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TROUTBROOKTREE.COM November/December 2025 & A rborists FROM TREES TO TRUST RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE REAL LEGACY (860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
Maybe it’s the rhythm of the holidays or Thanksgiving being around the corner, but it feels natural to take stock of what I’m most grateful for this time of year. And when I think about what I love about my job, about Trout Brook Arborists, and about this journey I’m on, it all comes back to one thing: genuine connection. In today’s world, where so much feels impersonal and automated, I’ve realized how rare and important it is to build lasting trust and relationships. I don’t mean transactional, one-and-done jobs. I mean the kind of relationships where we return year after year, where clients refer us to their friends and neighbors because they know we’ll take care of their trees properly and improve their landscapes for years to come, with new trees to replace the old ones. Over the years, I’ve noticed something powerful: the right clients often find us as much as we find them. They’re looking for a consultative approach, not just a quote. They want someone to walk their property, listen, and think long-term about the health of their trees and landscape. And when we bring that care, honesty, and depth of knowledge to the table, the trust grows naturally. Nothing is more gratifying than when a client says to their friends or family, “These are my guys. They’ll take care of you.” That’s when I know we’re doing more than just trimming branches or removing hazards. We’re building credibility and a reputation that people feel confident sharing. I think about the clients I’ve worked with dozens of times over the years. Some, I discovered, have been with us through more than 40, even 50, different projects. When I recently looked at the data, I was blown away. Some accounts represent years of steady partnership, even six- figure investments. But beyond the numbers, what struck us was the warmth we feel toward those clients. We’ve built rapport, and we are friends. When we drive by, we can look at trees and the shrubs thriving into maturity that we have planted years ago. That makes the work meaningful. I’ve often compared it to the harmony of a barber shop quartet. When sung together and held in perfect harmony, a fifth phantom note
sometimes appears, an invisible resonance filling the room. This is known as “la quinta”, also known as a “difference tone.” That’s what genuine connection feels like in business and in life. When we’re in harmony with the people we serve, there’s a kind of grace created: something bigger than just the sum of its parts. And in an era where technology seems to dominate everything, I think people crave that harmony more than ever. Many of our clients, especially in the baby boomer generation, aren’t looking for AI chatbots or quick digital interactions. They want someone to show up in person. They want to sit down, walk the property, and feel reassured that a real human is listening and guiding them. I love how Trout Brook Arborists can meet that need. We’re not chasing the next quick sale. We’re building relationships that expand over time. We’re creating trust that extends to families, friends, and communities. And we’re growing in a way that feels aligned not just with business goals but also with personal values. As I reflect on this season, I want to share our craft and create fellowship. Our customers and our employees can see we perform our work with care and dedication. I am less focused on the idea of building a massive company just for the sake of numbers and more on the wealth I’ve learned comes from connecting and listening through the consultative process. So, as we head into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we want to keep working as much as possible. I’m thankful for every client who’s trusted us with their home and their trees. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow through genuine, consultative relationships. If you have tree service work, leaf clean up, or are looking for garden installation guidance, or you know someone who does, you can find us at (860) 888-8472.
Life, like business, is really about service, fellowship and loyalty: the grace we create together when we’re in harmony.
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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LESS SCROLLING, MORE STROLLING
THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK
The science of seasonal movement is real. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog,
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next.
especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day. Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
DISCOVERING THE KOUSA DOGWOOD A Tree for All Seasons
If you’re looking for a tree that combines elegance with resilience, the Kousa dogwood (sometimes called the Chinese dogwood) is hard to beat. Similar in appearance to the well-loved native flowering dogwood, this foreign tree sets itself apart by being more adaptable, more tolerant of cold, and better able to handle drought and disease. Unlike its close cousin, the flowering dogwood, the Kousa waits until late spring to put on its show. From late May into June, its branches are covered in what appear to be delicate white blossoms. In reality, those “flowers” are bracts, modified leaves stretching 2–3 inches long, that frame clusters of small, yellow-green blooms at the center. By midsummer, the blooms transform into pinkish, berry-like fruits that attract birds and other wildlife. The Kousa dogwood is considered a small to medium tree, usually topping out between 15 and 25 feet. Its manageable size makes it versatile in the landscape: It can stand out as a focal point in a front yard, complement a shrub border, or even add structure and beauty to a large patio. Because its roots are relatively shallow and noninvasive, you can plant it closer to homes and structures without worrying about root damage. In terms of growing conditions, the Kousa dogwood is forgiving. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, though it prefers at least
four hours of sunlight daily. With just a little care, it rewards homeowners with beauty throughout every season. We
have planted them with success for the past 10 years, and we would love to plant one for you.
