3 Reasons to Hire Professional Landscapers

The Parke Company potted flowers on a residential patio

Do you want to turn your bland backyard into a beautiful oasis? Are you looking for a way to add curb appeal to your front yard? Are you trying to find some plants that will last through all four seasons in Nashville, TN? If so, you should consider hiring a professional landscaper. Here’s why hiring The Parke Company is well worth the investment:

1.)  We are Knowledgeable and Experienced

We not only know what would complement your yard—we have the expertise necessary to make your vision a reality. We will examine the amount of space in your yard and the types of soil in order to recommend the best types of trees, plants, shrubs and grass to plant in your yard. We will oversee pruning and tree planting. If necessary, we can remove a tree or stumps. If the project requires a permit, we will file the permit. Trained landscapers can make sure that your project is completed to code.

2.)  We Can Create a Specially Tailored Yard

Do you need plants that are safe for your pets? Do you want to build a pond or pool in your backyard?

Whether you want a backyard waterfall, a pond or a flower garden, the Parke Company can turn your dreams into realities. We will create specialized plans that match your taste and budget and allow you to pick your favorite one. It’s important to examine the customized plan carefully to make sure that you will like the end result.

3.)  We Put Safety First

If you’re ever experienced a do-it-yourself project gone awry, you can easily understand the importance of hiring a professional. Do you want lights installed by your backyard flower garden or pond? Do you want to add outdoor lights to your property? Hiring the Parke Company will guarantee that the project is completed safely. We know how to properly wire your electrical system to guarantee that it is safe for your family.

 If you have a vision for your landscape but lack the skill set necessary to make it a reality, you should contact The Parke Company. We specialize in tree service and landscape projects for residential and commercial projects. Whether you live in Green Hills, Forest Hills, Oak Hill or any other suburb in the Nashville area, we can provide a free estimate for your desired project. Working with us will ensure that the end result lives up to your expectations.

 

3 Essential Steps to Seasonal Tree Care

Colorful leaves on top of grass.

As summer turns to fall, it’s important to make sure that your trees are healthy and properly cared for. At The Parke Company, we believe that it is essential to focus on long term tree care and health. We provide excellent tree services so that your trees remain beautiful and healthy for years to come. Here are some of the best ways to take care of your trees:

Three Ways to Take Care of Your Trees Year-Round

1.) Apply Fertilizer During Fall

Although raking up leaves adds to the aesthetics of your yard, removing leaves can deprive trees and plants of the nutrients that decomposing leaves release. In order to compensate for this, you should apply one to three pounds of slow-release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Then cultivate it lightly. It’s best to fertilize trees in late September and early October in order to promote strong and healthy root growth. If you’re not sure how much fertilizer you need or how to properly fertilize your trees, consult with one of our friendly and knowledgeable experts.

2.) Prune Trees During Winter

Pruning involves removing dead or damaged branches in order to make your trees healthier. Pruning will lead to increased growth and fruitfulness. It’s best to prune trees during winter because the trees are dormant then. It’s important to make sure that the correct branches are being pruned. Consult a professional from The Parke Company to guarantee that your trees are being properly pruned.

3.) Inspect Trees in the Spring

When spring arrives, you should inspect your trees and treat any damage immediately. Our professional team will make sure that your trees are still healthy and remove dead trees if necessary. We can also perform lawn services.

Strong and healthy trees always fare better than unhealthy and weak ones, so it’s important to make sure that your trees are well-cared for all year long.

If you are looking for a professional tree service or lawn services, you should contact The Parke Company. We specialize in tree service and landscape projects for residential and commercial projects. Whether you live in Green Hills, Forest Hills, Oak Hill or any other suburb in the Nashville area, we can provide a free estimate for your desired project. Contact us today so that we can provide you with proper tree care.

If Trees Could Sing — Sharing the Love of Trees in TN

As most people who follow the Parke Company and its work know, trees are an important part of our ecosystem in addition to beautiful scenery for people all year round. From the handsome, colorful red maple leaves in the fall to its beautiful dogwood blooms in the spring, trees are a source of beauty for many admirers. But a tree’s beauty isn’t its only quality. Limbs and leaves can provide shade for people on a sunny day; the nuts and fruit can provide nutrition for a variety of animals such as birds and squirrels.

