Take a look at our February newsletter!
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An Arborist’s Wonderland How We Get the Most Out of Winter
When January arrived, it didn’t bring nearly as much snow and ice with it as we expected. With daytime temperatures in the upper 30s, low 40s, and nighttime temperatures in the teens and 20s, it was certainly cold, but at least it was dry! Now going into February, we’ve been getting a lot of calls about tree and branch removal, as well as pruning — and we love it! I know I’ve brought it up a few times over the past several months, but pruning in winter is a big deal . As tree experts and arborists, our goal is to keep our trees as healthy as possible. It may sound cliché, but healthy trees are happy trees. And we love to get these calls now while the ground is free of snow and ice because it makes things much easier for our team. We also love it because trimming and pruning during winter helps keep trees healthier. In winter, most trees are dormant, giving us the perfect opportunity to prune and clear away dead and overgrown branches. This is especially important for flowering and fruiting trees. This way, when spring arrives, they will heal and thrive — and your lawn will look spectacular!
Plus, with the leaves long gone, we can get an accurate picture of what needs to be removed. The team can better assess any damage or disease that may be harming the tree — and may lead to potential problems later on. I feel fortunate to have such a talented team that looks forward to working outside in the dead of winter. Well, “looks forward,” might be pushing it slightly, but they’re always willing and ready to go. A lot of it comes down to their training. Our crew trains every day to stay sharp, just like the tools they use on the job. It also helps that we’ve invested in top-of-the- line equipment to help us get the job done safely and efficiently, but in all honesty, you can’t beat good training. In fact, right now we have five people on our team who are enrolled in arborist courses. So, later this year, we’ll have even more people on staff who are officially- licensed arborists. I’d say that’s a huge win for our community because it means you’ll have even better access to tree experts who can tend to your trees to make sure they not only look great, but
live long, productive lives providing you with shade, fruit, and plenty of memories. As always, if you have any questions about the trees on your property, or you’re looking out the window thinking it’s time to clear away those overgrown branches, give us a call at (860)888-8472. We’re booking winter appointments right now so that you and your trees are ready for an amazing spring!
–Andrew Bachman (860) 888-8472
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Does This Belong in the Heap? A Few Things You Shouldn’t Ever Compost
TREATED YARD TRIMMINGS AND DISEASED PLANTS
So, you want to start composting? Good! Composting is a great way to save food scraps from rotting in a landfill and instead put them to use fertilizing gardens and flowerbeds. However, not every kind of organic matter is good for composting, and putting something in your compost that doesn’t belong can ruin your garden rather than revive it. Here are a few things to avoid composting for the reasons laid out below.
If your lawn or plants have been treated with pesticides, those chemicals can potentially kill the microorganisms that make compost so valuable in the first place. At the same time, keep plants that were killed by disease or insects clear of your compost pile. Whatever killed them might spread throughout your compost, rendering it useless.
COAL AND CHARCOAL ASH
While ashes from a wood-burning fireplace may benefit the soil by maintaining its neutral condition and adding some nutrients, charcoal ash from a grill will not benefit compost in this way. Charcoal may contain chemical residue that is harmful to plants, so it’s better to just stick with wood ash instead. Composting is easy, good for the environment, and can even be fun! But if you’re not sure whether something belongs in the compost pile or not, it never hurts to check before you throw it in.
MEATS, DAIRY PRODUCTS, GREASES, AND OILS
PET (OR HUMAN) WASTE
While biodegradable, meats and dairy don’t smell great when they’re decomposing, and they can attract unwanted pests, like raccoons, to your compost bin. Greasy foods similarly attract pests as well as mess with the moisture balance necessary for compost to decompose properly.
While manure from herbivores makes for great fertilizer, feces from your pet — or from you, for that matter — will lead to some unwanted problems for your fertilizer. It can lead to the spread of germs and parasites that will ultimately kill your fertilizer. It will also make your compost smell terrible.
THE BENEFITS OF SPENDING TIME IN THE MOUNTAINS
NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS
In the famous Swiss novel “Heidi,” a little girl recovers from her fragile health — both physically and mentally — by spending time in the mountains. There are plenty of anecdotal stories about the medicinal effects of mountain air, but how much is supported by research? Here’s what there is evidence for so far:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other lung diseases.
One German study followed 20 obese men who lived in an environmental research station below the highest peak in the country. The subjects reached the peak effortlessly by railway or cable car, and they were allowed to eat as much as they liked. By the end of the week, however, each had lost an average of 1.5 kilograms or 3.3 pounds. Two factors are thought to have contributed to the weight loss: A naturally decreased appetite from the altitude (the men ate nearly 700 fewer calories than usual) and an increased metabolic rate. While there is still more to learn about the potential benefits of spending time in the mountains, these three studies give the greenlight for more high-altitude adventures.
