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Feeling Stumped? Professional Stump Removal and Other Tree Services to Consider for Your Home

March 7, 2024August 28, 2023 by The Parke Company

Tree removal is a complicated process, and it doesn’t stop once the body of the tree is safely felled. Professional stump removal is a tricky process that really does call for the experts. Here’s how it works and why you should work with the pros.

What to Know About Stump Removal

Why Opt for Stump Removal?

There are plenty of reasons why you might have a stump in your yard. Whether you just had a tree removed or a stump came with your new home purchase, they aren’t uncommon. But stumps are a real hassle in practically every sense, so let’s explore why you need stump removal.

The most obvious reason for wanting a stump gone from your yard is that it’s an eyesore. People who take pride in their landscaping will attest to how much a stump can disrupt the flow of a lawn, but everyone knows they just don’t look great. No matter how low you cut a stump, you’re going to have disruptions in the way grass grows. Want to install a stone pathway or plant more flowers? That stump might get in the way in the future. Stumps impose both an aesthetic disruption and a physical one. Stumps can be hazards in the lawn when you’re walking, mowing, or when your kids are playing. Even if you think you’re used to the stump, it can prove to be a tripping risk when you’re in a hurry or distracted while doing yard work.

Stumps are also risky to other trees and plants in your landscaping. Stumps are great places for pests to build burrows or lay eggs, and they can take over quickly. Within years, a stump can attract termites and other insects, which will feed on the dead wood first. Once they’re finished, they can move on to other trees or even your home. Tree stump removal is the only way to ensure that you’re not ringing the dinner bell for invasive and noninvasive pests that consider your trees a long-term meal. Besides insects, diseases can also set in on stumps due to their preference for dead wood. A stump is an open, gaping wound in a tree, and trees don’t die right away when they’re cut down. That exposed trunk all along the top of a tree is very inviting to fungal diseases, which, much like insects, can spread from the stump to other living trees on your property.

As we mentioned, a stump is still a living tree, at least for a while. In some instances, and with certain species of trees, a stump can actually rally and regrow into a brand-new tree. Shoots (small branches) can grow off the main trunk since the root system of a tree is still alive and nourishing the stump. In time, these shoots can grow into full trees themselves. While this is not common and takes time, it is possible for a neglected stump to suddenly become a new tree. A tree stump removal service provided by The Parke Company ensures this doesn’t happen.

How Stump Removal Works

How does stump removal work, and what services are typically included in stump removal? Stump grinding is one of the primary methods landscaping companies employ to remove a stump. Using a specialized grinding tool, tree service professionals grind a stump down to below the ground level. Typically, the stump is ground down about 6-8 inches from the surface of the lawn. Stump grinding is the cheaper of the two main options for stump removal, with full stump removal being more costly. Since stump grinding is relatively simple with a single main tool, it doesn’t take much labor. It’s quicker to remove a tree via stump grinding. If the stump that was ground down was healthy and recently cut, you can usually keep the ground stump wood as mulch. If there is a risk of disease, however, an arborist may remove the sawdust and mulch to prevent the spread of disease.

While stump grinding gets rid of the visible and physical aspects of a stump above ground, it does leave much of the root system and some of the trunk intact. This means that planting a tree in this place probably won’t work, as the existing root structures will block new roots from growing. While that can be a dealbreaker for some, those unconcerned with planting new trees in that location will see much less mess. Removing a tree and the root displaces a lot of soil, and the time and money spent regrowing the lawn that was damaged is more of a commitment. What stump removal and stump grinding have in common is that they’re both efficient ways of removing trees. They are also far more environmentally friendly and safe for wildlife and yourself. Various at-home stump removal methods either don’t work, involve harsh and toxic chemicals, or just take far too long. Stump grinding and removal are not expensive processes, especially considering how much time and effort you can waste doing it on your own.

