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March/April 2025 & A rborists
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WHAT I LEARNED FROM DISASTER RELIEF Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope
sisters, ages 76 and 82, who were swept away downriver and found on a mattress a mile from their home in a debris pile. With them inside, their house was shoved off its foundations and down a hill into a river by a collapsed stack of timber logs from uphill. Miraculously, the ladies survived the floodwaters by clinging to the bed like a raft, eventually becoming lodged in a debris pile. Despite hypothermia and bruises, they were rescued after two days. They recovered in a school gymnasium Red Cross shelter, opting again and again to give up their helicopter evacuation flight to the hospital for people with more grave injuries. They had lost a fully paid-off home and all their possessions. Homeowner’s insurance denied them, considering the proximate cause of damages to have been from a “landslide,” and yet they remained grateful and optimistic. Their absence of “self-pity” was an inspiring lesson for many volunteers to see. Then, there was a widow taking care of eight children, five of whom were adopted, who had to live in a small trailer after losing her home. She was constantly worried about drawing attention from authorities who might question her living situation. She needed support, not judgment, and the community worked quietly to make sure she and her children had what they needed. I worked to rebuild her eroded private road, which had been washed out from the storm. Disasters often reveal how fragile life is, but they also highlight human resilience and kindness. The most touching thing to me was the absence of self-pity. Often, I found survivors who lost their homes volunteering with the Samaritan groups. They didn’t sit around waiting for help — they did their best to
This time of year is a season of transition. The trees are still dormant and the chill hasn’t entirely left the air, but we’re right on the cusp of spring’s rebirth, growth, and new beginnings. It’s an opportunity to reset and refocus. Speaking of renewal, I recently had the chance to do some Samaritan work in North Carolina after the devastating winds and rain of Hurricane Helene swept through. I was working my crane in the western parts of South Carolina since Sept. 27, and I migrated north to the flood area to lift trees off uninsured riverfront homes and trailer homes. It was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of community, human resilience, and the power of coming together in times of need. People from all walks of life came together with whatever skills and equipment they had to help survivors suffering immense financial and emotional hardship. One of the fascinating things I witnessed was the efficient and self-governing structure of disaster relief. The backbone of these efforts is an entire network of local and national church and veterans’ groups and thousands of long- distance, long-term volunteers who drove there and matched themselves with those groups. Then, national organizations, such as Samaritan’s Purse and state and federal agencies, come in to provide financial assistance. While the government organizations appear necessary, the most targeted assistance mostly happens at the local level. Local volunteers know their communities inside and out, making them the best people to connect those in need with the right resources. One unforgettable story of resilience and survival I crossed paths with was about two
help those even less fortunate rebuild and look forward, not backward. This spring, let’s take a moment to appreciate what we have and consider how we can lend a helping hand to those who need it most. Whether through small acts of kindness, community involvement, or just being there for a friend in need, we can all make a difference. Spring is about growth, change, and hope. Sometimes, the best way to embrace it is by stepping outside, taking a deep breath, and asking, “How can I help?” This is our 13th spring in business, and with that growth comes the ability to give back in meaningful ways. Ian and I donate hands-on service each season to local youth groups
and Samaritan groups. We keep our equipment at the ready for our country’s worst days.
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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Meet the Sugar Maple
New England’s Ubiquitous Beauty The most gracious and beautiful tree in New England is a mature sugar maple tree. Growing up to 90 feet tall and 300 years old, its leaves are luscious and green, and in fall, the leaves famously turn gorgeous shades of yellow and orange.
Late February and March are the best times to harvest the maple syrup sap from the trees. The trees are tapped to retrieve the sap, which is then boiled down into syrup. One sugar maple tree will produce enough sap to make 1 quart of syrup. So, if you’re looking to make syrup at home, one big tree will get you enough to share with the family over a few breakfasts. There are several modern cultivars of the native sugar maple. These cultivars are more tolerant of severe heat and cold and more resistant to aphid insects that suck the sap. You can choose from Apollo, Green Mountain Maple, Fall Fiesta, and many others. Each variation is just as beautiful as the original sugar maple and would make a wonderful addition to your front yard. The sugar maple is a majestic, strong-wooded choice for establishing a leafy canopy in your neighborhood.
It is ubiquitous in the Northeastern state forests and is Canada’s national tree, with the maple leaf adorning the flag. The sugar maple is one of three common species of maple in Connecticut, the others being Red Maple and Silver Maple. Transplanted trees are easy to establish and tolerant of shade or sun. The trunks are strong and dense, great for open, exposed yards and yard corners. There are many traditional uses of sugar maple wood, including premium furniture, butcher block, and high-end flooring and trim pieces.
