Trout Brook Landscaping - April 2021

Take a look at our April newsletter!

APRIL 2021 T ree C are

WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM

(860) 888-8472

The Window of Opportunity As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, the trees are calling

GET MORE OUT OF SPRING

It’s also lawn care and landscaping season! While much of our team is out taking care of trees, another part of our team is out installing grass and landscaping. When it comes to grass, there’s a relatively short window in the spring to lay down seed, with April and early May being the prime time. During this window, daily temperatures are still on the cooler side, and there’s usually more rain — two conditions necessary for healthy new grass. Once temperatures start to go up in mid-to-late May, it’s harder on the new grass to take root and thrive. It gets risky, and the results are more likely to disappoint — especially if you want a lush, green lawn. If you miss the spring window, our suggestion is to wait until fall when temperatures come back down and more rain enters the forecast. This spring, let us know what we can do for you. Need trees trimmed or removed? We can help. Need new grass on your property? We can help with that, too. As always, we’re only a phone call away at 860-888-8472!

our names. With winter behind us, we’re moving full steam ahead into our tree service, including tree removal and pruning. While we talk about how important it is to take care of our area trees during the winter, that isn’t always possible. It often depends on weather conditions that allow our team to get out to prune, trim, and remove trees. Thankfully, it’s been fairly warm going into April, which means we’ve been able to do more. That said, flowering trees may have to wait. We don’t want to prune or damage flowering trees as they begin to blossom going into the spring. Trimming or pruning a tree that is actively flowering can shock the plant. It’s no longer dormant, making it more susceptible to disease, infection, infestation, and reduced growth. If trees have already begun to flower, we may hold off on service. However, if a flowering tree is experiencing disease or branches are dead or rotting, it’s a good idea to get that taken care of sooner rather than later. Our team can remove the damaged or diseased parts of the tree, as well as remove any dead or rotting debris, so the tree may heal through the spring.

With the profits from 2020, we purchased a brand new bucket truck (75 ft reach) and new spider lift (90 ft reach) for improved access. These machines are the highest tech available with the highest reach on the market for residential tree work. The equipment pays for itself with increased productivity and less repair bills, while providing peace of mind in knowing we have the safest equipment for our crews.

–Andrew Bachman (860) 888-8472

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Sprout Your Kids’ Imagination With 3 Fun Earth Day Projects

STICK WITH MAGIC Nature is a magical place. Many kids know this instinctively and often point out things adults take for granted or overlook, like bright- colored leaves, fun-shaped rocks, and acorn “hats.” Making a nature wand is a great way to let your kids explore their environment, whether that’s in your backyard, on a neighborhood walk, or in your favorite park. Let their imaginations run wild with what their magic wand can do! This simple project starts with a stick and masking tape. Your kids add all the extra flair by hunting for natural treasures and sticking them onto their wand. Complete With spring officially underway, April showers starting to bring May flowers, and Earth Day on April 22, now is a great time for outdoor family activities.

ONE FOR THE BIRDS Making a pine cone bird feeder is a fun and inexpensive project. In addition to creating and hanging your bird feeder, you’ll get hours of extra entertainment from watching the birds it will attract to your yard. If your kids are older, take photos of the birds or note their colors and features and look them up in a field guide or online. This craft just requires a pine cone (the bigger the better), peanut butter, and some twine or string. Top the peanut butter with “sprinkles” of mixed birdseed or small pieces of nuts and fruit to appeal to even more birds. For full instructions, visit TheSpruce.com and search “pine cone bird feeder.”

AN EGG-CELLENT PLANTER Save those eggshells from breakfast (and the paper carton, too!) and use them to start a garden! Your little ones will enjoy planting some seeds, watering them, and watching them sprout and grow into something new. When the sprouts are big enough and it’s warm enough outside, you can plant the shell and carton directly into the ground! This easy project just requires rinsed eggshell halves, some lightly moistened potting soil, and seeds of your choosing. Note that smaller seeds, like those for herbs, lettuces, peppers, or tomatoes, work best for this project. For full instructions, visit GardenBetty.com and search “starting seeds in eggshells.”

instructions can be found at LaughingKidsLearn.com/ nature-wands-outdoor-play.

Tree Planting Guide, April 2021

EVERGREEN TREES White “concolor” fir — N (aromatic and medicinal needles) Red juniper — N (berries attract birds in winter) Colorado Blue Spruce — F Arborvitae/white cedar — N (many varieties with different traits) We can deliver any of the trees above in sizes from 6–11-feet-tall. Depending on the sizes and species, costs vary from $500–$1400 per tree for purchase, delivery, and installation.