Other Tree Services to Consider

If you’re researching stump removal near you, maybe you have other tree service concerns. From pruning and trimming to planting and beyond, finding the right tree service provider is important. In many cases, arborists can cut down a tree and remove the stump in the same day. You can also opt to simply have the tree cut down and leave the stump. A trained arborist can offer you their professional opinion on what services your yard may need, and the best servicers provide free consultations and estimates. If you’re in the Nashville area and you’re looking for stump removal or other professional tree services, The Parke Company is here to help. With decades of experience, we’re one of Nashville’s premier tree service providers, and we take that title seriously.

Ready to explore your stump removal options or need to get some estimates on other tree services for your home? Give us a call today at The Parke Company, and find out why it’s always best to go with the experts.

Removing Tree Roots Without Killing the Tree: Can It Be Done and How?

March 7, 2024August 13, 2023 by The Parke Company

The roots in your lawn are important for drawing nutrients and hydration for the trees around your property. But when roots become unsightly or run the risk of damaging underground pipes and other infrastructure, is it possible to remove the problem roots without killing the tree?

What to Know About Removing Tree Roots

Understanding Tree Roots

A tree’s roots are an important part of its health, and they serve many purposes. Let’s explore some of the primary reasons why trees spread their roots the way they do.

A tree’s roots are first and foremost a tree’s circulatory system. Roots spread into the soil and soak in water, nutrients, and even oxygen, which are all necessary for a tree’s ongoing development. Most tree roots grow in the top six to 24 inches of soil, and they usually spread out two to four times further than the width of the trunk. This means a single tree can create hundreds of feet of roots that spread out radially.

There are two major types of root: perennial and feeder. Feeder roots are smaller and grow upward, toward the surface, in search of water, oxygen, and nutrients. Perennial roots grow much larger and act as water and nutrient storage for the tree. These larger roots also serve the other major purpose of a tree’s root system: anchoring the tree. A tree with a healthy root system is far more structurally sound, meaning it can grow larger and is less likely to be knocked over by the wind. All in all, the roots of a tree are critical for its health. Removing tree roots is a risky activity when considering the overall health of a tree.

Removing Tree Roots: Can It Be Done?

With all of the things we know about roots now, you might think the idea of removing them is a foregone conclusion. Fortunately, when left to the experts, there are ways of removing tree roots without killing the tree. Not every tree has roots that pose issues for homeowners, but many can if they aren’t planted properly. Some trees that have naturally shallow roots in the Nashville area include species of maple, beech, and willow trees. If you have trees like these, you might be seeing unsightly roots in your lawn. Not only do they make for an eyesore, but they pose a tripping risk and can greatly damage lawnmowers and other lawn equipment.

Many times, trees on properties aren’t planted with their root systems in consideration. Since we can’t travel through time and plant the trees over again, we need to know how to handle problem roots when they do crop up. How do you get rid of tree roots in your lawn without killing the tree? Just like with pruning a tree’s branches and limbs, removing roots requires a high degree of precision. As a natural rule of thumb, you can safely remove about 25% of a tree’s roots without killing it. Even following this rule is not a perfect science, however. Disease and pests can use damaged roots to enter a tree and spread within. It’s always very important to consult a skilled arborist when considering tree root removal.

How to Safely Remove Roots

So, can you remove tree roots without killing the tree? Probably not on your own, and it’s certainly not advisable to try to DIY. This is a task best left to the professionals, who know how to approach this task with care. Removing a tree’s visible surface roots, or deeper roots that threaten underground pipes for sewage or irrigation, can all be done safely by a skilled arborist. Here’s how they do it.

When removing surface roots, the ends of the roots cannot be exposed to the elements. Once an arborist cuts the roots away, they will usually cover the area with a mix of soil and compost and apply grass seed. This helps to keep pests and vermin from causing further damage to the root system. Another important axiom in root removal is balance. A tree’s roots help keep it standing upright, and if you remove roots only from one side, you risk throwing off its balance. Even if some roots aren’t visible on the other side of the tree, it’s a good idea to try and remove some from the soil on that side as well. It’s best to divide the root system into four sections and prune the roots evenly. Roots can be chipped away and cut with shovels and other implements. It’s not enough to simply chip away the visible roots; the whole root should be cut off from the tree. This helps ensure that disease doesn’t set in. Another important part of root removal is ensuring that you don’t remove roots too close to the tree. The closer a root is to the tree, the more important it is. In some cases, that may mean removing roots isn’t advisable.

