Snow Storm Preparedness

Prior to any big storm, anxiety can set in.  "Will I miss my work obligations tomorrow?"  "What will the roads be like?"  "How much snow are we getting?"    Well here's the deal: the roads will be terrible, because  the first storm of the season means everyone forgets how to drive in the snow!  There will be accidents all over the place!  While you drive by all the popup accidents and misfortunes on the road,  consider that you also will have misremembered precisely how to handle in snow.  

Assuming you make it home, how do you prepare for the storm at the house?   This is how a typical New Englander does it. 
1)  Buy a large amount of salt and sand  and  mix it in a bucket by the back door.  CHECK  
2)  Then, strategically place one shovel each at the front door and the back door.  CHECK
 3)  Get the bins with the winter gloves/hats and boots out from the closet/attic. CHECK
4)   Turn a little heat on in the basement/garage so the pipes don't freeze.  CHECK
5)  Get out the snowblower, refill it with fresh gas and start it, just to be sure it runs.  CHECK
5) Call your parent's snowplow guy to double check they are on his list.   CHECK
  Finally, once everything is settled,  turn on Channel 3 to get the weather, and call a friend to debate the different forecasts.   
We New Englanders are a proud bunch when it comes to winter preparedness.  Like behavior precoded into an animal's DNA, our wintertime rituals are ingrained from the generations back to our Puritan past.  We have all the strategies to prevail over what the winter throws at us. It just takes that first storm to remember...

written by Andrew Bachman, Owner of Trout Brook Landscaping LLC in West Hartford, CT
(860) 888 8472 http://www.troutbrooklandscapingct.com/snow-removal-snowblowing

Keep Your Christmas Tree Well Watered

Watch what happens when fire touches a dry tree & a well-watered treehttp://youtu.be/RNjO3wZDVlA Water that holiday tree!

For more information visit:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/holiday.html 

‪#‎treesafety‬ ‪#‎firesafety‬ ‪#‎holidaysafety‬

Tree Sculpture

    Tree shaping or Arbor sculpture, is the practice of shaping, bending, and grafting the same tree or two of the same species of tree together to form living structures. Living artistic designs, and functional art like chairs and tables and mirrors have been created using this technique.  

Reknowned artist Axel Erlandson (1884-1964) created more than 70 tree sculptures in his lifetime, at his Tree Circus farm in Scotts Valley,  California.  When asked how he created them, he replied mystically “ I talk to them”. Beyond tree-man communication, the physical work is complex, involving grafting compatible trees together. In nature, root occurs all the time in the forest and the phenomenon is called "inosculation."   In grafting, the two cambial layers of the tree will connect and grow as one. The cambium is the layer of growth cells that create the xylem and phloem (vascular system) and cause the diameter increase of the roots or trunk.

Root grafting helps native mature trees to share immune signals and hormones. Through a shared vascular system, trees of the same species support each other with nutrients and anchorage against strong winds. Powerful mature stands of trees in this way express a grandparent and grandchild relationship between the apex trees and their fledgling descendants. In the forest, maples, pines, sycamore and elms participate in root grafting. Native branch grafting, while less common, is supported by the Sycamore, Beech, and Hornbeam and others. Tree branches or trunks can also be grafted artifically by physically removing the outer bark and securing together the two cambium layers of the wood. This allows for infinite possibilities of shape and growth, which dedicated and patient artists like Axel Erlandson grow into art!

     The earliest known tree sculpting examples are found in northern India.  
For centuries, the Khasi people used the living roots of the Banyan Ficus to create suspension bridges to allow passage over deep ravines. These suspension bridges have been known to hold over fifty people, some of them 100 feet long and 200 years old. This practice spread to the Middle East where Ancient Persians would shape and graft trees to form garden sheds and living arbors. In a very practical usage, Mideival farmers created  braided or pleated hedgerows, which formed impenetrable living walls to keep cows in and predators out. In the 15th -19th centuries Rennaisance and then Victorian gardeners would create elaborate covered walkways and gate structures out of hornbeam tree. The bending, shaping, creasing and grafting of trees requires years of patience, careful planning, skill and artistic imagination. Modern tree scultping has evolved into sustainable creations such as living chairs, benches, tables, mirror frames and even full dwellings. People nowadays want more than ever to be able to connect to their art and add to the artists concept over time. Tree Scultings as a design practice emobdies the ideal of "art as a living thing" and will most definitely become more popular over time.   

