The Parke Company | The Parke Company

Additions to Existing Irrigation Systems in Nashville, TN

March 7, 2024September 1, 2013 by The Parke Company

irrigation-additions-nashville-tn Operating an irrigation system for your property is an involved task. It’s important to know all of your options in order to maintain the quality of your lawn while respecting the limitations of your budget. Sometimes, an entire renovation of the existing irrigation system is necessary. However, a lot of times it’s appropriate to just provide the system with irrigation additions, which can increase the lifespan. Here are some add-ons to consider:

Rain Sensors: Poorly programed sprinklers don’t register rain, which means that your sprinkler will run during a thunderstorm. This an inefficient use of resources and will end up costing you unnecessary dollars on the water bill. Overwatering can also damage the integrity of your lawn. Rain sensors ensure that your lawn is getting the right about of irrigation, not too much and not too little.
Lake Pumps: The Middle Tennessee area holds many lakes and waterways. If your plot is near a natural water source you can use that resource to irrigate the lawn. Lawn pumps can be installed after the fact and can work to decrease water costs.
Extra Filters: It’s important for irrigation auditors to be mindful of the quality of water that is being released from the sprinkler heads. Some water, depending on the closest water sources, could include unhealthy sediments that could harm the turf or clog the sprinklers. Installing filters can reduce this risk of costly repairs.
Additional Sprinkler Heads: Landscape irrigation systems need to have an appropriate amount of strategically placed sprinkler heads around the lawn. Many factors contribute to the placing of the sprinkler heads: elevation, natural waterways and turf type are just a few. Consider hiring a certified irrigation designer to evaluate the areal view of your lot to determine where more sprinkler heads might be needed.

The Parke Company is equipped to service any additional features needed for your irrigation system. Located in Nashville, Tenn., we service the surrounding Middle Tennessee area and are available for consults and contracted work. Call us today at (615)-207-8390.

Planting Trees: Working Together to Make Nashville More Beautiful

March 7, 2024August 26, 2013 by The Parke Company

Tennessee becomes a bit more beautiful when we plant a new tree. Planting a tree does not have to be saved for Arbor Day or Earth Day either. For many Nashvillians, it’s a great outdoor activity for the family or even organization, especially during the autumn season. Not only can you learn a lot about the basics of planting and treecare, but you’re also learning to appreciate nature. Here are a few simple things to consider if you’re planning to plant your own tree.

Choose the right tree. Nashville is in a planting 6b zone so do some research trees that best fit within the Middle Tennessee environment. It’s probably safe to say that a palm tree will not do well during the bitter months of January if it’s planted outside your house in Franklin. Planting in the autumn is a perfect time of year since the weather begins to cool down and the plant begins its dormancy. However, the roots continue to grow as the tree acclimates to its surroundings. Consider planting native species to the area. If you need help, the folks at the Parke Company have years of knowledge under their belt and will be able to point you in the right direction.

Prepare the area and the tree. Prepare the hole and the tree as instructed for plantation. Whether it’s small or large, each tree is different and should be treated as such. Be sure you have all the proper tools and mulch necessary before planting. If you’re unsure of a step, the Parke Company is there for you for all your tree service needs.

Maintain proper treecare throughout its life. Immediately after the tree is planted, it’s important to water and mulch the tree often. Sometimes putting stakes down are necessary for the new tree until the roots become established within the ground. The treecare of the plant is crucial, especially in the first few years of its life. The Parke Company’s tree service will not only help you find the right tree and help you plant it, but they can also keep it healthy too.

The Parke Company understands the importance of planting trees. (Hey, that’s why they’re in business!) But it can also be a great activity for family or friends if you know how to plant it right. However, if you’re ever in doubt, always feel free to call the Parke Company for professional tree service at (615) 405-6548.

Bison Meadow and The Parke Company: Working Together to Bring Nashville History to Life

March 7, 2024August 18, 2013 by The Parke Company

As part of the Tennessee Bicentennial Project in 1994, The City of Forest Hills established Bison Meadow. Bison Meadow, a mirror of the prairies that once prospered in the state, is filled with wildflowers, trees and Indian grass. Staying true to its history, the 2.5-acre of land is on part of the state’s Natchez Trace and embodies the wild ecosystem that was once there. (Thanks to landscape architect Tara Armistead.) As part of Natchez Trace, bison, elk and other large mammals traveled through this prairie to get to the large salt lick along the Cumberland River.

The Parke Company has since maintained the meadow and kept it true to its history. From the treecare to building the bison topiaries, the Parke Company is steadily involved in the meadow’s upkeep for the last 6 years. Surrounded by dry-stack stonewalls, funded by The Garden Club of Nashville, the meadow maintains a peaceful serenity away from the residential areas of Forest Hills.

