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Trees: From Tolkien to Nashville

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

Trees are seen as majestic creatures that evoke both comfort and protection. In works of fiction, they might provide words of wisdom or strength. In reality, trees might be a symbol of history or solace. No matter where you look, fact or fiction, trees have an important part of our lives.

In the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, creatures called Ents (or “shepherds of the trees”) protect forests from orcs and other dangerous creatures. Ents take on a tree-like form, resembling those they protect. In The Two Towers, Saruman destroys hundreds of trees the Ents have known for years. Angry and seeking vengeance for those they swore to protect, the Ents take their last march to destroy Isengard (which ends Saruman’s reign of power).

Other works of fiction use trees to evoke wisdom, protection and strength. For example, in Disney’s Pocahontas the main character seeks advice from a tree named Grandmother Willow. In addition, in the Legend of Zelda series, the Great Deku Tree serves as guardian of the earth.

But it’s not just Lord of the Rings, Pocahontas or Legend of Zelda where trees have immense symbolism. Like Ents in Middle Earth, the Parke Company employees have duties to care for trees around Middle Tennessee. Though they don’t take on a tree-like form, the Parke Company is certainly shepherd of the trees and they approach their craft in a holistic manner.

In addition, everyday trees like those in a backyard of Green Hills or a park in Brentwood can symbolize a piece of history — everything from a historical landmark to a couple sharing their first kiss.

So if you spend any time outside or even go watch Tolkien’s new film adaptation, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug this holiday season, don’t forget to look out for any trees and what they might mean. You never know what emotions they are supposed to evoke.

Buying (and Planting) Local

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

All through Nashville people aim to buy food products, clothes and other items locally. Many of us are saying goodbye to large corporations, and supporting those small business owners who give our city some character. The same is said for even plants. There are so many benefits to planting native Tennessee species in your landscape rather than planting exotic plants or trees. Nashville is plant 6b zone and is located within the Central Basin, both with characteristics that encourage native plants to flourish. To the Black Walnut Tree to the Sycamore tree, the choices are endless. Here are some advantages to planting native plants on your property:

Disease resistant — Exotic plants that haven’t been exposed to Tennessee’s elements are more likely to catch an unwanted disease. Many local plants don’t have that problem.

Water conservation — Native trees play an integral part in cleaning Nashville’s water and preventing water erosion.

Pollination — Native plants and trees throughout your landscape will only encourage Tennessee’s ecosystem and promote pollination.

Propagation — Just like with pollination, asking your tree service to use native plants in your landscape will eventually spread and flourish.

Maintenance — The Parke Company makes it easy to use native plants. While they also have tree service for exotic plants, they are very knowledgeable on Tennessee’s own plants.

Of course, like all plants, native trees do have potential to have problems and some specific trees are more disease and pest prone than others. Pin Oak, White Ash, Hemlocks and most pines can potentially have problems. But if you have questions or concerns, the Parke Company is readily available to assist you in choosing the best native plants for your landscape.

For more information or tree services such as planting native trees, call your Parke Company representative today at (615) 405-6548.

Flood Awareness in Nashville with the Help of the Parke Company

September 30, 2026April 19, 2023 by 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.

Spring Tree Care Services with the Parke Company

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

We are finally getting toward the end of winter. (We can hardly believe it either.) But as the warm weather begins to pop up, it is important to make sure you have all your landscape and tree services scheduled for the spring and summer scheduled. Your trees, landscape or lawns are a valuable asset to your Nashville property so it is incredibly important to schedule with the Parke Company for your tree care services.

Tree care services to consider checking off your list for the spring and summer:

Tree or plant transplants completed while they are still dormant. This is always a great idea to finish up now because the best time to move trees and other plants is during the cold months. If you have any unfinished projects from winter, call the Parke Company to schedule the rest of your transplant services today.
Landscaping such as spring flowers, mulching, plant bed clean-up. This is prime season for lawn care and landscaping. If you need mulching, bed clean-up, or any other landscaping service, be sure to call and schedule your services as soon as possible. This time of year is a busy season for contractors, so the sooner the better!
Irrigation system check up in case of short spring and early summer. Call to have your irrigation systems tuned up or turned on to ensure they are working at optimal level when necessary. In the event that an early summer arrives, your systems will be good to go for your lawns.

Checking these items off your to-do list is important for spring, but it is vital to get them scheduled with the Parke Company in plenty of time for spring. Trees or landscape, the Parke Company has you covered. They service areas in Middle Tennessee including Brentwood, Franklin, Madison and Bellevue. Call today to schedule your tree service today!

How to Identify and Avoid Unwanted Bugs and Poisonous Plants

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

Summer is in full swing, which means ticks, mosquitoes and poisonous plants are thriving. So how can you avoid these unwanted bugs and plants? Well, it is particularly hard if you spend a lot of time outside in your lawn and around trees. However, with the Parke Company’s help, your landscape, trees and lawn can easily be maintained and these pesky annoyances can be low on your radar.

Poisonous Plants:

When you are out enjoying your lawns or landscape, it might be difficult to spot poisonous plants, such as poison ivy (popular in Middle Tennessee). But remember the rule, “leaves of three, leave it be!” If you see a poisonous plant in your yard or brush, stay away from it. The plant releases oil, causing rash, blisters, itching and swelling. You can get a reaction by direct contact with the plant, indirect contact or even inhalation. If you see poison ivy in your brush DO NOT burn it! Call the Parke Company for guidance on how to deal with the problem.

Mosquitoes and Ticks:

These pesky creatures are just part of the Nashville wildlife. If you’ve been outside at all already, you’ve probably slapped away a mosquito or two. However, it’s important to try and prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and the like. These bites can cause discomfort and even illness. If you spend time outside underneath your trees or in your lawn, make sure you’re protected against these bugs and be sure to check yourself after you go back inside the home. The Parke Company team members take incredible care when dealing with brush and landscape to check themselves for ticks and unwanted bugs, so we want you to also.

The summer is meant to be a season you enjoy outdoors! Want to take a hike on the Red Trail at Warner Park or a stroll through Cheekwood Gardens? Make sure you know what dangers to look out for and how to prevent yourself from unnecessary discomfort. Have a tree or mulching job that needs completed, but don’t want to deal with the poison ivy or ticks? The Parke Company can take care of that for you! Give them a call today at (615) 350-6033.