A new pest has emerged from Michigan and has made its way through the midwest to Tennessee. Originally from Asia, the Emerald Ash Borer is a ½ inch long bug with metallic green wings. Since its arrival, the bug has eaten its way through several states’ ash trees and destroyed millions of dollars in revenue. Now that it has emerged in Middle Tennessee, the problem hits close to home for many Nashville and Tennessee residents.
These insects feed solely on white and green ash trees, giving the bugs their name. According to the USDA, there are about 271 million green and white ash trees in the state of Tennessee. If the emerald ash borers are not controlled, these invaders could cost the state of Tennessee approximately $11 billion.
Unfortunately, early detection of the infestation is nearly impossible. Once the tree shows signs of symptoms, it has been anywhere from one to three years since the tree has been infested, making it too late to treat. The larvae feed on the tissue in the trunk, blocking off water and nutrients. Once the larvae has reached adulthood, they exit the tree, leaving distinct markings in the trunk; however the tree is usually too far gone. Symptoms include wilted leaves, fallen limbs and eventual tree death.
The insects are believed to be moving by transported firewood and unprocessed logs, which has now made its way through Tennessee and into our backyards. Though treatment can be difficult, the Parke Company works diligently to create preemptive measures for these possible infestations. While these practices are not always guaranteed, it’s your best bet in keeping your beloved ash trees alive. Have questions about ash trees, planting trees or other tree services? Call the Parke Company and they’ll assist you in any tree care you might need.
For more information or to inquire about tree care, call the Parke Company today.
One of the best parts about fall is watching the leaves change. The vibrant colors from all of the trees is one of Earth’s beautiful qualities. But what are some of Tennessee’s most vibrant trees during the autumn months? Though there are several, here are just a few favorites.
Summer is almost over! (We know, we can hardly believe it either.) But before the nights begin to cool down and leaves start to fall, it’s important to assess your trees and have any trees transplanted or treated before it gets too cold. This will not only prevent any unforeseen damage to your trees, but it will also keep them safe as temperatures start to drop. This time of year is key in making sure your tree care is set and ready to go for the winter. Here are a few things to consider:
If you haven’t been outside lately, it’s hot in Nashville. The heat and humidity are taking over in Middle Tennessee and it’s taking a toll on the trees all around Music City. Yes, trees are resilient beauties that can adapt to the weather, but it’s important to know what you can do to keep your trees as happy and healthy as possible. The Parke Company has a wide variety of services available for tree care to make sure your trees (or landscape) never have to suffer during these dog days of summer.
A lot of customers ask the Parke Company how they can save time and money when it comes to their tree service in Nashville. Well, this tends to be a loaded question. While we understand the importance of a tight budget and minimizing the initial cost of tree care, sometimes that’s not always the answer. Savings can be made by completing a full, comprehensive service at once, instead of a little at a time. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also save the time and hassle of having to deal with fallen trees or other tree service mishaps.