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September/October 2025 & A rborists
WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM
(860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
Your Trees and Peace of Mind Deserve Better Than a Last-Minute Scramble
Storm prep is actually fun to watch.
Let’s face it: Storm preparation isn’t fun, but when the late-summer clouds roll in and the wind picks up, most of us suddenly wish we had done a little more to prepare our yards. That’s where we come in. Here in West Hartford, tropical storms can knock out power, bring down branches, and leave you with tons of cleanup duty. They carry a real risk for both your trees and property.
While tree trimming may not be the most exciting thing, it often feels like a performance to our clients. Seriously, people like to pull out their smartphones and record it. It’s satisfying to watch a risky, overgrown limb come down safely and smoothly with the right tools and training. We make safer cuts and do smarter pruning because your trees deserve more than just a chainsaw hack job. Why it matters.
Every year, I like to provide thoughtful, proactive tree care tips that can protect your home, raise your property value, and help your trees live longer, healthier lives. This year, we’re not just throwing out generic tips. We want to have a real conversation with you, neighbor to neighbor. Have you looked at your trees lately? When’s the last time you walked around your yard and really looked at your trees? Have you noticed any leaves turning beautiful shades of yellow and garnet earlier than usual? Especially on sugar maples, that can be a sign of stress. When you look at the roots or the base of the trunk, are there any cracks, fungi, or leaning that wasn’t there last month? These signs matter. Left unchecked, they can lead to fallen limbs, or worse, fallen trees when the next big storm rolls through.
We’re your neighbors, we’re local, and we’re real people, not a faceless company from three states away. When you call, we pick up. We’re here to help you maintain and grow your property value for the next storm and the long haul. We believe in preventive care. Once the storm decides whether to remove a tree, clear a downed limb, or worse, you’re already behind. We’d rather help you avoid the regret altogether. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Our goal isn’t to scare anyone. We’re just trying to get you to look up at your trees before the next weather alert rolls across your phone. Inspect for broken limbs, leftover storm damage, or unhealthy growth. Trim now, and you won’t have to worry about a storm trimming for you. Whether you need flexible scheduling, expert service,
or just someone to take a look and give honest advice, we’re here. When it comes to storm prep, your future self will thank you for calling us today.
We help West Hartford families protect their homes by spotting the tree risks others miss and fixing them before the storm hits!
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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WHEN EXPERTISE MEETS ADVOCACY, HOMEOWNERS WIN
When most people call us, they think they’re just getting a tree service quote. But they actually get something bigger: a consultative approach that looks at their entire landscape and often opens up ideas and solutions they didn’t know they should be asking for. One recent project is a perfect example. Two longtime clients and pastors of a local church recently contacted us. An oak leader had fallen on their home they’ve lived in for the past 25 years, leaving a giant hole in their roof. They were trying to understand and navigate technical language and confusing instructions. The claims representative’s conversation seemed suspiciously scripted to entice them to use the insurance company’s preferred contractor from multiple counties away and to discourage them from expecting an adjuster to show up until “3 to 5 business days” later.
Instead of leaving them to figure it out alone, we stepped up and guided them. We sat with them, got on the phone with adjusters, and walked them through the steps. With the right “activating language” and education on their benefits that the claims adjusters were deliberately omitting to their own detriment, we empowered the couple to take back full control of their claim. We gave them a tip that they would be eligible for an immediate payment to help cover emergency costs ... and it turned out they received a check payment for that portion, sent out the very next day. There was no dealing with underqualified contractors and no back and forth on the bill. Instead, we advocated for them toward a quick and fair resolution, using our subject matter expertise and that of their other repair contractors as leverage points.
This is why our approach is different. We’re not just here to cut or prune a tree; we’re here to guide and advocate. Whether it’s exploring a property’s potential or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a homeowner during a stressful insurance process, our goal is to make sure clients feel supported, informed, and ultimately thrilled with the outcome.