HOW TO MAKE GARDENING A FAMILY ADVENTURE Green Thumbs in Training
Make space and plant together. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering. encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them. Make it fun and informative! You can get your kids more involved by
There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. Let your kids choose the plants. This is arguably the most crucial part of
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VEGAN GREEK SHEET PAN DINNER Inspired by ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com
Ingredients
Seasoning: •
Veggies and Tofu: •
While the trees in your yard may still look bare and lifeless, they’re actually getting ready for their big comeback. That’s why now is the perfect time for one last trim before the spring growth kicks in. It’s similar to getting a haircut before a big event. Trimming your trees now means they’ll come back looking healthier, stronger, and more vibrant. Plus, a little proactive maintenance can save you from bigger problems down the road. Why Trim Trees Before Spring? Trees are still dormant in March, meaning they aren’t actively growing yet. That’s a huge advantage when it comes to pruning for these reasons: No Wasted Energy: When trees wake up in spring, they use stored energy from their roots to push out new leaves and branches. If you remove weak or unnecessary growth now, that energy goes straight to the healthy parts of the tree instead of being wasted on limbs you’ll just cut later. Faster Healing: Pruning wounds heal more quickly before the full flush of spring growth, making the tree stronger and more resistant to disease and pests. Reduced Risk of Storm Damage: Weakened trees that struggled through last summer’s drought can become hazardous once they get their leaves back. The added weight, combined with strong spring winds, can cause branches or entire trees to snap. Trimming now reduces that risk. What Can We Do in a Day? If you’re thinking about yard projects for spring, now’s the time to act. With the right equipment, a day’s work can make a huge impact. • Removing dead or hazardous trees • Pruning for sunlight and airflow • Trimming overgrown limbs • Reducing weight on older, weakened trees • Opening space for new landscaping Spring is all about new growth and fresh starts, so why not give your trees the best possible beginning? A little trimming now means a healthier, safer, and more beautiful yard all year. Trim Now, Thrive Later Your Trees Need a Final Winter Cut
3 tbsp olive oil
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and diced 1 medium zucchini, sliced 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced 1 medium red onion, sliced 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives 1/4 cup vegan feta, crumbled
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1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
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1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
TAKE A BREAK 3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is golden brown. Remove from the oven, then sprinkle with olives and vegan feta. 4. Serve with cooked rice, warm pita bread, vegan tzatziki, hummus, or chopped parsley. Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients, stir, and set aside. 2. Spread tofu, zucchini, pepper, onion, and tomatoes on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle seasoning over top and mix with your hands until everything is well coated.
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& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1 Renewal Happens in Nature and Life 2 Enhance Your Landscape With a Sugar Maple Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects 3 The Secret to Healthier Trees This Spring
Vegan Greek Sheet Pan Dinner
4 Timing Your Sod Installation Right!
INSTALL YOUR SOD EARLY Lush Lawns Start in Spring
If you’ve been dreaming of a lush, green lawn, don’t wait too long to make it happen! The best time to install sod or plant new grass is early spring — before the sun gets too strong and starts working against you. At Trout Brook, we’re here to help with professional sod installation so you can enjoy a fresh, healthy lawn without the hassle. WHY TIMING MATTERS When it comes to laying sod or seeding grass, timing is everything. If you wait until May or later, the intense sun and heat can dry out the newly installed sod before it has a chance to take root. Freshly planted grass needs time to establish itself, and the cooler temperatures of early spring create the perfect conditions for strong, deep roots to develop.
Let’s take a look at why now is the sweet spot for sod installation. Less Stress: New sod needs plenty of moisture to establish itself. The cooler temperatures of early spring mean less evaporation and lower water demands. Stronger Root Growth: Grass roots thrive in mild weather. Laying sod now allows the roots to grow deep and strong before the summer heat kicks in. Less Competition From Weeds: Installing sod early helps prevent weeds from taking over since your new grass will already have a head start. Easier Maintenance: You won’t have to water as frequently in early spring as you would in the hot summer months, making the establishment period much easier.
LET US HANDLE THE HARD WORK At Trout Brook, we specialize in sod installation, and we know how to get the job done right. Our team will prepare your soil, install the sod efficiently, and provide guidance on watering and care to make sure your lawn thrives. DONT WAIT! BOOK YOUR LAWN INSTALLATION NOW! Spring is short, and the best time to lay sod is now. Beat the heat and get your lawn in top shape before summer gets here. Call us today, and let’s start creating the lush, green yard you’ve always wanted!
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