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Nashville Unites to Award Largest Trees in Metropolis

March 7, 2024April 3, 2013 by The Parke Company

Think you have the biggest, oldest tree in Middle Tennessee? The Nashville Tree Foundation is hosting the 26th annual Big Old Tree Contest to honor and preserve some of the oldest and largest trees within Davidson Country.

Entry deadline is April 3 to nominate trees of any species. They can be trees on your property or trees on family, friends and public properties. Whether the tree is in Belle Meade or along Cumberland River, simply fill out the entry form and you’re done! Winners will be announced during the High Tree Party at the end of April.

Since the Nashville Tree Foundation’s beginning, the organization has dubbed over 500 champions of the contest, with 44 winners in 2012. In addition, the group has planted over 8,000 trees within the Nashville area. The contest is to promote and encourage tree awareness, while keeping inventory of the city’s largest trees.

Do you have a large tree but unsure what the species is or even how to properly care for it? It could be a Red Maple or even Tennessee’s state tree, the Tulip Poplar. Call the Parke Company for proper tree service of your big beauty.

For more information about the Big Old Tree Contest or to apply for the contest, visit www.nashvilletreefoundation.org. For proper tree services of your oldest and largest trees in Nashville, call the experts at 615-408-6548.

How does Parke Company Treat Your Trees Without Causing Unnecessary Damage?

March 7, 2024March 29, 2013 by The Parke Company

Humans can’t fly, as we are sure you already know. We don’t have long retractable claws for climbing either. So how does a tree service company climb up those trees in order to provide you with proper treecare? Well, that depends on the job and the tree. While none of the workers at the Parke Company are monkeys, they certainly know how to safely climb trees for proper repair without damaging the trunk or limbs.

Climbing trees for repair can oftentimes be tricky. The Parke Company uses ropes and bucket trucks in order to reach high areas of Nashville trees instead of spiked boots. Spiked boots can cut and scratch up the tree, which will make the plant susceptible to disease and insects. In order to prevent more problems for the tree, the Parke Company uses preventative measures to inspect, treat and repair the trees.

In order to avoid touching the tree altogether, the tree service will attempt treecare from a bucket truck. If a bucket truck can’t reach the tree, then the Parke Company will use an impressive rope technique in order to climb and service the tree. Not only is a vast array of physics at play when climbing and/or caring for trees, but also knot tying and safety. The Parke Company uses special measures for proper weight distribution and safety when a tree or branch must be removed.

Whether they’re working on a tree in Belle Meade Country Club or removing a tree from a front yard in East Nashville, the Parke Company is a tree service with years of experience in proper tree climbing that is both safe for employees and the trees. For more information on the Parke Company’s treecare or a consultation, please call 615-405-6548.

Don’t Let Pollen Allergies Get the Best of You This Spring

March 7, 2024March 6, 2013 by The Parke Company

Pollen allergies — what an awful feeling for anyone who’s had the displeasure of experiencing such a thing. The running nose, the watery eyes and overall hit-by-a-truck feeling are anything but pleasant. And yet, how are you supposed to enjoy the beginnings of spring if the first thing you do when you step outside is sneeze?

Airborne pollens are deposited close to the tree from which it was released. You are more likely to have a reaction to the pollen if the tree is in your yard, as opposed to trees few houses down. The Parke Company can discuss with you hypoallergenic alternatives for your yard and how to properly maintain trees with high pollen levels already on your property.

Some things to consider if you live with pollen allergies:

Get allergy tested: Go to the doctor to determine what pollen is causing a reaction. This will allow you to specify what trees and plants you can be around and which ones you should avoid.

Plant your trees accordingly: Once you’ve determined what trees and plants you can be around, plan your landscape accordingly and eliminate the plants you have a reaction with.

Keep up with the pollen index: Check the Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s pollen index regularly. This will give you an idea as to when pollen is most prominent and reactions are possible. Plan your outdoor activities when pollen levels are at their lowest. According to Prevention Magazine, the time of day levels are lowest is mid to late afternoon. In comparison, the time of day when pollen levels are the highest is during the morning from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and early evenings.

Preventing pollen allergies are not 100 percent guaranteed, especially if you live near high tree-populated areas such as Edwin Warner Park or Shelby Bottoms, but the best you can do is take precautions when you are most susceptible. Talk with the Parke Company about trees and plants that create less pollen levels in your yard. The Parke Company can also assist in transplanting trees that cause severe allergies for you, your family or employees. For more information on pollen and The Parke Company’s services, call them at 615-405-6548. In addition, be sure to visit the Weather Channel’s website for a daily pollen count of Nashville.