Up in the mountains, you’ll likely be able to breathe a little easier.
REDUCED RISK OF OBESITY AND HEART DISEASE
People who spend more time at high altitudes may also experience a decreased appetite and lower risk of obesity. One study from 2017 even found that living at a higher elevation is associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that include high blood pressure, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol. Even more interesting, mountain air may passively improve your weight loss journey as well.
CLEANER, POLLUTION-FREE AIR
One basic but important benefit of getting to a higher altitude is the escape from city pollution. It may surprise some city dwellers that air pollution is linked to asthma attacks for those with sensitive lungs and also to more serious conditions. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to air pollution may lead to chronic illnesses such as cancer,
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TAKE A BREAK
The eastern white pine has a story to tell. It’s a tree that changed the world. The British relied on this tree to power their great ships of the 1600s and 1700s. The trees made tall, sturdy masts and booms — which were exactly what the British needed to sail the world over and expand their empire. The white pine was perfect for this. It can grow up to 200 feet tall. Its trunk, while straight, narrow, and sturdy, also has a certain amount of flexibility, which was ideal for sailing. The British harvested most of their white pines from New England. Because it was such a precious resource for the British Empire, British Parliament instituted the White Pine Act — which designated all white pines over 24 inches in diameter as “the king’s trees.” They went as far as to send scouts and surveyors around New England to mark the king’s trees with a broad arrow. Naturally, the American colonists weren’t thrilled by this. They, too, relied on white pines for their own ships, as well as for building material for homes. The British would seek out anyone thought to have harvested a marked tree. Officials would search sawmills for any evidence of any trees bearing the broad arrow. Offenders would be arrested and fined. In 1772, not long before the Boston Tea Party, violence broke out as a result of the arrests. In New Hampshire, colonists pushed back against the British in what became the “Pine Tree Riot” — which is often considered the first major act of violence in the lead-up to the American Revolution. While the white pine was harvested in great numbers through the 1700s, it remains a New England staple even today. In the 1950s and ’60s, it was popularized as a hedge tree to divide properties and offer privacy from neighbors — something many people still use it for. However, it’s a tree you want to keep away from houses and buildings. White pines generally don’t grow as sturdy when planted in a yard environment. During high winds, or if the tree is already damaged or sick, it can pose a major threat. During winter, when it’s not protected by other seasonal foliage, wind and storms can topple these trees, leading to serious property damage. So, if planted, make sure it’s a safe distance from any structure so it can be enjoyed for decades, if not longer. A Tree Rooted in American History THE WHITE PINE
Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese
Inspired by JustATaste.com
Ingredients
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp garlic, minced • 1/2 cup onions, diced small • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 2 tsp sugar • 3 medium zucchini • Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
1. In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. 2. Add garlic and onions and stir constantly until garlic is golden and onions are translucent. 3. Increase heat to medium and add ground turkey, break apart, and cook thoroughly. 4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally. 5. Using a spiralizer, mandolin, or vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into noodles. 6. In another large sauté pan over medium-low heat, add remaining olive oil and zucchini noodles, tossing constantly for 2 minutes until slightly wilted. 7. Plate the zucchini noodles, top with the turkey Bolognese, and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
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69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472
FEBRUARY 2021 T ree C are
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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This is Why We Love Winter! Don’t Ever Compost These Items! Can Mountain Air Actually Improve Your Health? Tree of the Month: The White Pine, an American Classic Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese Tree Service Tailored to You
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How to Choose the Right Tree Service
their arborist license number. Any safety certified and licensed arborist won’t hesitate to share with you their qualifications. Request a copy of the tree care company’s certificate of insurance, showing that they’re covered specifically for tree work and that they have workers’ compensation insurance. These policies are much
When hiring a tree service, remember that not all companies are equal. Many companies cut corners by skipping safety training and not having adequate insurance. Some also cheat by using another arborist’s license number. Beyond these red flags, here are some tips to ensure your tree service is professional and reputable.
Ensure workers wear personal protective equipment, like hardhats and boots. One crucial thing to watch for is to make sure their workers are wearing harnesses when necessary. Insist on a signed contract outlining exactly what is to be done. If you hire a company without adequate insurance, and have no record of the job, you may be liable for accidents.
more expensive than landscaping insurance but are necessary to protect everyone in the unfortunate event of an injury. Any reputable tree service company will be happy to show you their certificate of insurance. Just be sure it’s a policy that isn’t expired. When you’re ready to make your trees safe and healthy, be sure to call us about our winter discounts! At Trout Brook Landscaping we offer a number of deals through winter. Call us at (860) 888‑8472 to learn more and to secure your limited-time discount!
Ask what kind of safety training they provide to their workers and ask for
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