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Preparing for Winter Storms in Middle Tennessee

September 30, 2026September 15, 2020 by The Parke Company

Unfortunately, winter storms are unavoidable. Yes, even in Middle Tennessee and the Nashville area, things can get frigid. Below freezing temperatures, snow and ice are all real possibilities and should be taken into consideration when preparing for severe weather.

And just like you turn your faucets on drip to avoid bursting water pipes, preventative measures are necessary for your trees too. Keeping your tree care up to date through the winter months can take a bit of time and money, but calling the Parke Company will prevent greater losses and keep your property and family safe.

Here are some things to do now in order to prepare for any dangerous storms that might come our way this season:

Remove Deadwood and loose branches to create better airflow. This is beneficial for high wind storms that could cause deadwood or branches to fly off trees and cause damage to houses or cars.
Pruning trees keep trees strong through any possible ice storms. If trees have too many branches, both dead or living, it’s important to prune to improve airflow and keep the tree branches from holding too much ice.
Brush removal is important, especially in ice storms. Even though it might seem like no big deal, vines, brush or weeds should be removed from trees to avoid ice weighing the tree down.
Consult with the Parke Company about any trees or hazards that might be leaning toward your home or other buildings. If strong storms come through that weigh the trees down, things could turn dangerous. For example, The Parke Company recently removed a dead, unsafe tree off Hillsboro Pike on the border of Davidson and Williamson county. If this tree hasn’t been removed promptly, it could’ve been hazardous for drivers passing by.

Emergency tree service is always available at The Parke Company, but taking these few precautions now can avoid headaches and damage in the future. Please remember how important it is to hire professionals to do the work, instead of attempting to do it yourself. Not only is this for safety reasons, it’s also less hassle for you! The team is certified and insured for this kind of work. The Parke Company is always available for free advice and a free estimate if you’re unsure how to begin. For more information about tree care within the Nashville area, visit their website or call them today!

Trees of Tennessee Highlights Parke Favorites

September 30, 2026September 15, 2020 by The Parke Company

Historic trees are such a pleasure to care for, at least for the Parke company. Many times, these aged trees are the only living reminiscence of a piece in history, and they can show us glimpses of history we would not know otherwise. Trees like the Witness Tree and the Battle of Nashville Basket Oak Tree are two majestic trees that have recently been inducted into the Tennessee Tree Registry for their historical significance and to preserve them for years to come.

In addition to the Witness Tree and other historical trees’ induction to the Tennessee Registry, the Witness Tree and Basket Oak is featured in a new book, Trees of Tennessee. This coffee-table book is chock-full of beautiful trees within our state borders. The pages are filled with colorful photos of leaves and branches, and information about historic, landmark and heritage trees.

The Parke Company understands the importance of preserving and raising awareness for heritage and historic trees, which is why they helped create this 128-page book. Covering 68 notable trees, the team at the Parke Company assisted the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council in publishing the book.

Interested in purchasing a book? The Parke Company doesn’t sell them directly, but they can point you in the right direction. The proceeds go to TUFC programs for urban forests throughout Tennessee and can be purchased here if you want to purchase the book online. The book is a great gift for any arborist or tree-lover in your life.

Want to know about the Parke Company’s effort to support Tennessee’s historic trees and urban forestry or think you might have a tree on your property with historical significance? The Parke Company is always interested in learning more about Nashville’s special branches. Contact them today to learn more!

Groundhog Saw His Shadow: What That Means for Your Landscape

September 30, 2026September 15, 2020 by The Parke Company

If you haven’t already heard, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last week. And so just like last year, the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area will have to endure six more weeks of winter. Whether that means severe or mild temperatures, time can only tell. But what it does ensure is plenty of time to prep your landscape for spring. Whether you need irrigation work, spring flowers, landscape design or mulching, the Parke Company can get those tasks completed before the season really starts to pick up.

Irrigation Work — This task can never be done too soon. It’s important to have the system up and running before spring to ensure smooth sailing all season long. Irrigation systems shouldn’t be something you have to deal with yourself (especially in the cold). Call the Parke Company to take care of it for you and enjoy the last days of winter snuggled in by the fire.

Spring Flowers — It’s not quite March, but before you know it we will be thinking about spring flowers and warmer weather. Skip a step of the work and call the Parke Company to take care of your flower bed and landscape needs for the spring. Even if it’s too early to begin planting flowers, it’s a good idea to get started on landscape design and other cleanup tasks.

