry areas in your grass are the result of improper timing or if you need to investigate further. In this case, you will want to check for problems such as obstructions in your sprinklers, leaks in valves, or even cracks in the irrigation system’s pipes. Regular inspections can guide you toward specific solutions for routine problems like low water pressure or wasted water.

A common problem for people who mow their own lawns is damage to their sprinkler heads. Fortunately, these are easy to repair and replace. Simply unscrew the sprinkler head, mark the area with a flag, and take the damaged sprinkler head with you to a hardware store to compare it with a replacement head.

Sprinkler heads can also develop leaks, whether due to damage by lawnmowers or cars, or by regular wear over time. If the leak is only in the rotor (and not in the spray), you may be able to replace the seal inside without having to replace the entire sprinkler. If the leak is at the base of the sprinkler, be sure to outfit the replacement with a flexible connection kit so that this type of leak is less likely to occur in the future.

The landscaping experts at the Parke Company specialize in keeping your automatic irrigation system in top shape. Whether you’re in Brentwood or Hendersonville, feel free to contact us today at 615-350-6033 to schedule for a certified landscape irrigation professional to visit your home today.

Parke Services for the Holidays: Firewood to Giving a Tree

Parke Decorating1Though it might be too late this year, it’s always good to be planning ahead for next holiday season for new decorations, gifts and other necessities. By scheduling ahead of time, it will make your holidays easier and more special in Nashville. Here are some ideas to consider and store in the back of your brain for next year.

  • Decorations — Just like for fall (hyperlink the fall decoration blog), the Parke Company offers holiday decorations for your mailboxes, holiday lighting and wreathes. This popular service is one less thing you have to worry about doing in-between eggnog and Christmas shopping.
  • Buy a Gift — One of the best gifts you can give someone is the gift of a Christmas tree. Perhaps give someone a Christmas tree next year or pay to have a tree planted in someone’s yard. Call the Parke Company to discuss different options.
  • Firewood — Before Christmas and family arrive, stock up on firewood from the Parke Company. Of course, firewood is available to customers in Nashville all year round, but as you schedule your decorations or you order your tree, don’t forget to order the firewood to go along with the holiday cheer.

Parke FirewoodThe Parke Company wants to help their customers as best they can to ensure they have the best holiday season — every season. The Parke Company offers services to Nashville and Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Greenhills and Belle Meade. For additional information on decorating, Christmas trees or firewood, call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.

How to Spot a Hackberry Aphid in Nashville and What to Do About It

HackberryAphid_Mold2Pests are a common problem among home and property owners in Nashville — raccoons, mosquitoes and mice to name a few. But one additional pest to add to the list is the Asian Wooly Hackberry Aphid. Originally found in California, the pesky creatures have since made their way into Middle Tennessee for the hackberry and sugarberry trees.

What is the big deal? There isn’t a huge risk to the trees by having the furry, white aphids roam, but they do secrete droplets of honeydew, which fall on leaves and anything underneath, such as porches, decks, cars, lawns or playground equipment. The main problem occurs when the secretions form black mold that is really hard to clean. The mold is also a hazard, slippery substance for Nashvillians, especially when it is wet or in the shade.

What can you do about it? Inspect your trees and call your tree service provider immediately if you find a problem or have a question. There is an array of management issues that can be done for the Hackberry Aphids, but it is always best to leave it up to the professionals. Book an appointment with the Parke Company sooner than later (late winter/early spring)  to get rid of the infestation and clean up your property before people begin to spend more time outside.

Getting rid of the Asian Wooly Hackberry Aphid is not just for aesthetic purposes. (Although that might be enough reason for many!) Yes, the mold is ugly to look at, but it is also very dangerous for you and your family. If you spot these critters or the mold around your yard, don’t hesitate to call your tree service, the Parke Company. It’s important to schedule service for this issue by the end of winter or early spring. The Parke Company predicts the problem to much worse this year, because 2013 was a “wet” year. Serving areas all over Middle Tennessee, including Madison, Green Hills, Franklin and Brentwood, the Parke Company has got you covered this upcoming season. Call them to schedule at (615) 350-6033.

