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Backyard Weddings: How to Make Your Backyard Special for Your Special Day

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

Bride and groom kissing in a backyard wedding

Weddings in Nashville are pretty expensive. For some couples, this isn’t an issue, having been blessed with a financially gifted family or great forward thinking. For most couples, however, the stress of the big day is usually the first test they face. With that in mind, many couples are looking to save money any way they can, and since one of the largest expenses is the venue, many look at hosting a smaller outdoor wedding in their own backyards. We here at the Parke Company are big fans of this idea, as it gives the regular backyard a chance to shine in new, unexpected ways. After all, why should the bridal party have all of the fun? It can seem a little daunting, but with a couple of quick changes, the lawn will be wedding ready in no time.

How to Prepare a Backyard for a Wedding

Flowers and Greens and Growing Things

One of the easiest things you can do is something you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about during the course of your wedding planning already: flowers. It is pretty easy to put flowers that match your wedding’s color scheme in baskets, displayed nicely around the yard, but there are some other, more natural ideas that work just as well. One idea is to actually plant fresh flowers around the surrounding area to make a natural perimeter. A trellis archway covered in naturally occurring vines is a nice way to cap off the idea, creating a sort of secret garden-esque feeling. It is important to remember to get plants that are in season, otherwise they might begin to die and wither before the occasion, killing not only the plant, but also the mood. Beyond just the flowers, it is a good idea to incorporate seasonal greens and fruits and vegetables as well. So for an autumn wedding, work in things such as corn and pumpkins or cherries, while a spring wedding would call for something along the lines of strawberries. With the sheer amount of color available in the flower and edible plants world, finding something that matches or complements the colors of your party should be a snap.

Incorporating the Existing Landscape

If you are going to have your wedding outdoors, other than making sure the lawn looks nice (i.e. no dead patches of grass or gnarled branches hanging over the guests’ heads) it is important to incorporate the natural landscape into the design of the “venue.” For instance, if there is a prominently displayed tree in the area where your wedding will be, make that a centerpiece of the design, as the backdrop for the bride and groom or as a photospace. Your lawn is special and unique, you might as well make use of it.

Once you begin to view your backyard as the setting for your wedding and not just the space around your home, the landscape design ideas will start to flow and become endless. Of course, if along the way you need a little help with the construction, or planting or fixing, the professionals here at the Parke Company are only a call away.

Time to Get Your Lawn Into Shape With a Topiary

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

If you have a yard lacking that special something that sets it apart from all the rest, there is a unique eye catcher you might want to look into. There is an endless amount of customization available, so even if someone else on your block has the same idea, the odds of coming up with the same design are almost nil. Yes, perhaps adding a topiary to your existing landscape is just what you need to put the look of your lawn over the top, so to speak. A topiary, in its most basic form, is just any number of bushes or trees that have been cut in such a way to grow into various shapes and sizes. It’s a practice that’s been around at least since the time of the Romans, although it has its roots in the Far East as well. We here at the Parke Company are well known for our landscaping services, because we take inspiration from every corner of the world, and also the history book.

How to Get a Lawn Topiary

Getting Started

As with all landscaping projects, the first thing you need to do is decide what shape the topiary will be in. If you want something a little more low key or one that has a less flashy visual flair, just design one with a basic geometric look, something like a globe or a square or a nestled pyramid. These designs are classic, and since they’re traditionally not something you tend to see popping up naturally, it makes for a nice change of pace when looking upon your yard. They also mix things up in terms of vertical variety, since topiaries can vary in size. The other option is to make something resembling an animal or a person. There is a little more work involved, but it does makes things a bit more fun. For example, a topiary in the shape of a butterfly in an area where they are known to congregate is a nice touch, while incorporating one in the shape of an octopus near or even in a pool is a good idea. A related concept is to use the basic principles of the topiary to make a hedge, or a garden wall around the perimeter of your yard.

Putting in the Work

Once you’ve decided on a design, the next step is to figure out what plant you will use. You want something that grows well and can handle being trimmed regularly. Most bushes work well for this, as they do not require a lot of maintenance beyond the usual watering and pruning. This is where the qualified arborists here at the Parke Company come in, as they’ll be able to find the perfect plant for the job. It’s just one of the more specialized tree services we provide. It is important to remember that topiaries do require a constant eye, because once things start to grow over, it doesn’t take a lot of time for your once nice and trim object to grow into something that can make your lawn look unkempt, kind of the opposite effect you are going for.

Topiaries are probably not for everyone, due to the work that goes into designing and building them. It is something that we here at the Parke Company are happy to do, so if a custom designed and shaped bush is exactly the thing you need to make your landscape perfect, give us a call today and we can get started.

Time to Get Rid of That Tree: Tips For Removing Unwanted Stumps, Branches and Trunks

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

It’s getting late in the summer, which means that the number of free days available for summer projects is dwindling. Sure, the heat and generally warm climate here in Nashville and the mid-Tennessee area means residents have more time than most, but do you really want to try to fit in removing that pesky stump come football season? Trees tend to be one of the more overlooked areas, especially when it comes to removal. It’s something the professionals here at the Parke Company take pride in, knowing exactly how much to trim and when to turn it into firewood, which is why we’ve put together this guide about tree and stump removal.

What to Know About Getting Rid of Fallen Trees

Know What You’ll Need and Why You’re Doing it

The first thing you’ll need to think about if you are going to handle this tree yourself is what kind of tools you’ll need. For larger projects, like cutting down a tree completely, you will probably need a chainsaw, as well as safety glasses or goggles. For a smaller project, such as pruning or clipping some of the smaller branches, you will likely be fine with little hand-held clippers. Make sure the area around the tree you’re working on is clear of any overhead obstructions, such as telephone wires, and make sure you know which direction you plan on having the tree fall.