In an effort to preserve the trees all through Nashville, the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee has partnered up with some of Tennessee’s most beloved singers to create If Trees Could Sing. This project is an 18-part web series that include singers discussing their favorite trees as well as the benefits for people and the world around us. Our favorite artists like Reba McIntyre, Will Hoge and Ben Folds talk about trees such as the Sycamore, Pin Oak, Sweetbay Magnolia and other Nashville natives.

But it’s not just the Nature Conservancy that’s aiming to raise awareness about trees. Just a couple of weeks ago, the conservancy partnered with Metro Parks to display signs all over Centennial Park that identify each tree and provide a web address to the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee website. Not only is this a great interactive tool for people to learn about the trees, but it’s also a great way to donate to the cause.

Preserving trees isn’t just about the ones out in forests and parks. It’s also about the ones right outside your door. What’s one way you can help preserve the trees that are in your backyard? Call the Parke Company. Tree disease and infestation can severely diminish trees all around the area, which is why early detection is crucial. The Parke Company can assist in tree care all year round and help detect any possible problems that might sprout. Regular tree care checkups can help you save time and money before they become out of control.

Want more information on If Trees Could Sing? Visit their website to learn more about some of your favorite Nashville local trees from some of your favorite artists. And if you have a tree in need, contact the Parke Company today to schedule your consultation.

Emerald Ash Borer Coming to Davidson County

The Parke Company planting an emerald ash borer tree

There is a new bug in town. First spotted in Michigan, the emerald ash borer has found its way through Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, among other states. Originally from Asia, the ½ inch long bug with metallic green wings has come to America and eaten its way all the way down to Tennessee, and now Davidson County.

According to the USDA, an estimated 271 million green and white ash trees (approximately $11 billion worth) are in the state of Tennessee, which is the bug’s meal of choice. If the emerald ash borer becomes a serious problem in the state, it could be detrimental to the ash population in the area.

Early detection is very difficult because these pesky creatures will kill trees before we realize there is a problem. It can take anywhere from one to three years before a tree’s symptoms begin to show, and by then it is too late to treat. The larvae feed on the tissue in the trunk, blocking off water and nutrients, which eventually causes the leaves to wilt, limbs to fall off, and death. However, the adult borers leave distinct markings in the trunk as they exit the tree when they’re finished growing.

It is commonly believed that the spread of Emerald Ash Borers is caused by the transportation of firewood and unprocessed logs. The Parke Company has been working diligently to create preemptive measures for these possible infestations. While these measures are not always guaranteed, it’s the best bet in keeping beloved ash trees alive. Unsure you if you have an ash tree and you don’t want to take a chance? Call the Parke Company and they’ll help you identify the trees in your property as well as harmful elements, and guide you in any necessary precautions.

For more information or to inquire about tree care, call the Parke Company today.

 

Planting Bulbs: Preparing for Spring Time

The Parke Company planting flowers for spring

We know, we know. We haven’t even gotten through half of fall yet, and we’re already talking about spring, but it’s really important to start prepping for the new season. (Yes, even now!) Aside from flower bed clean-up and leaf removal, an important service to consider is planting bulbs for the new year. In order for blooms to grow beautiful and prosperous in the spring, they need to be planted now.

Why do bulbs need to be planted now instead of closer to spring?

Flowers like daffodils or tulips require long periods of time (particularly in the cooler temperatures) to “hibernate” in order to grow and bloom in the spring.

When is best to plant the bulbs?

It is recommended to plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall or early winter, but it’s advised to do so before the ground freezes.

What if I don’t know how to plant bulbs or need help preparing?

The Parke Company can help with that! Our landscape experts can make sure the job is done in plenty of time and exactly how you want it.

Take Cheekwood for example. Their Bulb Bonanza is hosted in preparation for their Cheekwood in Bloom event that happens in the spring. Though the Parke Company doesn’t not plant bulbs for Cheekwood, they can certainly prep any of your gardens, make sure your flower beds are clean and pick up all leaves on your property (in addition to any tree work) before winter settles in.

Though the leaves fall off trees and grass turns a bit yellow, nature doesn’t stop during the wintertime. Be sure you take care of your prepping and bulb planting with the Parke Company before it’s too late. And while you are at it, have them take care of any last minute details such as a pumpkin display or leaf and limb pick-up. Call them today to speak with a professional.