Flood Awareness in Nashville with the Help of the Parke Company

Almost four years ago, Middle Tennessee was hit with some of the most horrific flooding the state and city of Nashville has ever seen. These dangerous floods caused over thousands of dollars in damage to both landscape and property and 24 deaths in the state (11 in Davidson county). According to the National Weather Service, flooding is the second deadliest type of severe weather in the country, ahead of tornadoes. That is why, their offices have declared this past week Flood Safety Awareness Week for the entire country. There are always some simple steps you can prepare your lawn or landscape in the event of an emergency flood with the help of the Parke Company and knowledge of flood safety.

One of the major reasons floods can be so dangerous is they can arrive during any time of the year and from a variety of systems such as slow-moving or stationary frontal systems. It is important to be well-educated and armed for these emergency situations. The different kinds of flooding can be a bit mind boggling. Here are a couple points to help you refresh your memory.

Types of floods:

  • Flash Flooding — This type of flooding usually occurs rapidly within six hours since initial rainfall begins. This flooding is due to creeks and streams quickly flooding into otherwise dry areas.

  • Areal Flooding — This type of flooding is still just as dangerous as flash flooding, but happens over a gradual amount of time (over six hours since initial rainfall begins). This flooding is also caused by creeks and streams, but also over flood-prone areas such as lawns or fields.

  • River Flooding — This type of flooding is easy to define. It is the rise of water levels in rivers, such as the Cumberland River. This too, can be tagged as a major flood but it can also be classified as minor.

Preparing landscape and trees for floods:

  • From a tree care and landscape perspective, preparing for floods is easy. Make sure any brush or debris is cleaned up around your trees, lawns, pipes and drainage systems. This will help avoid any clogging or flooding problems on your landscape.

  • Have the emergency services number readily available . There are some things you just can’t control when flooding happens. Having an emergency situation is one of them. Be sure to call the Parke Company if you need tree care or you need some other emergency services assistance.

Understanding the types of flooding and how you can prepare your family, property,  landscape and trees are important. For additional information about flooding and Flood Safety Awareness Week, visit the National Weather Service. Interested in scheduling a tree care service for your trees or lawns or need them for emergency services?  Call them today. 

Richland Creek Greenway in Sylvan Park during the Nashville flood in 2010.

Richland Creek Greenway in Sylvan Park during the Nashville flood in 2010.

Three Reasons to Plant a Tree for Earth Day

Tree-installation-parke-company-nashvilleEvery year on April 22, or Earth Day, hundreds of people get together and plant trees, clean up their communities, and raise awareness for the environment. Though we at the Parke Company think it is always a great day to plant trees, this day is a great opportunity to take action in tree care. There are so many reasons why planting trees are necessary for not just the earth, but Nashville itself! From clean water to soil erosion, the list goes on and on. Here are other few reasons to consider participating in this year’s festivities.

Three Reasons to Plant a Tree:

  1. Cleans air and provides oxygen — There are many scientific studies showing the greenhouse effects of trees. In addition, trees provide clean air and oxygen for us to breathe.
  2. Provides habitat for wildlife — Birds, bees, squirrels, and other wildlife rely on trees for habitats.
  3. It’s fun! — Whether you are planting a tree with your family or you are doing it for your community, it can be a fun activity for all involved.

Earth Day is celebrated all across the globe, including Nashville. This year’s Nashville Earth Day Festival will be on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Centennial Park. The event will include educational exhibits and activities about our environment geared for all ages. For more information, visit their website here.

Want to plant a tree, but worried you don’t have a green thumb? That’s where the Parke Company and their tree service comes in. Available for tree care, tree removal and all other tree services, the Parke Company will be able to plant a tree for you in honor of Earth Day. For more information about the Parke Company and their tree service (including tree removal, tree care and planting), call them today!