When removing large roots that are causing issues with sewage pipes, irrigation, or sidewalks and driveways, more consideration needs to be made. These large roots provide a lot of support for a tree, and they also store much of its water. When removing problem roots, it’s important to dig down to them without harming the other roots around them. Roots can often form a tangled mass that spreads out from the base of a tree and can make it tricky to fully remove a root. No matter what, removing large roots should be done with as minimal damage as possible. Plumbers will often need to be called in for this job if the root is damaging the sewer line. They have the tools necessary for removing the root and will usually employ a safe method of removing the root and repairing the pipe. So while tree roots are incredibly important to a tree’s health, they can usually safely be removed if the circumstances call for it.

Removing a tree’s roots without killing the tree is entirely possible, but you need to exercise caution. Many DIY methods use harsh chemicals or just flat out don’t work and only waste your time and money. Ready to remove the tree roots bothering you safely and effectively? Call the experts at The Parke Company today.

Looking to Sell? Four Landscape Services to Boost Your Home’s Market Value

March 7, 2024July 27, 2023 by The Parke Company

Today’s housing market is incredibly active and competitive, and excellent landscaping can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal. Here are a few of the best landscaping services to set your home apart in this busy market.

Four Landscaping Services to Boost Your Home’s Value

1. Clean It Up

While an elaborate landscaping setup is obviously more attractive to home buyers, your first priority needs to be simple. No matter your budget, work with a reliable landscaping company to clean things up before an open house or real estate photography. Fall and spring cleanup are important, but there’s no right time to sell a house. When you need a lot of work done quickly as you deal with all the other stresses of selling, let the experts handle the dirty work. A cleanup in the hands of a landscaping company goes a long way beyond mowing the lawn and clearing sticks from the yard, too. Tree and plant pruning are simple but important steps to take in making a home look its best. Prospective buyers love wooded lots, but their insurance company may beg to differ. By getting your trees pruned before making a sale, you not only make the whole home more presentable, but you also prevent possible snags during property inspections later in the process. The first thing a home buyer sees is the outside of your home and the surrounding property, so make a clean first impression.

2. Liven Things Up

While cleaning things up in your yard is important when it comes to selling your home, going the distance means adding some life to your home. But is there a motivation for landscaping before selling a home beyond attracting more eyes? What’s the bottom line, financially? How much can landscaping increase home value? A garden, even a simple one, can increase a home’s value by up to 12% in some markets.

Planting flowers and shrubbery to provide your lawn and backyard with brilliant pops of color is an excellent way to draw and keep the gaze of people shopping for a home. When people see a well-manicured lawn and a vibrant garden, they assume the inside will be worth visiting. The opposite is also true, so boring and drab front yards give the wrong impression of what’s going on elsewhere in the home. If you have existing plants in your garden, a landscaping service near you can help breathe new life into them. Maintenance steps like mulching and fertilizing go beyond basic cleaning in order to give your landscaping even more curb appeal. Replacing old and dead trees with fresh, new saplings can also give a better impression. The main goal of landscaping for a home on the market is to give the impression of vibrance and life. When someone moves into a new home, they put down new roots, just like the young trees planted in the front lawn.

