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Tree Marks the Spot: Finding Direction with Trail Marker Trees

March 7, 2024April 9, 2015 by The Parke Company

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!

Preparing Irrigation Systems for Spring

March 7, 2024March 27, 2015 by The Parke Company

Spring cleaning is upon us, Nashvillians! Get on that to-do list before it’s too late. Dusting, organizing and deep-cleaning are all part of the job, but what about lawn care or landscape? Just like the inside of your home or office, the outside needs a good thorough pick-me-up for the new season. Whether you’re preparing trees for storms, or clearing out flower beds, your landscape thanks you. But what are you forgetting? One of the biggest things to address early spring is your irrigation system. After a unbearably cold winter in Middle Tennessee, checking your irrigation system is just as important as the growing season begins.

If you have an irrigation system on your property, you know how it works. In the winter before it freezes, the system is shut down. In addition, the pipes are pressurized to drain all remaining water to prevent freezing and cracking. Now, it’s time get those pipes moving again. The systems need to be charged (or adding water under pressure) to get them back in working order. Many systems can be turned on automatically to get a head’s start on the growing season. In addition, checking your irrigation system early is important to assess any necessary repairs.

Unfortunately, the weather was not Nashville’s friend this season. Charging your irrigation systems early is important to ensure they’re ready for warmer months. By charging the systems, any hidden damage could easily be spotted and repaired in plenty of time. Having the Parke Company come in to take care of your irrigation repairs is also a great opportunity to complete new work. The Parke Company also specializes in landscape maintenance, mulching, landscape design, tree care, chipping or expanding your irrigation system.

Your landscape or tree care chores can seem a little daunting, but don’t let them be! The Parke Company can make your spring cleaning easier if you need repairs, check-ups or other tree care needs. And remember, if you have a emergency tree care issue, the Parke Company can assist with that as well! Call them today for more information about their landscape or tree services; and get back to enjoying this newly warm weather!

A Celebration of Trees: Cheekwood and Parke Unite

March 7, 2024March 11, 2015 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!

Nashville Ice Storm Wreaking Havoc on Trees

March 7, 2024February 25, 2015 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!

Groundhog Saw His Shadow: What That Means for Your Landscape

March 7, 2024February 16, 2015 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!