Invasive Species Plague Nashville Trees and Plants

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

Invasive plant species are nothing to laugh about. Though self-explanatory, these species can be dangerous for your “urban forest”, including your trees. Not only are they hard to identify if you’re unsure, but they also are hard to get rid of without professional help. The Parke Company can help in identifying these species and show you the proper steps in getting rid of your invasive species.

According to the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, there are 403 invasive species reported within the state of Tennessee including herbs, grass, trees, shrubs, vines and aquatic plants. Annually, invasive species cost the state of Tennessee about $2.6 million. Davidson County is the second largest county with the most reported invasive species at 293. Though prominent, if you can identify and understand what these species do, you’re one step closer in making sure your trees and yard stays happy and healthy.

Top four invasive species in Nashville, Tenn.:

1. Bush Honeysuckle (Asian Bush Honeysuckle) — This is a very prominent bush around Middle Tennessee, and is made up of about five species. The scrubby underbrush spreads by birds who feed off their fruits. Originally native to Asia, these invasive species can harm native plants and have negative impacts on wilderness regeneration. This shrubs can range anywhere from five to 20 feet and produce yellow flowers and red and orange fruits.

2. Japanese Honeysuckle — The Japanese Honeysuckle is a vine that grows and twists up small trees and limbs. Native to Japan and Korea, this perennial has few natural threats in the Nashville area. It grows fast and can overtake native species quickly. Its prey (small trees and shrubs) can die if the honeysuckle grows and twists too tightly around the plant preventing water intake. In addition, the dense growth of the vine can prevent necessary sunlight. The Japanese Honeysuckle can reach up to 80 feet long and can reach up to 2 inches thick. During the spring and summer, the plant has fragrant white and/or yellow flowers.

3. Japanese Privet: Similar to the Japanese honeysuckle, the Japanese Privet can dominate plants by dense growth and prevent sunlight, which in turn, can kill native species. Often found along fencerows, streams and forest margins, this plant has rapid reproduction rates in a variety of habitats, which makes them hard to eradicate. Japanese Privet can grow up to 30 feet tall, with shallow but extensive roots. With aromatic blossoms during the springtime, the branches arch downward.

4. Japanese Stiltgrass: This grass grows in low light and moist to dry locations. The plant sprawls out in large patches throughout these areas invading other plants. The species has long, pale green leaves that range from 1 to 3 inches. The stiltgrass can reach a height of 3.5 feet virtually killing off native species that can’t compete.

From Bellevue to East Nashville, invasive species are common problems within the city, as well as the surrounding county. It’s important to be able to identify and treat the problem before they harm your trees and other plants. The Parke Company can help answer any questions or help identify any invasive plants you might have on your property. For more information or a free estimate, email danbeasley@theparkecompany.com. For more information on invasive species, visit www.tneppc.org.

Time for a Tree Assessment: How to Keep Your Nashville Trees Happy and Healthy

October 30, 2025February 19, 2013 by The Parke Company

Just like you and your family, trees need regular checkups. But sometimes, it’s easier said than done. Our lives are busy filled with work, appointments, and children’s sports events. But all daily activities set aside, it’s still important to maintain the health and prosperity of your “urban forest.” The Parke Company is just a call away to provide free tree assessments for all Nashville residents from Forest Hills to Madison . Whether you’re looking to maintain the health of the tree, or you’re thinking about the yard’s future, a tree assessment will give you the tools you need for any obstacle that might come your way.

1. Tree health and disease — If you begin to notice signs of bad health, contact a professional immediately. The Parke Company will be able to assist you on how to care for the tree and what steps to take. Signs of bad health:

deadwood
dying trunk
bark is peeling off
leaves begin to look anemic or discolored
insect infestation

If you notice any of these issues, it is recommended that a full health evaluation be done on your tree. In the next ten years, a portion of species such as pines, pine oak and hemlock are expected to face problems with disease. The Parke Company can assist you evaluate and identify these diseases as they occur.

2. Visual and Lighting needs — The possibilities can be endless. You might want to remove a few limbs for a better view through the front door or bedroom window. Or maybe you want to increase sunlight to the flowerbeds below. Whatever the reason, the Parke Company can provide an assessment for what protocol is best and what steps need to be taken to ensure your needs are met.

3. Future planning — If you anticipate future construction or future design, it’s important to plan ahead on if a tree needs to be removed, transplanted or protected. In addition, if you foresee future problems with an otherwise healthy tree (e.g. a tree leaning toward a house), it might be necessary to weigh the pros and cons now with a professional before problems occur. The Parke Company will discuss with you and/or building contractors options that will ensure the safety of the tree and your property.

As the saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry” and that stands true with your trees. Making sure your tree is healthy and meeting your other needs (such as lighting and future planning needs) is crucial in enjoying the benefits of having the beautiful creatures in your yard. The Parke Company is readily available to answer any questions for people in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. For more information on a free tree assessment, call the Parke Company at 615-405-6548.