3. Irrigation System Installation

What increases the market value of your property? Green lawns sell homes, and adding or updating an irrigation system can be an excellent way to increase a house’s value. Not every home is going to have irrigation, and that’s a huge selling point for people who take pride in their yard. Whether you have a system in place or not, having one for the next homeowner can definitively boost value and set a property apart from other houses in the same market. Repairs and updates are always more affordable than new installations, but even a basic system can be attractive to homebuyers. This is especially true for people who are attracted to suburban areas around Nashville. Whether they’re transplants from out of state or the city, gardening has become a major trend among everyone. With more people than ever flexing their green thumbs, an irrigation system is a major selling point. It doesn’t have to be complicated either, and while you might have concerns about installing pipes in your lawn at the same time you’re trying to sell it, don’t stress. Landscaping services like The Parke Company perform installations and maintenance on irrigation systems in addition to lawn care, meaning we can install a system without anyone ever knowing it was done. Whether a section of the lawn needs reseeding or a quick sodding, we can get the irrigation system installed as if it’s always been a part of your yard.

4. Add Hardscapes and Decor

Having a well-established walkway from the sidewalk or the driveway to the front door of your home creates a flow that can color the entire house tour. Hardscapes like flagstone, concrete, or stone pavers can be used to create an elegant path to guide buyers through the property. An eye-catching hardscape can be a huge draw and benefit to curb appeal. Want to make it even better? By adding lighting to the path, you can ensure that a late evening showing impresses just as much as one does in the daylight. Twilight photos of a property have been shown to increase the attention on a listing by a great deal simply because of how comfortable and charming these dark photos are. When a buyer looks at a home, they are trying to picture themselves in it, and seeing the home’s exterior during the day and the night can give them a clearer image. Patio furniture, planters, and fire pits in the backyard can also provide a much more livable atmosphere. If your backyard is lacking, don’t neglect it simply because it’s not the first thing a buyer sees. What you’ve got hidden around the back of the home should feel like an excellent bonus, not an afterthought. Simple stonework and a cozy fire pit can greatly increase a backyard’s value to a buyer without costing you an arm and a leg. More complex hardscape installations only increase a home’s value more, however, so if you’re really looking to impress, we can help. No matter your budget, the best landscaping company near you can work with you to fit your needs and still deliver an unforgettable first impression.

When your house is on the market, there’s a lot to worry about. Leave the landscaping that can actually increase your home’s value to the professionals so you can focus on your own home search or other aspects of your property. Give the experts at The Parke Company a call for a comprehensive, free estimate.

Seven Things Tree Experts Know That Most People Don’t

March 7, 2024July 15, 2023 by The Parke Company

Trees are complex plants that can live for decades and even centuries in some cases. With that complexity comes a lot of unexpected information non-experts might not be aware of. Read on to learn some of the more interesting tree facts.

Seven Interesting Facts About Trees

1. There Is a Wrong Way to Prune a Tree

When it comes to tree maintenance, pruning is a critical way to extend a tree’s life. But pruning a tree isn’t as simple as just cutting off dead limbs and shaping the canopy. Every pruning cut is a wound to a tree, and just like with people, a wound is susceptible to infection. Many people who take pruning into their own hands are likely to make mistakes without properly researching how to prune their trees. When improperly pruned trees attempt to heal themselves, they are much more likely to fail at keeping out fungal infections and insects like termites. Since the inner system of a tree works slowly, this might not be noticeable for seasons until it’s much too late. Fungal infections are the leading cause of tree rot, and pruning wounds are a perfect place for them to enter a tree. When it comes to pruning, it’s wise to work with a tree expert near you rather than attempting it on your own.

2. Breeding Trees Is a Full-Time Job

Trees can be bred and cultivated in a variety of unique ways, from improving aesthetics to developing specific traits in an effort to make a tree hardier and more resilient. Wondering what a tree expert is called? Whether they’re experimenting with new cultivars of elm at a university or removing a dead limb, tree gurus known as arborists have been using tried and true methods passed down for generations in combination with modern technology to advance trees for humans to enjoy and for the trees’ own sake.

3. Not Every Conifer Is Evergreen

You’re probably familiar with the concept of an evergreen tree, or a tree that doesn’t drop its leaves (or more likely, needles) in the fall. Pine trees, like the ones we bring into the home every Christmas, are considered conifers and are often thought of as evergreen. While every evergreen is a conifer, not every conifer is evergreen. There are some select species of trees that do shed their foliage with seasonal changes. Trees that drop leaves on a seasonal basis are called deciduous. Many of these rare conifers are actually well-suited to growth in the United States, including the dawn redwood.

