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May/June 2024 & A rborists
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(860) 888-8472
Your First Defense Against Summer Storm Damage Trout Brook’s Proactive Tree Pruning —
Get ready, West Hartford! The excess warmth and moisture in summertime air can bring the possibility of violent storms characterized by heavy rain, fierce winds, and lightning. While these seasonal storms are a natural part of summer we’ve come to expect, they can still pose a significant threat to your trees — particularly if they haven’t been properly maintained or pruned recently. At Trout Brook, we specialize in risk assessment and tree pruning to safeguard your trees against the season’s unpredictable weather patterns. Utilizing our top-of-the-line bucket truck and spider lift, we can quickly and efficiently evaluate the potential risks storms might pose to your trees. Our expert pruning services aim to reduce the tree’s crown size while removing dead wood and branches to diminish the tree’s wind-catching surface area. Check out our tree spotlight inside this edition! The West Hartford Tree Project gives away trees to restore the shade canopy to our town. You
This proactive approach minimizes the likelihood of wind damage during storms by ensuring your trees are not burdened with excessive foliage or weakened branches that can easily succumb to strong winds. With just one visit, let us help you protect your trees and property from the rigors of summer storms. In addition to our tree maintenance services, we provide quick tree removal for those unfortunate instances when a storm causes irreparable damage to a tree. While tree removal can be costly, regular preventive pruning is a cost-effective measure that can save you money in the long run. Investing in periodic pruning can prevent the high costs associated with emergency tree removal, keeping your majestic oaks and expansive maples healthy and ensuring your neighborhood retains its beauty. Regular pruning and risk assessments are essential preventive measures for tree owners to stay on top of. Acting proactively rather than reactively can save you money and ensure your property’s continued health and aesthetics. With summer on the horizon, it’s also the perfect time to enhance your curb appeal with some fresh sod installation! If you’re considering adding a new tree, doing so while installing sod is ideal to avoid any disruptions to your lawn in the future. Keep in mind that we frequently visit local nurseries and are ready to assist you in choosing the perfect trees to complement your landscape!
If you need preventive tree care, a risk assessment, sod installation, or even emergency tree removal, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at 860-888-8472 to schedule an appointment. Let us help you keep your property safe and beautiful this summer!
–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222
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Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure Paw-some Adventures
think may be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks. First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though
you likely may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The “leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.
Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must- have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and hydrated. Packing more water than you
Create a Stunning Flower Planter — With Minimal Effort
Turn the pot upside down and set it in the planter. If you’re using the right pot, you won’t be able to see it from the outside, and you’ll have enough space for the basket to sit on top without it being taller than the upper rim of the planter but not too low, either. Lower the hanging flower basket onto the pot in the planter. The flowers in the basket should fill the entire space, creating the illusion of a beautiful, stunning flower arrangement you grew and potted yourself. If you see gaps between the flowers and the planter rim, adjust the height of the pot underneath or find a smaller planter. Take the hanger off the basket. The hanger is easy to remove on most baskets; you can usually just twist it off. A few aren’t removable, necessitating cutting tools to snip the three wires attached to the pot.
As any gardener will tell you, gardening is hard but has an incredible payoff. Yet rewarding as it may be, much toil and sweat goes into every plant. Not everyone wants to spare the time. If you long for flourishing flora around your home but are leery of the time commitment, you’re in luck. Creating a vibrant flower display with little to no effort is easy. The end goal of this project is to fill an outdoor planter with flowers. To call this a “project” at all does a disservice to projects, which typically require some degree of work. This undertaking only requires a few minutes and zero maintenance. You’ll need a planter, a hanging basket full of blooming flowers, and a pot. Planters come in all shapes and sizes; square, wooden planters look especially nice. It can be any planter if it fits your chosen basket. The hanging flower basket should overflow
with blooming flowers with a hanger in the middle you can remove. Lastly, the pot will be used to elevate the basket in the planter, and it won’t be seen, so use whichever vessel you have lying around. Just a simple clay pot will do. It should be about half the size of the planter.
