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TROUTBROOKTREE.COM January/February 2026 & A rborists WINTER’S PAUSE Slowing Down Can Expand Your Perspective
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Winter has a funny way of slowing everything down just enough for us to hear our own thoughts. Maybe it’s the cold air or the early sunsets, but something about this season makes perspective feel extra important. This year, that idea hit a little harder. It turns out most of us, myself included, walk around with blinders on, seeing only a handful of options and talking to our same friends, assuming that’s all life has to offer. But the more I travel, make new friends, dabble in new experiences, and get a little uncomfortable on purpose, the more those blinders start to loosen. I once heard a phrase about “choice potential” that essentially says the more options you know exist, the more powerful your decisions become. If you only see two doors in front of you, choosing one doesn’t feel life-changing. But if you suddenly realize there are 20 doors, everything feels more possible and hopeful. As you hang around those friends who habitually see 20 doors, you start to understand that life isn’t so fixed. That idea feels especially real when it comes to intimate partnerships and family planning. I’ve watched people I care about engage in relationships that drain them, where one person is struggling or unable to contribute. Both end up unhappy, later realizing the dramatic opportunity cost of neglecting long-term sustainability factors earlier. It’s sad, and it sticks with you because having a greater reference of experiences might have helped them at least understand themselves better before jumping in “Perspective doesn’t erase the weirdness of modern life, but it does make us more grateful, patient, and better able to choose.”
Then we face everyday life: drivers who appear to be fighting invisible battles, the inhuman cold in mornings, and the general “don’t talk to me” vibe that hangs over many public areas. It’s easy to get sucked into that energy. But if you go somewhere on vacation for a weekend, whether to the snowy ski mountains or the sunny beach tropics, you find yourself smiling, playing the music louder, and life feels lighter. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t gone; sometimes, it’s just lying in wait. Perspective doesn’t erase the weirdness of modern life, but it does make us more grateful, patient, and better able to choose. As the new year rolls in, maybe the real resolution is simple: Ask more questions, seek more viewpoints, identify positive-thinking friends, and never assume you’ll have the capacity to understand the whole picture. You can almost always find a better direction toward joy and fulfillment by
seeking to look at things differently alongside a cheerleading friend, and sometimes, that’s all you need to change everything.
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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Make Winter Bonfires Your New Tradition Don’t Let the Fire Die
Winter bonfires can quickly become a regular part of your seasonal traditions, and these strategies will help ensure your bonfire is a hit with everyone who attends. Help people stay warm. Nobody wants to sit outside in the dark and freezing cold. Encourage everyone attending to dress in warm clothes appropriate for the frigid temperatures, but be prepared to help out if someone starts to feel chilly. Have extra blankets and coats within reach so you can easily pass them to anyone in need. Provide toasty treats. Sometimes, clothes alone are not enough to protect us from winter’s chill. During these moments, it can help to eat or drink something that fills your whole body with warmth. Thankfully, you’ll have a bonfire
to help you toast and warm some delicious treats. S’mores are usually the go-to, but you can also warm up hot dogs, sausages, or even corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or even tea can help everyone stay comfortable and in good spirits. Add games or fun activities. Some may grow bored with traditional bonfire activities, which is why you should have an extra activity or game up your sleeve. Depending on the lighting, you could play a card or board game. If the lighting is too dim, you can incorporate other activities requiring more movement and adventure. Kids and adults alike will have fun playing a game of flashlight tag or participating in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the extra movement will help everyone stay warm!
Many Americans invite their friends and family for a bonfire throughout the summer and fall. Nothing beats making s’mores, sharing stories, and enjoying the flickering flame under the moonlight. As temperatures drop and winter weather appears on the radar, some cover and ignore their bonfire area until after the cold and rainy seasons. However, you can still create an awe- inspiring bonfire during winter if you put together a plan.
SNOW ON YOUR ROOF TODAY, WATER DAMAGE TOMORROW
Stop Ice Dams Before They Start Winter in New England is beautiful … until the snow on your roof starts causing problems. Heavy roof snow is the fuel that creates ice dams, leaks, and costly interior damage. Clearing snow from your roof is one of the most effective ways to protect your home during freeze- thaw cycles, especially over the next few weeks when conditions are ideal for ice dam formation. Here’s how it happens: Snow on your roof melts slightly during the day, turning into supercooled snowmelt. As that water runs down toward the colder roof overhangs, it refreezes. Over time, this creates ice dams that trap water behind them. That trapped water has nowhere to go but under shingles and into your home. Unfortunately, weather patterns suggest ice dams will be a major issue in the coming weeks, similar to what we saw in February of 2015 and 2021. The good news is that being proactive now can save you thousands later. Roof snow removal significantly reduces the risk of ice dams forming in the first place. If you already have damage, we can help there, too. Roof snow clearing and ice dam removal are often considered mitigation work, which may be covered if you file a water damage insurance claim.
We can also safely cut out existing ice dams if they’re already causing active leaks or interior damage.