Written by Richard Caldwell and Andrew Bachman
Arborists employed by Trout Brook Landscaping and Tree Service of West Hartford, CT

JULY Tree of the Month: American Hornbeam - Carpinus Caroliniana

Carpinus caroliniana Walter, or the American Hornbeam, is in my opinion one of the most underrated native tree species. This is an absolutely beautiful tree with delicate looking light green foliage and a strong muscular grey bark that is similar to the Beech family, but in fact is in the Birch Family. Commonly known as Ironwood, as well as Blue Beech, Water Beech, and Musclewood. The name Ironwood is also, and more aptly used for, the American Hop hornbeam or Ostrya virginiana (also in the Birch Family), as well as the Persian Ironwood or Parrotia persica, which is more related to Witch Hazel (Hamamelidaceae) than the Hornbeam. Or many species of tree around the world with an extremely dense hardwood, including one of my personal favorites, Lignum vitae (a South American hardwood also known as Ironwood). This is exactly why Carl Linnaeus invented the scientific Latin binomial system, to avoid the confusion associated with the common names of each tree species. The name Walter is the discoverer of the tree, Thomas Walter, an early American Botanist who is most famous for his book ‘Flora Caroliniana’ (1788).

A slow growing tree that can grow to thirty feet or more in the northeast and maybe upwards of

seventy feet or more with enough time, nobody knows. Apparently, in southern Mexico and Central America this tree grows much larger, due to a more favorable tropical wet climate. But alas we live in the Northeast, and as the trees do, we have to live with the same harsh winter season. The thin simple leaf is a light to medium green color with an alternate growth pattern. The leaves have a serrated, ovate-oblong, acuminate, rounded or even heart shaped form that is very Birch like. The bark is a recognizable smooth grey with a sinewy and muscular growth form that reminds some of a Beech. Even with an extremely tough and hard wood, the younger bark itself is somewhat susceptible to mechanical damage, so climbers tread lightly. Propagation from seed collected prior to fall chill and transplanting with a shallow but wide root ball are recommended

The American Hornbeam is truly a forest understory tree that thrives in exactly that environment, part sun to almost full shade. It seems to do best in moist, slightly acidic and humus rich forest conditions, and especially near streams and river banks. The tree seems to also grow just as well if not better in moist soil sunny locations, and this contributes to a more vibrant fall foliage color of fiery orange-red. There cultivars and related species that can be found, some with upright fastigiate growth to weeping forms and ones with brilliant red fall color (and good luck finding those). The varieties of the genus Carpinus grows throughout the world and is just as valued as any ornamental yard specimen tree.

Written by:  Richard Caldwell, ISA arborist,  20 year tree industry veteran climber

June Father's Day Bonus - "Corkscrew Willow" by Richard Caldwell

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, commonly known as the Corkscrew Willow, Contorted Willow, Curly Willow, Pekin Willow, Hankow Willow and the Dragon’s Claw Willow. In the family Salicaceae, which includes all deciduous Willows, Poplars and even the Quaking Aspen, the Corkscrew willow is one of the more attractive and ornamental varieties in the family. Named after the Japanese botanist Sadahisa Matsudo, who wrote about the trees in China more than a hundred years ago. I have a particular fondness for this tree because of the curly and contorted branch growth that resemble Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’), which is a curly Hazelnut variety. Some classify this tree as Salix contorta; I believe it is the same tree as the S. matsudana ‘Tortuosa’. The branches, with their twisting habit are prized for craft projects and I have made beautiful golden, light and strong walking sticks from the Dragon’s Claw Willow.