Congratulations, you’ve done it! In less than 15
minutes, you’ve created a stunning display to enliven your outdoor space. Nothing is preventing you from doing it for inside arrangements, either.
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Have you heard of the sugar maple tree? Best known as a primary source of maple syrup and for its vibrant fall foliage, the sugar maple stands out across North America. It is cherished both as a shade provider and an ornamental tree, with a potential lifespan exceeding 150 years when well-maintained. In these warmer summer months, its lush leaves display a vibrant green. Come autumn, they shift to stunning shades of burnt orange, deep red, dark yellow, and rich brown. This transformative beauty is why the sugar maple is Canada’s national tree and the emblem on the Canadian flag. FROM GREEN SUMMERS TO FIERY FALLS The Seasonal Beauty of the Sugar Maple
BLOOM CINCO COMIC DERBY
EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY
MEMORIAL MOTHER RENEWAL VETERANS
Citrus BBQ Chicken Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
A fully mature sugar maple can reach heights of 70-80 feet and widths of 60–90 feet. The record-holder, located in Bethany, West Virginia, stands at 110 feet! With its expansive and dense canopy, the sugar maple can provide ample shade, potentially covering an entire home — a perfect way to keep your property cooler in the warmer months. The leaves themselves are impressively large, with some reaching up to 10 inches in both length and width. Varieties like the Green Mountain, Fall Fiesta, and Apollo maple offer options for those considering adding sugar maples to their yards. Each variety brings its own unique beauty and can dramatically enhance any landscape. In spring, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in attractive clusters on these gorgeous trees. For those interested in maple syrup production, the prime months for tapping these trees are February and March. The collected sap is boiled down to produce syrup — a single tree can yield enough sap to make about 1 quart of syrup, perfect for pancakes and other treats. If you want to add a new tree to your landscape, call us! We would be happy to help you choose the right option for your space and yard!
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8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
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3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 1/3 cups ketchup 2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp ground cumin
Juice and zest of 1 orange Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste
Directions 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
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69 TALCOTT RD. WEST HARTFORD, CT 06110 WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM (860) 888-8472
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& A rborists
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1 Is Your Yard Ready for Summer Storms? 2 Paws and Paths! Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Outdoor Flower Arrangements 3 The Lifelong Beauty of Sugar Maples Citrus BBQ Chicken 4 Don’t Miss Out on These Exciting Local Summer Events
Add These Exciting Events to Your Calendar Dive Into Summer
As summer heats up in West Hartford, the community’s list of events is sizzling, with much to do around town. For fun, entertainment, and the opportunity to be active outdoors, here’s a rundown of some of the must-attend events to add to your calendar! Celebrate! West Hartford On June 8–9, Celebrate! West Hartford brings the community together for two days of nonstop fun. Featuring a crafts show, carnival rides, live music, 5K races for kids, a food court featuring local eateries, and much more, it’s an event we all look forward to each year! Summer Solstice Trail Run Lace up your running shoes! On Saturday, June 15, embrace the summer solstice in Gay City State Park in Hebron with a fun and exciting community race. With three distances to choose from, the Summer
Solstice Trail Run has something for everyone to participate in! West Hartford Pride Festival On June 22, support the LGBTQ+ community at the West Hartford Pride Festival, which promises a day filled with pride, joy, and color. You’ll enjoy parades, live music, drag performances, and plenty of food and drink vendors, all celebrating diversity and inclusion for everyone to enjoy! Japan Summer Festival On June 9 at Blue Back Square, get ready to celebrate Japan’s cultural diversity with a fun- filled day of Taiko drumming, dances, games, food, drinks, and tons of entertainment. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors and do something a bit different! Community Pools It’s that time of year — our community pools are finally reopening for the summer! Get
ready for some fun in the sun and poolside relaxation. Be sure to check out West Hartford’s town website for all opening dates and information! Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to get outdoors, enjoy the weather, and connect with the community! Which events did you add to your calendar?
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