If you plan on pruning, a little bit goes a long way. Taking care of some of the smaller offshoots is a good way to clean up the general look of the tree and even change its perceived height. However, if you cut the larger branches or one of the main offshoots, it could cause irreparable harm to the tree, inviting something like rot or other diseases to take root. Since there are a lot of ways a project of this undertaking could go wrong, it is recommended to let one of the professionals here at the Parke Company handle it so you know the job will get done right.

Now What?

You’re probably wondering what you can do with the tree after it’s fallen, or how to take care of the stump. The tree itself, or any branch cuttings, can easily be turned into firewood, or if it is a nice wood, turned into some great homemade projects. Reusing the wood in this way not only helps the environment, but also adds a nostalgic touch to anything made out of the tree. As for the stump, well, they can be pretty annoying with their stubbornness and refusal to willingly leave the ground. Plus, if it is ripped out of the ground while still connected to other root systems, it could damage them. It’s best left to someone used to stump removal.

Luckily, the arborists and tree surgeons here at the Parke Company are skilled at all sorts of tree maintenance, both at homes and for businesses. After all, with the sheer number of ways tree services could go wrong, wouldn’t it be better to let someone who knows what they’re doing – and actually enjoys it – to take care of it? We certainly think so.

Damaging Storms: Picking Up the Pieces Afterwards

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

After the thunder and the lightning have passed, after the rain has stopped and the floods have receded, what is left?

The cleanup.

While Nashville and the middle-Tennessee area didn’t face anything close to what Hurricane Harvey did to the south coast, we did get our fair share of damage from the storm. A simple walk outside in the following days revealed the damage done, from fallen trees and downed power lines to water damage from flooding. There is a lot to be done, and city workers from various public works departments are overworked. It is for this reason that we here at the Parke Company also offer municipal services, such as clearing brush, cleaning up storm damage and helping to remove trees in emergency situations.

How to Pick Up After a Storm

Cutting Through the Confusion

There is a lot of confusion in the immediate days following a storm, which is why it pays to have someone help clear up some of that mess. Most cities will delay trash pick ups, or have more than the originally scheduled pick ups, as the city tries to clear away the debris. If you see a downed power line, make sure to notify the right authorities, and never, never touch it. You never know when a line is still active, and if there is still water around, even walking near it could be fatal. Since downed power lines are a focus in the wake of a massive storm, things like fallen trees tend to get forgotten, especially if they’ve fallen on your yard or in the lawn of your business. Tree removal is something that we here at the Parke Company are happy to help with, as it can be a tricky and dangerous endeavor without the right skills or tools.

Down the Drain (or Sewer)

One area that is definitely neglected is the impact leaves can have in the wake of a storm. It doesn’t seem like it would be an issue, but in areas with flash flooding, the sewer system is already overtaxed. Several yards worth of wet leaves create massive blockages, leading to more flooding and other problems. This is a good reason to always rake and bag your leaves. Even in the event of a storm, the professionals at the Parke Company will arrive at your home or business and make sure the leaves are safely disposed of. Similarly, gutters need to be cleared for the same reasons, as no one wants to have a leaky roof in the wake of a storm.

Storms can be terrifying; watching the sheer amount of power Mother Nature is capable of displaying can make one feel small. The cleanup afterwards is capable of causing these emotions as well. It doesn’t need to stay that way for long, however, and we here at the Parke Company will make sure that things return to normal as quickly as possible, and that the feelings of safety and relief come with them.

Autumn Tune-Up: Getting Your Lawn Ready For the Fall

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

Spring and summer are usually thought of as the time for landscaping, what with all of the extra daylight and the general theme of growth. Winter is usually reserved for snow maintenance and preparing for the upcoming growing season, leaving autumn lost in the shuffle. It doesn’t have to be that way, however, as there are many projects to tackle that will make a world of difference when it comes to landscaping. From planting new flowers to getting the grass prepared for the winter or making your own compost for later use, the number of things to be done in the autumn is almost endless. It is something the professionals here at the Parke Company are skilled in, and if any of the following tips sound like something you would like done to your home or business, we can definitely give you a hand.

How to Prepare Your Lawn for Fall

Out With the Old, in With the New

One of the things you can do to make your landscape ready for autumn is to plant new, appropriately fall flowers. I know what you’re thinking – fall is hardly the time for planting new plants, but there are many species of flowers you can plant to shake things up. For example, perennials such as chrysanthemums, or for something a bit more healthy, echinacea. The kind of plants you are looking for are the ones that can deal with the extreme heat the mid-Tennessee and Nashville areas have, while also being able to survive some of the colder temperatures we see as well. As a bonus, many of these plants come in more autumn-worthy shades, such as purples, yellows, and oranges

Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s

Fall is also the perfect time to take care of those little things that have a way of building up during the year. Trimming the trees, one of the many tree services the Parke Company does, is a great example of something to do in the fall. As we have discussed before, collecting the now falling leaves to start your own compost pile is a great way to prepare for the upcoming spring. The compost, which creates a nutrient-rich additive, will then be used as mulch, which has many uses. Plus, any kind of cement – an area of landscape design that often gets overlooked – could use a look. Before the weather gets colder and the snow and ice take their toll on the ground, look for any kind of nicks, divots, or pot holes to be filled in. These kinds of preventative tasks will make your life a lot easier when the calendar rolls around again.

Fall is the perfect time to get things done around the home, and for one final push to make your lawn look the best it will for several months. The Parke Company is here to help in any way we can, from offering advice about planting new flowers to servicing the trees and bushes on your home or business’s lawn. There’s a lot to be done, and we would love to help you get started.