Nature’s Shade, Beauty, and Sweetness All in One THE SUGAR MAPLE: If you’ve ever admired the fiery garnet and gold colors of fall or drizzled maple syrup over pancakes, chances are you’ve already experienced the magic of the sugar maple. Native to North America, this tree is prized for its beauty, shade, and, of course, its sweet sap. When cared for properly, a sugar maple can live well over 300 years, becoming a lasting part of the landscape for generations. During the summer months, its broad canopy has rich green leaves that offer cooling shade. As autumn approaches, the foliage explodes into a breathtaking palette of deep reds, golden yellows, burnt oranges, and warm browns, the same display that earned the sugar maple its role as Canada’s national tree and the iconic emblem on its flag. These trees are impressive in size, often growing 60–75 feet tall with a spread of 40–50 feet, though some surpass that. The tallest on record, in Bethany, West Virginia, towers at 110 feet! A mature sugar maple’s canopy is so expansive that it can shade an entire home, helping reduce heat during summer. Varieties such as the Green Mountain, Fall Fiesta, and Apollo each have unique traits, making them fantastic options for all homeowners in West Hartford. In spring, clusters of small greenish- yellow blossoms appear, and for those interested in making syrup, late winter (February–March) is prime tapping time. A single tree can produce enough sap for about a quart of syrup!
If you’re thinking of adding one to your yard, we can help you find the perfect fit for your space. Let’s bring some natural beauty and maybe a little sweetness to your property! Call us today!
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Creamy Cauliflower Soup Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
Ingredients
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1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more
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2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced 4 cups vegetable broth 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish
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1 medium red onion, chopped
TAKE A BREAK 5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broth. 6. Add all but 4 cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Transfer mixture to a blender, add butter, and blend until smooth. Then blend in lemon juice and nutmeg. 8. Garnish with cauliflower florets and serve. Add parsley, onion, and chives as desired. Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake 25–35 minutes until tender. 4. In a soup pot, heat remaining olive oil and cook onion and 1/4 tsp salt until soft.
Graceful yet resilient, the white oak (Quercus alba) is one of nature’s most impressive hardwoods. This deciduous giant, part of the beech and oak family, is known for its broad, sturdy limbs and spectacular autumn display. Before winter, its leaves turn beautiful shades of deep garnet and golden yellow. Under the right conditions (full sun and well-drained soil), white oaks can reach staggering heights, sometimes over 100 feet, with the tallest specimens recorded at about 130 feet. Their generous canopies provide cooling shade in summer, while in late summer and fall, the trees drop acorns that become a feast for deer, squirrels, and various birds. Though they’re hardy enough to withstand dry spells, white oaks don’t tolerate alkaline soil. White oak wood has long been valued for its strength and water- resistant qualities. Its natural structure, rich in microscopic “tyloses,” allows it to hold liquids securely, making it ideal for wine barrels, whiskey casks, and shipbuilding. In fact, its durable timber helped build the USS Constitution and World War II patrol boats. Some white oaks have been standing for centuries. The Bedford Oak in New York, believed to be over 500 years old, has witnessed generations of history, from Native American life to the Revolutionary War. Thanks to community advocacy in the 1970s, it still stands today as part of the Bedford Historical Society. At Trout Brook Landscaping, we specialize in helping you choose and care for trees that will enhance your property for decades to come. Whether adding a new tree or maintaining a legacy one, our team is here to keep your landscape healthy and thriving. Contact us today for expert tree care and planting services. FROM AUTUMN COLOR TO LASTING SHADE The Magic of the White Oak
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69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
SCAN FOR A QUOTE
& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Now Is the Time to Prepare Your Trees for Tropical Storms
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Our Clients Get More Than Just a Quote The Magic of the Sugar Maple The White Oak: Strength, Beauty, and Centuries of History Creamy Cauliflower Soup
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5 Stunning Fall Hikes to Take This Season
The Ultimate Fall Hiking Bucket List
LEAF LOVERS WELCOME
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast.
hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! Acadia National Park, Maine If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination! Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to-late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome.
There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. Aspen, Colorado Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves,
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