While the late-spring flowers are its main attraction, this tree has much more to offer throughout the year. Come autumn, its foliage transforms into shades of crimson, garnet, and deep purple. When leaves are gone in winter, its bark turns tan and brown and peels in pieces resembling a puzzle. The Kousa dogwood is a reliable, low-maintenance addition to the landscape that brings four seasons of beauty and earns its place as a favorite in the yard. Call us for your tree planting needs and for consultation around choosing the right tree for your yard at (860) 888-8472.
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Fall brings us shorter days, giving us the chance to connect with our neglected indoor hobbies and time with friends in the evening. We can refresh ourselves by going to bed earlier, reading a favorite book, and doing other tasks we neglected during the summer. Don’t waste your precious “me time” out in the yard raking leaves. You can schedule our team at Trout Brook Landscaping to do it for you. We offer three types of fall services: 1. Leaf Cleanup: We like to do two leaf cleanups with our backpack blowers and rakes. We do one early on to keep the lawn from suffocating while it is still growing, and one final cleanup around Thanksgiving, where we also clean all the edges, window wells, and garden beds. Do your leaves drop early or late? How many service visits do you want? Let us know so we can accurately schedule you. Our rate for leaf cleanup is $90/man per man-hour onsite, plus a leaf vacuum fee depending on the volume. We invoice for the man-spent hours onsite with backpack blowers and leaf suckers. 2. Adding to Your Garden: You can still plant a tree until the ground freezes, and most nurseries have discounts on their plants this time of year because they don’t want to overwinter leftover trees. If you’re considering more than a couple of trees or shrubs, we will connect you with our master garden designer, Matt Colebrook, for a consultation. Things to consider when planning a garden are yard drainage, sunlight availability, eventual size of the shrub or tree, and many others. A proper consultation will give you confidence that you are choosing the right plants for the right place. We are also taking clients for planning early spring installations. There are many pitfalls to installing and cultivating new shrub plantings, and the average homeowner may not be aware of the unique microclimate of their yard and how to match it with suitable new shrubs and trees. There are also watering considerations, including proximity to the competitive root systems of mature trees. A proper garden consult will save you thousands of dollars in replacement plant costs over time. 3. Gutter Cleaning: If you have trees, you probably also need gutter cleaning. Our service unclogs all downspouts and runoff extensions, checking for system problems, and we clean up afterward on walkways and bushes. Gutter cleaning is typically $200–$300 for West Hartford homes, depending on style and size. For a free gutter cleaning estimate over the phone, text (860) 888-8472. When contacting us, please include your address and an approximate date that your leaves usually finish. Sincerely, Don’t Rake Leaves on Your Weekends Confirm Your Fall Services With Trout Brook Landscaping
Apple-Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
• • • • •
6 slices of bacon 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette 1/3 cup olive oil 2 tbsp raw honey
rinsed and dried
• • • •
3/4 cup dried cranberries 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
8 oz fresh baby spinach,
1/2 cup feta cheese
Directions 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
TAKE A BREAK
APPLES BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
ELECTION KINDNESS LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE SCORPIO TOPAZ VETERAN
–Andrew Bachman and Ian Fay
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472 | (860) 798-2897
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& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1
Reflections on Trust and Fellowship This Holiday Season
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Bundle Up and Step Out The Kousa Dogwood Deserves a Spot in Your Yard Don’t Rake Leaves on Your Weekends Apple-Cranberry Salad
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Have You Seen Us on YouTube Yet?
Building a Stronger Industry
One YouTube Video at a Time
Have you checked us out on YouTube yet? When I started our YouTube channel, it came from a simple realization: How I connect with people in person could be scaled to reach so many more. When I’m out on consults, clients are often surprised, pleasantly so, by how thorough I am, and how I take the time to not just explain tree risk or processes, but also to connect with them on a human level. That clicked for me. If I could do that face- to-face, why not bring that same energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to a larger audience through video? The channel is about more than just trees, though that’s obviously the backbone. I dive into the processes we use, the intuitive (and sometimes counterintuitive) concepts around tree risk, and the lessons I’ve learned
in the field. But I also like to sprinkle in things I enjoy, like sales and marketing. Because at the end of the day, running an arborist business isn’t just about climbing trees or assessing risk; it’s also about building relationships, communicating value, and creating a sustainable career. For me, the channel is as much about expression as it is about education. My goal is to share concepts in a natural, honest, and useful way. Video is so much more powerful for that than just writing things down on paper. It lets me bring my ideas with energy and my enthusiasm for the industry. At this point in my career, I want to make sure I lean into that while I work on my presentation skills, improve how I express myself, and build a library of content that adds real value to clients and peers.
Scan the QR code on this page to check out our YouTube channel! Don’t forget to like and subscribe!
I hope this channel strengthens my connections in the community, raises the standard of care in the industry, and inspires others to express themselves with confidence and clarity, whether with their teams, customers, or communities. Ultimately, this is about genuine connection, so be sure to check it out! –Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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