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Tree Marks the Spot: Finding Direction with Trail Marker Trees

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There are many reasons to appreciate and love trees. They provide provide food for humans and animals alike. In addition, history has shown that they’ve provided shelter to soldiers in time of war and animals who seek warmth and escape from predators. But what a lot of people do not realize is how trees were once used to mark directions around the United States. People are now dependent on GPS (and even paper maps), but indigenous people in our country used trees to mark areas and trails for direction.

Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans all across America would purposefully bend sapling’s trunks in order to assist other Native Americans in their tribe while navigating. These trees would have horizontal bends or odd-shaped kinks in the trunks directing tribes in a direction toward food and water (or point them to specific landmarks). Many of these trees have grown and maintained their shape, creating an interesting glimpse into American history.

It is important to point out, however, that not all oddly-shaped trees are necessarily Trail Marker Trees. Instead, they could be trees struck by lightning or other severe weather or larger trees may fall on the smaller trees, causing the deformity in the trunks.

These fascinating Trail Marker Trees exist all throughout the country, and have even been documented and preserved in our backyard. Monterey, in Putnam County, Tennessee, contains a confirmed Trail Marker Tree within its borders. Though this historic tree is located on a privately-owned piece of landscape, it’s just a reminder that these trees exist across 39 states. Organizations like the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society and the Mountain Stewards in Georgia are working to identify, preserve and protect these trees for years to come.

Do you have an oddly-shaped or horizontal tree on your property? Have you hiked through Percy Warner or Beaman Park and seen these strange-looking trees? It’s possible it could be a mark of history! Call the Parke Company today to asses if the tree is, in fact, a Trailer Marker Tree. If it’s not, it’s important to have the tree inspected for potential health care or damage issues. Call them today!

Nashville Celebrates Earth Day

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Earth Day is a day celebrating all the great things about the world we live in, including our home here in Middle Tennessee. On April 22, people from all over the globe will partake in various activities to not only help our environment but invigorate the community around them.

The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill inspired U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to create a holiday that not only highlights the importance of Earth, but how to sustain it. At its 45 year anniversary, Earth Day has become a worldwide celebration filled with festivals, organizational movements and community action.

Earth Day is a great way to celebrate and inform your friends and family about the importance of the home we live in, especially in Nashville! Nashville holds an Earth Day Festival in Centennial Park every year that encourages Nashvillians of all ages to come out and enjoy what the movement is all about.  This year, the festival was held on April 18th and had music, a beer garden, drop-off recycle opportunities and a farmer’s market.

If were unable to attend, it’s not too late to celebrate! Commemorating Earth Day can be all year long if you’ve got a busy schedule this week. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Earth Day at home or with the help of the Parke Company:

  • Plant a tree — Planting a tree can be a great opportunity to show your family or community that you care. You can plant a variety of trees in the Middle Tennessee area with a little research. The Parke Company can help you can choose a beautiful tree that will grow and prosper for years to come.
  • Plant a garden — Maybe you’ve always wanted to grow a vegetable garden or perhaps you just want to improve the landscape of your home. The Parke Company can assist you in your adventure by helping you design and execute the garden you’ve always wanted.
  • Recycle batteries, old clothes or other unused items — Hey, it’s spring cleaning time, right? Take any unused items including electronics to drop-off recycling locations around the Middle Tennessee area. It’s a great way to recycle unwanted items for an environmentally-friendly home.
  • Visit a Nashville natural landmark — Celebrate your love of the Earth by visiting a park or area of Nashville you haven’t yet seen. Go check out Percy Warner or Cheekwood, go on a hike or visit the Cumberland River. Nashville has so many beautiful locations to check out so go enjoy the warm weather and all Middle Tennessee has to offer.

Just because Earth Day is just once a year doesn’t mean we should stop celebrating. The Parke Company would love to work with you on your next tree or landscape project, or answer any of your questions about mulching and chipping. For more information about Parke Company services contact them today!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide from the Parke Company

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We can hardly believe it but May is already here in Nashville. Green grass and blooming flowers all around Middle Tennessee are sure signs that warmer weather is in full swing. And with spring comes Mother’s Day, an extra special day to remind the mothers in our lives how much we care. Have you remembered to get the mothers in your life a gift? If not, don’t fret! With the holiday just a few days away, here are a few gift suggestions from the Parke Company:

Landscape Design: A great gift to give your mother is the gift of landscape. Maybe she’s a busy mother and doesn’t have time to take care of the yard herself. Or maybe she doesn’t have a green thumb and needs some inspiration. Whatever the reason, landscape design is a unique and fun, not to mention practical, gift to give to that special woman out there.

