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July/August 2025 & A rborists
WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM
(860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
TREE PLANTING TODAY BUILDS A BETTER TOMORROW PLANT IT FORWARD
Is now a good time to plant trees? Absolutely. Warmer weather makes it a natural thought, but the real reason it’s a great time is that high-quality trees are more available, and they have the whole growing season ahead to get established. Whether you’re looking to add beauty to your yard, shade your home, or start something meaningful, tree planting is more than a seasonal task — it’s a long-term investment. Speaking of long-term, we’re excited to introduce something new: THE LEGACY TREE PROGRAM BY TROUT BROOK. Over the past decade, we’ve been honored to care for some of the most beautiful landscapes in West Hartford and beyond. But once in a while, a project comes along that means more, not just to us, but to the families who live there. That’s why we
created The Legacy Tree Program. It’s a personalized service for anyone looking to plant, protect, or preserve trees that will stand for generations. What’s The Legacy Tree Program all about? Whether you have a 70-year-old oak that’s watched your kids grow up or you want to plant something new to mark a birth, memory, or major milestone, this program is for you. We offer: • Long-term care plans for existing heritage shade trees including annual assessment. • Custom planting and an optional dedication ceremony for new legacy trees with a plaque. • Ongoing seasonal trimming for newly planted trees. If you already have a tree in mind or you’re just starting to dream, give us a call at (860) 888-8472 or (860) 798-2897 . We’d love to talk about how to bring your legacy to life. Tree care matters — especially before summer storms hit. Of course, planting isn’t the only part of the equation. As summer approaches, so do thunderstorms. And one of the most significant ways we help homeowners protect their property is by staying ahead of the damage with proper tree trimming. We’ve seen what storms can do, from branches tangled in wires to full trees crushing cars and rooftops. A few weeks ago, we traveled to Pittsburgh to help a friend’s
tree service clean up storm damage. Even days after the storm had passed, we were working around the clock to get trees off power lines and homes. It was intense, chaotic, and dangerous, and it reminded us why proactive tree care is so important. Too many people wait until after a tree has fallen. But routine pruning keeps your trees healthier, stronger, and less likely to snap under pressure, which is why we recommend scheduling your trims before the summer weather ramps up. We’re always here — whether you need us for a quiet pruning job, a meaningful planting, or storm cleanup when nature throws a tantrum. To schedule, call us at (860) 888-8472 or (860) 798-2897. Let’s make this season one of growth, beauty, and legacy.
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Nature vs. Nature HOW TO USE PLANTS AND SCENTS TO REPEL INSECTS
We Plant Them, Too (and We Do It Right!) We Don’t Just Trim Trees
Here at Trout Brook, most people know us for tree trimming, but did you know we also plant trees? It’s true! We don’t just maintain the trees you already have — we help you add new ones to your landscape, the right way. Let’s face it: Trees don’t stay the same size forever. They grow, they lean, and over time, they can start creeping a little too close to your gutters, roofline, or power lines. That’s where regular trimming comes in, and we’re pros at that. There’s no sketchy ladder balancing or guesswork here, just safe access, proper equipment, and fair, affordable pricing. But maybe you’re starting from scratch, or you’ve got a bare spot in your yard just begging for a bit of shade, color, or beauty. That’s where our planting services come in. Planting a tree might seem straightforward, but picking the right one for the right spot takes a little know-how. You tell us what you envision, whether it’s big, small, flowering, or fast-growing, and we’ll help you find the
perfect fit. We know what works in our region, what thrives in sun or shade, and what won’t give you headaches down the line. It’s all about thinking ahead. When you plant a tree today, you’re planting something that, in five or six years, could be thriving in your front yard, providing shade, color, and beauty. And if you work with us, we can help plan it all: the right location, the best species, and the proper planting method so your tree won’t suffer from curling roots, overwatering, or being stuck in the wrong spot. It’s all about giving your tree the best chance to grow strong and live long. Here’s the best part: We handle all the dirty work. From sourcing high-quality trees to digging, planting, and getting everything settled just right, we take care of it all. So, if you’re ready to grow your landscape and legacy, call us at (860) 888-8472 or (860) 798-2897. Let’s plant something amazing together.
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GARLIC PARMESAN SHRIMP Inspired by CooktopCove.com
Our reputation is built on expert tree care, but we also offer specialized hedge trimming and pruning services through our dedicated hedge division. Whether you’re dealing with years of overgrowth or simply want to maintain the clean lines and health of your landscape, our team is equipped to handle it all with precision and care. Our hedge crew typically consists of 2–3 trained professionals who arrive with the right tools for the job. We use a combination of ladders, a small bucket truck, handheld pruners, extension pruners, and long-reach trimmers to safely and effectively reach the tops of even the tallest, most challenging hedges. Many of our clients move into new homes where the hedges have been neglected for years, or they’ve maintained their landscape themselves but now find it too difficult or unsafe to continue. Large hedges can become overwhelming, especially as they mature. That’s where we come in. We offer a professional, efficient solution that takes the burden off your hands. In addition to trimming, we manage all debris removal. We bring a chipper and clean up everything we cut, leaving you with a beautifully maintained property, not piles of branches or yard waste. The optimal time for hedge trimming is often after the flowering period, typically in July and August. This season, in particular, has seen significant growth due to increased rainfall following last year’s drought. Many shrubs, hedges, and small trees respond with vigorous growth, making timely trimming essential to maintain shape, structure, and health. Regular hedge pruning enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property and supports plant health by encouraging stronger growth patterns and preventing long-term structural issues. If your hedges are overdue for maintenance or you’re simply ready to hand the job over to experienced professionals, we’re here to help. To schedule hedge trimming or learn more about our services, please contact us at (860) 888-8472 or (860) 798-2897. We’re happy to discuss your needs and provide a solution that leaves your landscape looking its best, season after season. Tired of Overgrown Hedges? Let Our Professional Crew Handle It
Ingredients
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp black pepper 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
TAKE A BREAK 3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving. Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
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& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Trim, Plant, and Preserve With Purpose
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The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!) We Take the Guesswork (and the Dirt) out of Planting Trees Precision Hedge Care From the Tree Experts at Trout Brook Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
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The Surprising Ways Plants Support Each Other
NATURE’S HIDDEN NETWORK
How Plants Talk to Each Other Underground
You probably don’t think of plants as chatty, but they have a lot going on underground. Scientists have discovered that thin fungus threads in the soil connect many plants — nature’s version of the internet. These threads help plants share nutrients and even send messages to one another. The fungi grow around and between plant roots, building a bridge from one plant to the next. If one plant gets sick or bug-bitten, it can send a warning. Neighboring plants “hear” that signal and might boost their defenses. It’s somewhat like a heads-up before a storm. It’s not just gossip, either. These fungal helpers also help shuffle nutrients around, especially from bigger, well-fed plants to smaller, struggling ones. In return, the fungi get sugars and energy from the plants. It’s a win-win. This hidden teamwork has real-world effects. Farmers and gardeners who know about these underground networks can change how they treat their soil. If the fungi are wiped out — say, by chemicals or heavy digging — plants lose their lifeline. But if the networks stay intact, crops tend to grow better and fight off threats more easily.
This is still a growing field of research, but it’s changing how we see plant life. If you want to dig a little deeper, check out a recent book, “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. What looks like a quiet patch of greenery might be a neighborhood full of chatter. You just have to know where to look.
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