Freezing Temperature Checklist for Nashville Landscapes

House_Bib_Cover_NashvilleIt is pretty obvious the moment you step outside — it’s cold in Nashville. And not just the “oh, maybe I should’ve worn a jacket,” cold, but the “oh, maybe I should’ve worn a parka, gloves and hat” cold. So how does your landscape stay safe through these freezing temperatures? There’s a big list of things to check off in order to protect your landscape, trees and home from the cold temps. The checklist includes:

  • Remove all ceramic or clay pots to avoid damage. If you can’t remove heavy or planted pots, wrap them with bubble wrap to keep them insulated.
  • Bring all outdoor hoses inside and drain them.
  • Drain any pools, fountains or sprinkler lines.
  • Shut off the inside valve of the hose bibs and allow it to drain.
  • Keep the outside hose bib on for additional draining. This will also help keep the pipes from bursting.
  • Cover any plants, young trees or flowers with freeze-protected fabrics.
  • Remove any heavy or dead limbs that might be hanging over power lines, rooftops or cars. The freeze and heavy ice might cause the limbs to break and fall.
  • Collect any firewood in case of power outages or heating problems (if you have a fireplace). The Parke Company can provide firewood for you if you need it.

Whether you live in Greenhills or West Nashville, the city and surrounding areas still experiences cold snaps throughout the winter months. It’s smart to be prepared. If you have not already checked these things off your list, be sure to do so before the next cold front. If you don’t take care of these small tasks, you might be in for much longer winter repairing and paying for avoidable problems. If there’s something you are unsure about, call the Parke Company with any questions or additional landscape needs.

Stay warm, Nashvillians!

Different Types of Sprinkler Heads for Your Nashville Lawn

There are a variety of options when it comes to sprinkler heads, and getting familiar with the different styles will help you decide what works best for your landscape irrigation system.

Concealed Sprinklers

Many permanent concealed sprinkler systems use pop-up heads. This type of spring-driven mechanism ensures that the head pops above the grass only when the water is turned on. The sprinkler head then withdraws beneath the lawn’s surface so that the system is safe from potential damage due to lawnmowers and other lawn activities. Concealed pop-up heads typically adjust to spray in a pattern from 10 to 45 feet wide and provide 1-2.5 inches of water coverage per hour.

Rotary Sprinklers

Rotary sprinklers use an adjustable spray setting that shoots a stream of water in a circular pattern. The two main types of rotary sprinkler systems are gear-driven and impact models.  Gear-driven sprinklers utilize water pressure and internal gears to rotate the nozzle as it sprays. One advantage of gear-driven models is that they tend to operate more quietly than other systems. Impact sprinklers have a spring-loaded mechanism that controls the turning direction of the nozzle and helps it spray evenly. Rotary sprinklers designed for residential landscaping usually spray 20-40 feet while commercial systems can spray as far as 90 feet from the sprinkler head. These sprinklers deliver between 0.25-0.5 inches of water per hour in their designated area.

Micro-Irrigation (“Bubblers”)

Also referred to as spot irrigation or bubblers, micro-irrigation sprinkler heads are a great choice for watering individual plants and garden beds. You can install these near the root systems of plants for continuous drip irrigation to smaller areas of landscaping. These sprinkler heads deliver water that soaks the soil in areas smaller than 5 feet in diameter, making this system ideal for planters, shrubs, and tree wells.

To find out more about the best type of sprinkler system for your middle Tennessee home or business, contact the irrigation professionals at the Parke Company. Call us today at 615-350-6033 to schedule a licensed irrigation specialist to visit your home.

Get Rid of the Winter Blues: Schedule Tree Services Today

Tree InstallationAfter Christmas and into the slow, winter months of January and February, the short days and cold weather can often bring a sense of melancholy to Nashvillians. But as you begin taking down all your tinsel and ribbons, be sure to use those months to your advantage and leave the gloom behind.

When you take down your holiday decorations, take note of what else your lawn might need such as landscaping or tree services. From stump grinding to tree healthcare, the Parke Company has it all. January and February are great months to scout out what your yard and trees needs. Schedule landscaping or tree services in plenty of time before the spring and summer and your winter blues won’t be quite as glum as it once was.

Parke SignThe Parke Company has an array of services available for the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee. Why not take advantage of these services now so you won’t have to worry about it later? These services include (but not limited to):

  • Landscaping
  • Tree removal
  • Debris removal and chipper services
  • Stump grinding
  • Tree installation
  • Firewood and other wood products

Take the New Year as an opportunity to make a to-do list of all your lawn and tree needs for 2014. It’s not only a great way to begin the New Year on a good foot, but it also keeps your lawn and trees clean and healthy. For more information, or if you have questions about any of the Parke Company’s services within Forest Hills, Oak Hill and Belle Meade, call them today at (615) 405-6548.

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.

The Parke Company provides Tennessee Capitol Christmas Tree

CapitolTree_Parke_NashvilleLast week, the city of Nashville participated in the lighting ceremony of the capitol’s Christmas tree, hosted by Governor Bill Haslam. Strung with over 6,000 bulbs and 200 ornaments, this 35-foot Norway spruce stands proudly in Legislative Plaza for the holidays.

The Parke Company, including Rick Krivak (Parke Company’s Assistant Manager – Tree Division and Certified Arborist) was responsible for picking up the tree in Oliver Springs in East Tennessee and transplanted it in its new home in Music City. The tree itself is several decades old, originally planted for a Christmas tree research project at the University of Tennessee. When the project ended in 1985, the relocated spruce was transplanted in Oliver Springs at the Cumberland Forest.

ParkeCompany_LoadingTree_NashvilleWant an interesting tidbit about the tree? It was not the original tree designated for the capitol. In fact, it wasn’t until a large storm damaged the original tree that the Norway spruce was reconsidered. It was then that the tree was cut down with care, securely fastened to a trailer and then traveled the 2 and half hour journey to Nashville.

The tree was going to have to be cut down anyway to make room for other research projects in the area. In addition, the size of the tree blocked sunlight from other trees, so many people are pleased with the spruce’s second chance at life. After the holidays, the tree will be cut back down and turned into chips for removal.

ParkeCompany_LoadingTree_Nashville2Though it is too late to see the lighting ceremony, it’s not too late to enjoy its Christmas cheer. The Christmas tree will stay lit all through the holiday season, located in the heart of Nashville.