At Trout Brook Arborists, we adapt to the weather to keep our skilled crew busy and our community safe. While we’d rather be doing tree work, winter
demands flexibility. Our team clears roofs by hand for precision and safety, and we also use a bucket truck for hard-to-reach or steep areas where ladders aren’t practical. Before we begin any job, you’ll receive a clear explanation of our rates, along with proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance for aerial work. With 15 years of experience, we know how to do this work efficiently, safely, and without damaging your roof. If you’re concerned about roof snow, ice dams, or potential leaks, don’t wait until water is dripping into your home! Text or call Trout Brook Arborists at 860-888-8472. Proactive roof snow clearing now can mean peace of mind all winter long.
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From Sky to Savannah The World’s Most Remarkable Animal Migrations
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco Sauce
Across the globe, animals of all shapes and sizes embark on extraordinary journeys that defy the imagination. Whether by flying, swimming, or running, these migrations are nature’s way of balancing survival with the ever-changing world. Some of these trips cover thousands of miles,
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • • •
1 cup dry small lentils
•
1 1/4 tsp salt (3/4 tsp marinade, 1/2 tsp sauce)
6 cups water
1 tsp salt
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1/2 cup almonds 1/2 tsp pepper
1 extra-large cauliflower
1/2 red onion
1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp red wine/sherry vinegar
1 large bell pepper 4–6 garlic cloves
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp cumin, divided
1/4 cup olive oil 2–4 tbsp water
while others involve climbing mountains or crossing rivers, but each demonstrates resilience, instinct, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A Record-Breaking Traveler One of the most remarkable travelers is
1 tsp coriander
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Boil lentils with salt and water until tender, drain, and drizzle with olive oil. 3. Cut cauliflower into 1/2-inch steaks; slice onion; quarter bell pepper. Add to sheet pan with whole garlic cloves. 4. Mix olive oil, paprika, 1 tsp cumin, coriander, and salt; brush over veggies. Bake 35 minutes, removing garlic when golden. 5. Sauce: In food processor, pulse roasted peppers, onion, garlic, and almonds. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, tomato paste, vinegar, olive oil, and water; pulse. 6. Divide lentils among bowls, add sauce, and top with cauliflower.
the Arctic tern, a small seabird from the icy North Pole that flies to the far reaches of Antarctica and back, logging up to 25,000 miles! That’s the longest migration of any animal on the planet. For a bird weighing less than a smartphone, it’s an incredible feat. Journey Across Generations The monarch butterfly tells a different kind of migration story: one of teamwork across generations. Starting in Canada and the northern U.S., monarchs head south toward central Mexico. Along the way, they breed and die, passing the torch to their offspring. By the time the journey is complete, 4–5 generations have passed over the span of the trip. The Great Wildebeest Migration On the savannahs of East Africa, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in what’s known as the Great Migration. Their route forms a massive loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, filled with dangers, from predators like lions to perilous river crossings guarded by crocodiles. Despite the risks, this spectacle continues each year. Altitudinal Migration While some species traverse continents, others take shorter but equally vital journeys. Many animals, like Red Pandas, spotted owls, and snow leopards, practice altitudinal migration and climb to higher elevations in summer when food is abundant. Then they descend in winter for shelter and warmth. Though smaller in scale, these seasonal shifts are just as critical for survival. Migration is a survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. Nature’s great migrations are living reminders of resilience and interconnectedness. Every journey, whether by bird, butterfly, or wildebeest, shows how far life will go to endure.
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
TAKE A BREAK
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
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& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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The Hidden Power of Perspective in Life and Relationships Turn Cold Nights Into Warm Memories When Roof Snow Melts, Problems Begin The Great Travelers of the Animal Kingdom Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco Sauce
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Expert Garden Planning Before Spring
Plan Your Dream Garden This Winter
SPRING WILL THANK YOU!
If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your yard into a lush, thoughtfully designed garden, now is the perfect time to start planning. Our team is gearing up for an ambitious spring, with plans to complete a few dozen garden installations by August vacation season. But here’s the secret to making the process smooth, stress-free, and spectacular: winter planning. While most people hunker down inside, we’re offering the chance to design your garden before the spring rush hits. Working with Matt Colebrook, our trusted Horticulturalist and Garden Designer, you can map out every detail of your dream outdoor space. Matt lives and gardens in West Hartford with his wife and four children. His 20-plus years in the industry provide expertise in plant cultivation, landscape ecology, and sustainability. With considerations of microclimates, soil health, seasonal interest, and water requirements, he
is focused full time on plant choices and has it all fresh and top of mind. This past season, he was the primary creative force behind our gardens, and his expertise ensures we install beautiful landscapes to match your home’s style, aura and motif. Winter design sessions give you the luxury of time. Instead of scrambling to decide what goes where as soon as the snow melts, you can carefully consider the layout, plant selection, and irrigation needs while enjoying the cozy indoor season. Once we finalize the design, we can order plants in early spring and schedule installation as soon as conditions are optimal, meaning your garden hits the ground running without any last-minute chaos. Timing is key. Winter consultations are ideal: They let us capture the layout and your vision with plenty of time for communication. We
consider soil preparation, irrigation planning, and plant placement, and we can place orders as soon as the trees and shrubs start getting dug out of the ground in early April. If you’re interested, let us know! Reach out and schedule a consultation directly with him in February or March. Together, we’ll create a plan that aligns with your home’s style, site conditions, and your long-term goals, all before spring arrives. If you are considering plant replacement or garden additions, please send us an email for a free initial consultation with Matt. Alternatively, give us a call at 860-888-8472.
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