Yard Maintenance: Yard maintenance can be a chore. Whether mulching several beds or dealing with irrigation systems, it can be a daunting task. How about you alleviate that stress from her life and hire the Parke Company to take care of it for her? The skilled, experienced employees at the Parke Company are up for the task. Maybe she’s got a tree that needs a little TLC or maybe installing an irrigation system would be just the trick. Whatever the reason, the Parke Company’s certified team will get the job done — leaving your mother pleased with her yard and one major thing checked off of her to-do list.

Flowers: Don’t get your mother the traditional bouquet. Get her something that will last and she can enjoy all summer long rather than just a few days. If she’s not interesting in landscape design, the Parke Company can spruce up a flowerbed or even put together a customized flower arrangement for mailboxes or entryways. Flowers are a great way to show appreciation to the mothers in your life, and with the Parke Company’s help, they’re easy to maintain!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner so don’t waste any more time. The Parke Company has a variety of services like irrigation, landscape and tree care that would make any mother feel celebrated on her special day. Call the Parke Company today to schedule your appointment. Even if they can’t schedule you in before Sunday, it’s a great gift for your mom to redeem later! And remember, one of these ideas might be a fitting gift for Father’s Day too, which is coming up next month! For more information, call the Parke Company at 615-350-6033.

Water Conservation for Nashville Trees and Landscape

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It’s only May and it’s already getting hot here in Nashville!  Even though spring is not technically over, the heat and humidity can already be a problem for trees and landscape throughout Middle Tennessee. Water conservation is something to be considered when dealing with tree care and irrigation, especially when the area is in desperate need of H20. But with the Parke Company’s help, there are many treatments for water conservation that can be discussed for the benefit of your trees.

Tree species:

If you’re looking to plant a new tree on your property, consider trees that require less water. This will not only keep the tree healthy all summer long, but it’s less stress on you! Because irrigation cannot be readily available during a drought, these types of trees also conserve water: a win-win. Not sure what kind of trees work best in this area that require little water? That’s where the Parke Company comes in. They’ll be able to suggest beautiful trees that do not require constant irrigation.

Tree placement:

Placement of trees can be important if you want them to thrive throughout a hot summer. With an arborist’s help, you can plant in the right conditions and feel confident your tree will be taken care of for years to come. This also comes in handy for landscape issues. Irrigation is not always readily available in the thick of summer, so understanding landscape or tree care during these times can be crucial.

Soil Treatments:

With the Parke Company’s help, soil can be aided to promote the health of the trees when water conservation is an issue. These are great for existing trees who need a little pick-me-up during hot, dry times in the summer. In addition, soil can be amended to hold additional water for water longer periods of time.

Regular irrigation and tree care is important to keep your trees and landscape beautiful. But the Parke Company understands that weather can get in the way — especially drought  during a Tennessee summer. But have no fear! The Parke Company can help you. They will assess your existing trees or assist in finding the perfect tree to withstand Tennessee’s infamous weather. Call the Parke Company today for additional information or to speak with an arborist about tree care.

Nashville History in your Backyard

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School’s out, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Nashville is commonly known for country music and great food. But one thing that is often overlooked is the rich history the region holds. Nashville and Middle Tennessee embody layers of historical significance that often go unnoticed. History isn’t just contained in museums or classrooms, but right in our backyard! Nashville’s trails, parks and trees all have a story, which is why it’s so important to appreciate it. As you are out and about this summer, take notice of some of the historical areas in Middle Tennessee.

Here are just a few areas to consider:

  1. Natchez Trace —

    Spanning from Mississippi to Nashville, Natchez Trace is a trail created by Native Americans and used by all kinds of explorers many years ago. Still, the landscape can be seen and admired. When driving down Natchez Trace Parkway, stop to read all the information you can because even the landscape itself hold great historical value you may have never seen before.

  2. Historic Trees and Granny White Pike —

    The Civil War and Battle of Nashville can be found along Granny White Pike and the many historical trees, such as the Battle of Nashville Tree in the area. Understanding and appreciating the history of these trees and the historic battle ground below encourages tree preservation and education for years to come.

  3. Belle Meade and Belmont Mansions —

    Whether you’re new to the Nashville area or you’ve lived in Middle Tennessee your whole life, some of the city’s history can be taught to in many of the plantations around town. You can visit these historical buildings and their landscapes for tours and further information about the history of the property.

When you’re out and about enjoying the weather with friends and family this summer, take a step back to enjoy the history of your city too. Whether you’re taking a trip down Natchez Trace, the stone wall or touring Belle Meade Plantation, notice the history around you. Understanding their history promotes their preservation long-term.

Think you might have a tree that holds some historical significance? Call the Parke Company for help. They’ll be able to direct you to the correct person for the job.

MAKE IT PRETTY, MAKE IT RIGHT.

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7110 Cockrill Bend Blvd Nashville, TN 37209
615-350-6033
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