N for Native, F for Foreign Species

CLASSIC ‘SHADE’ TREES HEIGHT: 50–80 FEET AND STURDY WOOD GRAIN White oak — N (small acorns) American elm — N (disease-resistant varieties available) Sugar maple — N (new varieties) American red maple — N (green leaves, easiest tree to establish) MEDIUM-SIZE HARDWOOD TREES HEIGHT: 25–45 FEET American yellowwood — N Magnolia trees (many varieties) — N American sweetgum tree — N SMALL HARDWOOD TREES HEIGHT: 15–30 FEET Canadian redbud — N (many colorful varieties) Flowering crab apple — F Japanese stewartia — F (abundant large flowers in summer) “Kousa” or “Pagoda” or American dogwood — N (many varieties to choose) Flowering pear tree — F (easy to grow)

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TAKE A BREAK

Modern life is a cornucopia of technological wonders. But are we losing the tangible bond with the natural world that was enjoyed by previous generations? In “The Heirloom Gardener,” John Forti celebrates gardening and shares the plant lore and traditions that link us to nature. Brimming with wisdom and charming illustrations, this guide will inspire you to recharge, reconnect, and re-imagine. Offers Skills for the Modern World ‘The Heirloom Gardener’ By John Forti

John Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist. Before becoming the executive director for Bedrock Gardens, he was the director for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. In addition to this, he was also the curator and director of historic landscapes at Strawbery Banke Museum and the director of horticulture at Plimoth

Vegan Potato Salad

Inspired by ThisSavoryVegan.com

Plantation Museum. He has won awards for historic preservation and children’s garden design. Now, in his book inspired by Facebook posts as “The Heirloom Gardener,” he uniquely blends horticultural history, poetry, art, and kitchen craft. “‘The Heirloom Gardener’ is for everyone who cares about the health of our planet. Each chapter interweaves delectable morsels about heirloom, native, and indigenous plants with eloquent ramblings on biodiversity, agribusiness, and market economies.” —Julie Moir Messervy

Prep for barbecue season by perfecting this delicious vegan-friendly side dish! Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, any type • 1 cup plant-based mayonnaise • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 3/4 cup celery, chopped • 3 green onions, chopped • 1 kosher dill pickle, chopped • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. On high heat, bring potatoes to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook until tender. 2. Drain the water and let potatoes sit for 15 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, celery, green onions, pickle, salt, and pepper. Place in the refrigerator until ready for use. 4. Once the potatoes cool, slice them into 1-inch pieces. 5. Add the potatoes to the dressing and mix gently to avoid mashing the potatoes.

“The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World” is available for preorder now on Amazon and other online booksellers. To find out more about the author, John Forti, visit his website: www.JForti.com.

6. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 7. Cool the dish for 1 hour before serving.

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69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472

T ree C are

INSIDE APRIL 2021

THIS ISSUE

1 A Healthy Lawn Is a Happy Lawn 2 3 Fun Earth Day Projects for Families Tree Planting Guide 3 Gardening Skills for the Modern World Vegan Potato Salad 4 The Quintessential Summer Experience

for kids and families. Pick from their one-week or two- week programs. Or, for the quintessential summer camp, kids can take part in their traditional two-week overnight camp. With so many different options, there’s something for everyone. They also offer several activities, including archery, arts and crafts, sailing, kayaking, swimming, mountain boarding, live action role playing (LARPing), and much more. It’s a great way to meet new friends, create new bonds, build self-esteem, and learn all kinds of new life skills. However, this year — with the cancellation of the 2020 summer camp — they are expecting greater interest, and spots are filling up fast. It comes as no surprise that kids (and adults) are excited to get back out there to enjoy the sun and the great outdoors with their friends. Here’s another fun fact: Camp Jewell first opened in 1901, which means they’re celebrating 120 years this year!

Summer Camp Is Back Camp Jewell Is Open!

Camp Jewell YMCA summer camp registration is open!

As you may know, we’re huge fans of Camp Jewell. Over the years, it’s offered many great programs and activities. Last year, however, Camp Jewell had to make the decision to suspend their summer programs. This year, they are resuming activities, and now registration for their summer programs is open!

The 540-acre camp, located north of Colebrook, Connecticut, on Lake Triangle, has numerous programs

To register and learn more about Camp Jewell YMCA, including their many activities, visit CampJewell.org .

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