Trees of Tennessee Highlights Parke Favorites

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! 

Preparing for Winter Storms in Middle Tennessee

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!

New Year’s Resolutions for Lawn and Tree Care

2014 was another great year, but it’s time to take 2015 head on. With a new year full of promise, it’s important to commit to some great New Year’s resolutions that not only benefit you, but ones that you can keep all year long. And yes, losing weight and eating right are great goals, but take your resolutions outside and commit to better tree care and lawn care services this year with the Parke Company.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

This is probably one of the most important factors to consider for lawn care and tree services. Planting bulbs, transplanting trees, invasive species and irrigation systems all require a bit of planning, so it’s important to work with the Parke Company early and often. Not only will this ensure things get done as planned, but it’ll help you follow through with your New Year’s goal.

Winter Tree Work: This is often overlooked when people think of tree services, but it’s an important part of properly taking care of your trees. If you only make one resolution about tree care, make it this one. Winter tree work is vital to the livelihood of the trees all year long. Professionally trained arborists are equipped to help with any questions you might have and will help you keep your resolution all through the year.

Flower Beds & Debris Clean-Up:

Landscaping can be a daunting task, especially if you have a lot on your plate. That’s why this is an easy New Year’s Resolution to keep. Simply call the Parke Company to take care of it. Not only will they keep your flower beds healthy and beautiful, but it’s one less thing you have to stress about!

Irrigation Work:

This is key to a beautiful landscape! If your New Year’s resolution is for a knock-out lawn, then call The Parke Company to schedule end-of-winter irrigation work. The Parke Company will come and do a system check to make sure everything is good to go for the peak season. Because the last thing you’ll want to deal with is a malfunctioning irrigation system when spring arrives, right?

Planting & Design:

Perhaps you’re great at keeping up with landscape and tree services, but you’d like to improve your planting and design. Don’t go at it alone! The Parke Company can help with that too! From planting bulbs to designing gorgeous landscape displays, Parke will keep your resolution in check.

The Parke Company makes this New Year’s resolution easier than ever. With a simple phone call, arborists, landscape specialists and other team members make sure you stay true to your new goal. Cheekwood, Percy Warner or Belle Meade Plantation aren’t the only areas around town that can have beautiful trees and a beautiful lawn! Whether you need irrigation, landscape, or tree care, they’ve got you covered. For more information, call the Parke Company today! 

The Parke Company Helps with Capitol Christmas Tree

Another Christmas season and another beautiful Christmas tree at the capitol. With the help of the Parke Company, Nashville has a beautiful, 44-foot Norway Spruce for the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade, which was held on Dec. 5.

The tree was so beloved this year that it was even featured in a Huffington Post article.

Set on the lawn in Public Square off downtown, the lighting ceremony is the city’s kickoff to the holiday season. Decorated with over 5,000 lights on its limbs, the mayor and his family switched on the lights to begin the festivities which included a Christmas parade, hot chocolate and cookies.

Like last year, the Parke Company had a helping hand in making sure the tree made it safely to Nashville. From Manchester, TN, the Norway Spruce made the journey to Music City for its final resting stop in the public square. The majestic tree was originally being chopped down because its limbs were obstructing a power line utility right-of-way. But thanks to a handful of people’s vision, including Parke, the tree is now being repurposed for Nashvillians to admire during the Christmas season.

The Parke Company can assist you in your own tree decorating and holiday landscape needs. Your lawn can look as majestic and spirited as the Capitol with a little assistance. The Parke Company can do everything from decorating mailboxes to festive displays. For more information about the Parke Company’s services, contact them today. And be sure to check out Nashville’s Christmas Tree this season located in Public Square of the Metro Courthouse.  

 

Giving Thanks for our Trees

Another Thanksgiving down and the holiday season is in full swing. We don’t know about you, but our bellies are full of delicious turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie! We hope you took account of all that you were thankful for this year — your family, friends, health — whatever it might be! But there is one important thing we must never forget to be thankful for…trees!

Here are some reasons why we should be thankful for trees:

  1. Protection. Whether you need shade from a very sunny day or you need protection from an unexpected rainfall, trees and their leaves will provide it for you. For centuries, trees have been shelter for those who need protection from the elements and for that, we’re thankful!
  2. Nourishment and Oxygen. It goes without saying that trees are a valuable resource for nourishment and oxygen for both humans and animals. For hundreds of years we’ve been utilizing trees for clean air as well as fruit, nuts and much more!
  3. Beauty. If not for anything else, be thankful for the beauty trees provide our environment. Whether it’s springtime and the leaves are blooming in Cheekwood, summer with bright, green leaves in Percy Warner, or winter with bare limbs, trees elicit a gorgeous backdrop outside to enjoy.

Whether you are a self-proclaimed tree hugger or someone who just enjoys celebrating Thanksgiving, there are so many great reasons to be thankful for the trees around you. And just like trees provide so many things for us, it’s important to give back to them. Keeping up with tree services is a great way to ensure they’re healthy and beautiful for years to come! For more information about tree services, contact us today. Happy holidays from The Parke Company!