Pruning and Tree Care — Just like landscape design, pruning is a great way to start off your spring garden. With six weeks left of winter, you have ample time to give Parke a call and schedule an appointment. Took care of pruning already, but need to give your trees some tender-loving care? The Parke Company can assist you in tree health care, deadwood and crown thinning.

Spring is just around the corner, so it’s smart to be prepared for it! Even if you’re ready for spring, it’s important to regularly check your trees for any weather-related emergencies. For more information about the Parke Company’s list of services within the Nashville area, call them today!

Nashville Ice Storm Wreaking Havoc on Trees

September 30, 2026September 15, 2020 by The Parke Company

Snowmageddon. Siberian Express. Nashville’s Ice Storm. Whatever you choose to call it, the Middle Tennessee area has been hit with severe weather that has crippled many counties in its wake. Snow, ice, sleet and record-hitting temperatures have all contributed to this winter weather, and it’s not the first time it’s happened in our area (and it probably won’t be the last). That’s why it’s crucial to take precautions when this season approaches. Just like you should drip your faucets when you’re under a freeze warning, you should also check all trees and branches for safety.

Why should I have my trees checked?

Sometimes, the initial cost of having branches thinned or trees checked can be scary. But trust us when we say that the initial cost outweighs the potential damage. Heavy ice will just weigh down already brittle branches, increasing the chance of breaking. If you don’t have your trees and branches inspected, it could lead to massive bills and potential injuries to you or your family.

What happens if I wait?

It’s a huge risk if you don’t consider tree care before the winter time. Nashville weather can be extreme and fickle. And though trees are made to withstand Mother Nature’s elements, it’s better safe than sorry. The week of Nashville’s ice storm, the Parke Company had to take care of fallen trees on homes or blocked roadways in Green Hills, Forest Hills, Oak Hill and Bellevue, (just to name a few). When the temperature is below freezing, dealing with a hole in your roof due to a fallen tree is the last thing you want on your plate.

Is emergency tree care available?

Yes. The Parke Company knows things happen. Even if you take all the right precautions, sometimes life can get the best of us. That’s why the Parke Company offers emergency tree care for issues that come up unexpectedly. They also provide snow and ice removal upon request. Salt, sand and de-icing are methods used to remove unwanted snow and ice.

Thankfully, we’re close to spring so we won’t have to deal with much more of the cold, but it’s still not worth the risk. This type of weather could happen at any point in the next month or so, which is why it’s best to make sure you’re prepped and ready. Have questions? The Parke Company is always available to answer your questions. For more information, contact them today!

A Celebration of Trees: Cheekwood and Parke Unite

September 30, 2026September 15, 2020 by The Parke Company

One of the great things about Nashville is the beautiful nature it provides. If you’re an admirer of Percy Warner or the beauty in Belle Meade, Cheekwood is a great place to visit. With a variety of events that bring Nashvillians and tourists alike, Cheekwood is a botanical garden and art museum that rivals all other beautiful parks in the country. The Parke Company, along with a variety of other sponsors, have joined forces with Cheekwood this spring to create a lovely event for all of Nashville to enjoy. A Celebration of Trees is a can’t-miss event filled with exhibits, tree activities and other excitement aimed at both arborists and the general public.

A Celebration of Trees started in February and goes through April to celebrate the property’s Level IV Arboretum status. The three month-long event will tie together tree-related holidays Arbor Day and Tu B’Shevat, Jewish Arbor Day (or “the New Year for Trees”). The celebration will conclude on April 25th with an Arbor Day celebration.

The main exhibit Trees of Myth and Legend by landscape artist Charles Brindley will include more than 70 drawings and paintings. Other aspects of this event will be tours of the property, children’s activities and workshops with Brindley throughout the upcoming months. During the Arbor Day celebration, families, friends and arborists can come together for a festive day filled with a variety of tree-related activities such as tree climbing and crafts, along with educational tours promoting landscape tree care.

Not only is this a great way to see what the city has to offer, but this event will also help you to learn more about Nashville’s history and tree health care. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday (until April 19) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And be sure to check out Cheekwood’s Arbor Day celebration with your friends at the Parke Company. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Cheekwood today!