Trout Brook Landscaping - June/July 2022

Trout Brook Landscaping - June/July 2022

June – July 2022 & A rborists

WWW.TROUTBROOKTREE.COM

(860) 888-8472

Preserving the Urban Forest of West Hartford:

RISK REDUCTION PRUNING FOR SAFETY

With moisture and heat brewing all day in the sun, the magnificent smell of things growing is often accompanied by violent evening thunderstorms that produce strong winds and lightning here in New England. But it wouldn’t be summer (and things wouldn’t grow) without a few thunderstorms. Here at Trout Brook, our favorite type of work is “Risk Reduction” pruning to ensure your trees are safe from damage during unpredictable weather trends. Our crew studies tree types and storm damage trends to understand the risk profile of the urban forest on your yard. In a site visit, a trained arborist can determine the risk level of your trees and mitigate any risk by pruning with our 75-foot bucket truck and 90-foot spider lift. Through reducing the size of the crown, thinning the canopy and removing dead branches, we reduce the wind-catching capability of the tree. And during storms, if a tree is overgrown or has dead branches, it’s likely to eventually become damaged. While tree removal can be expensive, preventative pruning is a cost-effective and proactive way to ensure the safety of your trees and home. It can mean the difference between spending a few dollars on pruning or tens of thousands of dollars on home or car repairs. Maintaining your front yard majestic oak trees and large spreading maple trees every few summers is something you shouldn’t skip. Proactivity is better than reactivity.

seeds this time of year will not be effective due to the heat, summertime is an approved time to lay some sod. And along with sod, it’s also a good time to plant a tree. We are regularly making trips to the nursery and know the availability for tree types. We can pick up and plant for you and can provide aftercare instructions on your plantings. This summer, if you’re due for preventative tree maintenance, interested in a tree installation, or require our assistance for large scale tree removal with our crane- assisted crew, we have you covered!

Call or text us at 860-888-8472 for an appointment.

–Andrew Bachman CT Arborist S6222

Speaking of summer, it’s also a fine time to install some grass and trees to improve curb appeal. While planting grass

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Add Curb Appeal, Preserve Trees, and Save Money Services We Offer

There are four types of tree services that we offer:

1. Tree removal: With truck lift, spider lift, or crane assist — we utilize a spider lift or bucket truck, sometimes in conjunction with a boom crane or knuckleboom crane, to remove dangerous, tall and heavy trees. 2. Tree pruning: • Prune to reduce the crown of a tree for wind protection. • Raise the canopy for clearance of structures. • Prune to thin interior branches and structural pruning to help young trees grow straight and strong, and prevent developing long side branching.

•Prune out dead wood and broken overhanging dangerous limbs

the area to be cleaned up and cleared of debris for later planting grass or shrubs, or replanting a tree. 3. Tall hedge and ornamental pruning: Most of this pruning is for functionality and utility. Keeping the hedges shaped in a row or keeping shrubs and small trees looking tame and pleasing to the eye is important to people. Also trimming away from the house is done in such a way that you won’t need to do it every year. This is something we try to do to save homeowners money.

3. Stump grinding: Grind up the tree stump and its adjacent surface roots with a big spinning iron wheel with sharp “teeth.” This allows

Email us at [email protected] or call (860) 888-8472 .

THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF Fostering Self-Improvement