4. Trees Offer Natural Soundproofing

We all know that trees provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the air, but did you know that you can thank a tree every time you can’t hear your neighbor’s loud music? A few trees can actually absorb and deflect a great deal of unwanted noise. Trees have been used as noise barriers for generations, especially with the advent of the American highway. Evergreen trees like the cyprus are popular choices because the presence of needles year-round ensures the same noise canceling is enjoyed regardless of the season. Interested in quieting things on your property? Work with a certified tree expert at The Parke Company for the best layout for preventing noise pollution around your home or business.

5. Tree Trunks Are Dead Cells, Like Hair

Almost all of a tree is actually made up of dead cells, much like human hair. The only living parts of a tree are the leaves, root tips, buds, and cambium, which is the outermost layer of a tree’s core. The cambium is responsible for transporting food and water from the roots upward to the rest of the tree. Ever wonder why it’s so simple to count the rings of a tree to determine its age? Scientists and laymen have a very reliable system for determining the season of a tree’s life due to this fact.

6. The United States Has Many of the Oldest Living Trees

When you think of old trees, you might be thinking of an oak tree in the park that you heard was around during the Civil War. While that’s impressive, the oldest trees on earth have lived much, much longer. Many of Earth’s oldest trees call the United States home, and most share the same real estate in the American West. Many of the world’s oldest trees also have unique names, like Methuselah, which was a tree that was sadly cut down in the 1960s. At the time of its legal removal, it was over 4,000 years old, making it around the same age as the Egyptian pyramids (how’s that for a “wonder of the world?”). While your tree isn’t quite that old, Nashville tree experts at The Parke Company will treat your trees with the respect and practicality they deserve.

7. Trees Can Defend Themselves

You won’t see tree-like creatures walking around or using weapons like in some high-fantasy film, but a tree is not powerless to protect itself from the world, despite its immobility. The trees we have today have evolved and developed for thousands of years to get to the place they are today, and they’ve learned some clever tricks. Fragrant flowers can attract a great deal of insects and animals to the tree, and some of those insects and animals may be harmful to the trees. But among these visitors, a natural balance is established. Many of the insects that could harm a tree (termites, for example), also find their natural predators hanging around. Birds and other animals are drawn to trees to build nests and seek shelter or grab a snack. By attracting a diverse range of animals, trees protect themselves and ensure their future. While trees do have a lot of built-in protections, they can always do with a little help. Invasive species like the emerald ash borer are harder to fend off, and professional tree service from an arborist can help a tree survive.

Learning From the Tree of Knowledge

Arborists are incredibly knowledgeable about trees, and like most experts, they’re more than happy to talk about trees for hours. If you choose The Parke Company for your tree service, expect an expert who’s willing to answer any questions and address your unique needs. Ready to consult your local arborist? Give us a call at The Parke Company for a free consultation and estimate today.

What’s the True Cost to Remove a Tree in Nashville, TN?

March 7, 2024June 28, 2023 by The Parke Company

When it comes to removing a tree from your Nashville property, there is no shortage of factors that can impact the price. It can be hard to get a great idea of cost before having an arborist provide an estimate. Fortunately, there are many resources for figuring out a rough cost before exploring your options.

Tree Removal Explained

You may need to remove a tree from your residential or commercial property for a number of reasons, from safety concerns to making space for a new shed or addition. So how exactly does tree removal work? Arborists, skilled tree workers, use a broad range of tools to safely perform their job, and that does contribute to the cost to remove a tree. There are many specialized devices to effectively remove a tree, and they’re much more complex than an axe or chainsaw. There are many other parts of the tree removal process that can complicate the procedure, from aspects of the tree itself to its surroundings. Let’s explore what goes into removing a tree and how these scenarios can impact the final cost to remove trees from your property.

