Trout Brook Landscaping & Arborists - January/February 2026

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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