We are dynamic beings — ever-changing and constantly evolving! Are you someone who is always seeking self- improvement? Even if that doesn’t sound much like you, there is always time to start working on yourself. It seems like the most common thought is that working out is the primary way to improve oneself. As a society, we are very focused on appearances. However, while appearances and first impressions are important, there are countless ways to begin working on and taking responsibility for yourself. September is Self-Improvement Month, and our potential is limitless! Read every day. Even if books aren’t your thing, find another source to fill your brain with knowledge. You can read the news, magazines, or even sports programs. (No, social media doesn’t count!) Taking in new information is paramount for growth. Find a new hobby. Finding something that catches your interest outside of work and your day-to-day routine is important to keep things new and interesting. Maybe you can take up arts and crafts, a new sport, or find an appreciation for something that inspires you. Learning new activities forces you to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Overcome your fears. Working to overcome something that gives you anxiety or makes you fearful is one of the best ways to improve yourself. Whether you are afraid of public speaking, heights, risks, changes, or uncertainty, breaking outside of your comfort zone will open you up to new possibilities. Set the alarm earlier. Waking up early gets your day started sooner and is shown to yield higher productivity and quality of life. Waking up early provides you with more time to work on yourself. You may be able to squeeze in a workout, read a book, meditate, or spend time with your family. The opportunities are endless. No matter how you choose to start working on yourself, there is no time like the present. Always keep in mind that it is not about being better than others. It is about being the best version of yourself! Take responsibility today!

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TAKE A BREAK

Gutter Cleaning Questions Answered Ask the Experts

Q: Why clean your gutters?

Devon: Over time, water from a clogged gutter causes mold and water damage to the roof, eaves, and fascia (the board behind the gutters). If water is not channeled away from the house, it ends up next to the foundation and in the basement. The weight of trapped water threatens to bend and twist the gutter.

Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip Inspired by Saveur.com

Ingredients

Q: How they are cleaned?

• 6 ears of corn • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 cups ricotta • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp thyme, finely chopped • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced • Chives and scallions, finely chopped

Devon: We clean gutters with a handheld blower and use hand tools and gloves. We guarantee to check all of the downspouts and runoff chutes. For hard-to-reach areas, we utilize a boom truck.

For a free gutter cleaning estimate, text or call 860-888-8472 or email [email protected]. Gutter cleaning in the spring is typically $160–$250 for regular size homes, depending on style and size. For a quote, contact us at [email protected] or 860-888-8472.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. 2. In a large grill pan on high heat, cook the corn until charred on all sides. Let cool, then cut the kernels from the cob. 3. In a food processor or blender, purée two-thirds of the kernels with the cream, ricotta, flour, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in remaining whole kernels. 4. Pour into an 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and dot with butter. Bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, until bubbly. 5. Garnish with chives and scallions before serving.

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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

SCAN FOR A QUOTE

& A rborists

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

1 Proactivity Is Better Than Reactivity 2 Fostering Self-Improvement Services Offered 3 Spring Gutter Cleaning Q&A Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip 4 Community Events

Local Summer Activities in West Hartford SUMMER HAS ARRIVED

Town Pools Opening Get ready to kick back and relax because on June 18, the town outdoor pools are opening up! This includes the Beachland Pool, the Fernridge Pool, and the Kennedy Pool! Grab your bathing suit, towel, and maybe a pair of goggles and have a blast! Local Summer Camps West Hartford’s Leisure Services department summer camps are getting ready to kick off! Check out all of the great summer camps the town has to offer, including camps for cooking, sports, painting, pottery, LEGO engineering, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, history, swimming, and even traditional camps. Also, don’t forget about Camp KO at Kingswood Oxford, featuring arts and academics as well as sports camps. Some of the featured camps include electronic music camp, culinary science camp, coding camp, printmaking camp, graphic design camp, shark tank camp, creative writing camp, and more! Fun will be had by all! Summer 2022 will be one for the books! What fun events do you have planned?

Summer has arrived and it’s time for some fun in the sun and great outdoor activities the entire family can enjoy! We’ve waited all year for some warmer weather, and we finally have it — let’s have some fun!

Join Ian Fay and Ovelle Coffee for an evening celebrating local CT talent at “ Hope Out Loud ” open mic and outdoor coffeehouse June 24, 7–9 p.m. This monthly summer tradition features acoustic musicians and spoken word artists and poets who come out to perform with meaning at the historic Quaker Meeting house property As division and confusion continues to plague our country, we must continue to Hope Out Loud for peace and justice. Finding ourselves not in fear, but in love, is the answer. Join your neighbors and local talented creators in using music to create much-needed change.

Venue is located at 144 S. Quaker Lane. Parking is also available on the street at 153 Maplewood Ave.

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