While there are no live bison in Bison Meadow, there are shrubs throughout the property shaped like the giant creatures. The metal frames (where the trees grow from) were created by artist Alan LeQuire. When the bison trees were originally sculpted, Hicks yew was used for the topiary. Since then, the Parke Company determined that the yew was not as prosperous for the local growing zone as they hoped. Instead, they’ve deceived to convert to arborvitae, which is much more conducive to this area.

Fast Facts about American Bison:

Heaviest land animals in North America with weights ranging from 950 to 2,200 pounds.
Stand about 5 to 6 1/2 feet tall.
These herbivores are grazers, eating grass, twigs and shrubs. They also regurgitate their food and eat it again before it’s finally digested.
The lifespan of a bison can range from 12 to 20 years.

With the Parke Company’s help with its treecare, Bison Meadow will continue to be an asset of both Nashville and Forest Hill. With so much wildlife and American history behind the meadow, it’s no wonder the Parke Company took on this tree project. Located on the corner of Hillsboro Pike and Tyne Blvd., guests are welcome to visit the meadow, and encouraged to come during different times of year when the wildflowers and trees are blooming.

For additional information about treecare and shrub information, call the Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.

Landscaping, Construction and Tennessee Wildlife: Protecting Exposed Tree Roots

March 7, 2024August 10, 2013 by The Parke Company

Landscape, construction or Tennessee wildlife can be hard on those exposed tree roots in your yard, especially weed eaters or the metal sides of a mower. (Oh, and let’s not forget that it can damage the equipment too!) And most of the time the big, unanswered question is, “oh… is that bad for the tree?” Well, constant running over surface roots will weaken them and create entrances for insects and other infestations. However, if the damage is done, consult the Parke Company on what options are available on proper tree care and how to fix it.

Look Out! Tree roots are a problem all through Nashville — from Madison, TN to Bellevue. Consult with both your Nashville landscape and maintenance company for the best ways to avoid the roots and the bottoms of trees. The more you and your workers are aware, the more likely you will not damage the tree or equipment.

Protect! Plan ways to protect your tree roots and tree trunks year after year by investing in tools such as a tree trunk protector. In addition, consider planting a bed around a tree to keep mowers and weed eaters outs. This method can be very tricky so consult with the Parke Company first to avoid long-term problems. But whatever you do, do not cut the surface roots out. Not only does it make the tree more susceptible to disease but it also weakens the tree and can cause potentially dangerous situation. We all know how finicky the weather in Middle Tennessee can be!

Take Care! If damage does occur, call the Parke Company right away if you start to see signs of illness or distress. Tree healthcare is incredibly important to your property’s ecosystem, so it’s vital you stay on top of it. Signs of a sick tree are dead limbs, browning leaves during off-seasons and insect infestations.

Taking care of your landscape doesn’t stop at the flowerbeds and lawns. Your trees are important as well. Be cautious when doing landscape or other activities, as damaging tree roots and trunks could be harmful. In addition, watch out for wildlife such as deer that could use their antlers to hit against the tree. This could do the same type of damage. If you notice your tree is getting ill or distressed due to exposed root or tree trunk damage, call the Parke Company to discuss tree healthcare options and other services moving forward. For more information, call (615) 405-6548.

Planning Ahead: Scheduling Tree Services in Nashville With The Parke Company

March 7, 2024August 1, 2013 by The Parke Company

Things are heating up here at the Parke Company! While the sun is hitting hard outside, Parke Company employees are doing the same for customers all over Nashville. Though the jobs may stack up, it doesn’t change the Parke Company’s goal: making sure the trees around Middle Tennessee are happy and healthy. Stay one-step ahead and schedule with the Parke Company now for all of your tree service needs including tree removal and plant health care need services.

Benefits of scheduling early:

Ensuring the job is getting done in your time frame. Do you remember the saying, “the early bird catches the worm?” This is the best way to avoid running into scheduling constraints for both parties, and the job gets done when you want it to.

Scheduling early is a chance to prepare. If the Parke Company needs extra assistance with removing a tree, or if the weather becomes an issue, or if you know of any setbacks, it’s good to know that earlier rather than later. Uncontrollable surprises on a tight schedule can not only be inconvenient but also a setback.

Give yourself ample time to enjoy your trees and property before the winter chill takes over. The earlier you schedule the services, the earlier the job will get done. This will ensure you’ll be able to enjoy more time outside on your property, rather than inside waiting for the work to get done.

The Parke Company understands that this time of year can get hectic — school is starting and it is the end of summer. However, scheduling your tree service right now can only benefit in the long run rather than waiting until things become an emergency. The Parke Company’s services range from everything to plant health care to stump grinding. In addition, the Parke Company works for residential and commercial areas in Nashville and Middle Tennessee including Franklin, Belle Meade, Berry Hill and Bellevue. To schedule an appointment with the Parke Company, call (615) 405-6548 today.