Tree Age and Size

If you’ve settled on removing one or more trees from your property, you are undoubtedly wondering just how much it costs to cut down a tree in Nashville. You might think that older trees pose the most problems when planning and executing a removal, but that’s not always the case. Young trees are much stronger than dead or aged trees because their core wood is much more dense. Trying to cut down a healthy young tree with an axe will be much harder than with an old, dead tree. Denser trees call for more specialized, powerful equipment that’s incredibly expensive for a DIYer to have on hand. Trying to remove a tree on your own is never recommended for safety reasons, but it’s also incredibly time-consuming when you’re not working with the right tools. No matter the age or size of your tree, you’re going to be better off in the hands of the experts.

Unfortunately, you can’t assume that removing old, dead trees from a property will be cheaper than living trees. Just because it’s physically easier to fell a dead tree doesn’t mean it’s actually simpler. Dead trees are more unpredictable than healthy trees, making the removal process a lot more dangerous. Since old trees are usually taller and thicker than younger trees, this size issue compounds the risk. Dead wood is drier and more brittle than living wood, and that makes it more prone to cracking and breaking apart in the process. When a tree cracks during the process of cutting it down, inexperienced people can lose control of the situation quickly. Arborists employ a number of techniques to remove large dead trees safely, but each tree requires a unique approach. Many tall trees will be removed from the top down, with sections being cut off in manageable chunks rather than felling it all at once. This method typically requires climbing gear or a tall bucket truck to perform.

Removing a tree by felling it traditionally is less common in cities and suburbs like Nashville, but it is possible. This practice is generally less expensive than removing a tree in segments because it calls for less equipment. While it’s not going to work for most properties here, there are scenarios where this method can save you some serious money if you’re able.

Tree Location

The average cost to remove a tree is partially dependent on how easy it is for an arborist to get their equipment to the tree and set it up. Navigating through tight spaces with heavy equipment or removing a tree among many others in close proximity makes the job trickier. If the tree that needs to be removed is close to power lines, homes, roadways, or other things at risk of damage from falling limbs, things become more complicated. In small spaces, trees will often be removed piece by piece. This process is more costly than felling a tree traditionally. The risks to the surrounding property are minimized, but things are more dangerous for the person performing the tree removal.

The Difference a Good Tree Service Provider Makes

Hiring an arborist that is insured is crucial for your safety as well as the arborist’s. Insurance also makes sure that you aren’t liable for damage to your own property or your neighbors’ in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. Insured arborists cost more than private individuals who don’t have insurance, but that price is well worth it for peace of mind and the well-being of everyone involved.

You might still be tempted to try removing a tree yourself. While it will probably cost less upfront, the possible issues that result from removing a tree yourself can be incredibly costly. From damage to property or persons to destruction of rented or purchased tree removal equipment, it’s almost never a good idea to remove a tree yourself. Even small trees can pose problems, and improperly removing the trunk or leaving it intact can actually lead to long-term issues for your lawn and other trees.

Ultimately, the cost of removing a tree is hard to predict without consulting a professional arborist. However, we can try to give you a ballpark based on the tree and its surroundings. For a young, smaller tree with a lot of room, you’re looking at anywhere between $200 and $500. This is assuming the best possible conditions, meaning the price can often skew toward the higher side. When removing a large tree, especially in a situation where it poses a safety risk or there is the possibility of property damage, that cost rises fast. Trees that are over 30 feet in height start at around $500 dollars, though it can be a bit lower if there’s a lot of room to work. For larger trees or trees with a lot of potential for damage, you can possibly be spending over $1500. Removing multiple trees at once is best, but the prices still go up with each tree removed, obviously. Without seeing your tree, an arborist can only guess so well. We need to see your trees in person to give a truly accurate estimate, and even that can change a bit once the crew actually gets to work. At The Parke Company, we pride ourselves on accuracy and honesty, so you can expect a fair quote and quality work to match.

If you’re interested in a free consultation and estimate from the pros at The Parke Company, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call today to learn more and get the peace of mind that comes with professional tree removal service.