The leaves are a light green with a gray green underside, and then turn a slightly darker green in summer and yellow fall foliage. It is a linear-lanceolate simple leaf which is alternate along the branch and curl just as much as the branch growth. The branches obviously twist and contort with an upright and outward growth. Very light green to yellow bark color on younger branches, the larger branch and trunk bark is a common Willow look, not overly attractive or noteworthy. Catkins are the flower of choice for the Willows, appearing in spring the tree form itself at maturity is usually an oval to rounded crown that can reach upwards of forty feet or more, eventually.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ is hardy to the Connecticut region (6) and can grow in zones 4 to 8. It prefers cool moist soil environment in temperate climates, however is more drought tolerant than most Willows. Easily propagated from cuttings, as are all in the Salicaceae family. This is due to the natural abundance of rooting hormone in this species, which are used commercially for rooting hormone products. Salicylic acid is another commercial product derived from the Willow family; this is otherwise known as aspirin. So the next time you have a headache and you see a Willow tree, chew on a tender leaf stem.
Article by Richard Caldwell, ISA arborist and horticulturalist at 
Trout Brook Landscaping
For contact information for pruning and planting www.troutbrooklandscapingct.com

Tree of the month JUNE: Paperbark Maple!

Acer griseum, or commonly known as Paperbark Maple is a deciduous specimen tree of great beauty and aesthetic value.  Most notable for its exfoliating red bark, it also has exceptional fall foliage color, which varies slightly tree to tree

. Its upright oval to round growth habit is consistent with most Maple trees, however this species of Maple is slower growing and shorter than most of the genus Acer. Only reaching approximately 20 to 30’ and may grow up to 50’ after many years. The oldest specimen in the United States is said to be over 100 years old, far older Paperbark Maples can be found in other parts of the world. It’s native to central China, grown in Europe and was introduced to the United States in 1901. The Paperbark Maple hardiness zone extends from zones 5 to 7 for good growth, but will survive in zones 4 and 8. Connecticut fall into roughly zone 6, moreover this is the perfect latitude for the Paperbark.

The attractive bark is reddish bronze to cinnamon brown, with the older bark exfoliating paper thin sheets exposing smooth satin textured red/ bronze. It’s as though a Maple tree was crossed with Himalayan Paper Birch and Japanese Cherry trees. The leaves are maple like, but are known as trifoliate, which means the leaf is separated into three leaflets as can be in the Box Elder (Acer negundo). The leaf color Usually is a dark bluish green with a silvery gray underside (this is where the Latin name for gray comes in, griseus), this turns to bronze, russet red, vibrant red, and even to red orange with pink tones depending on the individual tree and climate. The Paperbark Maple does not produce showy flowers, and the maple samara (helicopter) seed pod is usually devoid of seed. This makes propagation from seed problematic at best. Cuttings and cloning are used as well, but with equal difficulty.

The Paperbark Maple is not susceptible to any serious pest or disease problems, however certain cultural practices should be observed. It should be planted in a moist slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and watered regularly due to its lack of drought tolerance. Full sun to part shade, planted in groves, forest borders or singularly in a backyard are all good for this spectacular specimen tree.

Written by Rick Caldwell, 

ISA arborist, Horticultural expert and 19 years experienced tree climber and crew leader

The Most Important Aspect of a Tree's Future Health and Potential Lies in the Soil Analysis

Article by Rick Caldwell, ISA arborist and lifelong tree climber      4/26/2015
Formerly a tree crew leader and bucket operator/climber for numerous different East Coast and West Coast companies, Rick is currently a sales arborist for Trout Brook Landscaping LLC
Check out additional pictures and stories at www.troutbrooklandscapingct.com

DEFINING SOIL STRUCTURE

Before planting trees and when examining existing tree soils, a homeowner should be aware of what type of soil they are working with. A healthy soil is generally made up of 45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 50% pore space (25% air/25% water). This is not always the case with backyard, garden or even commercial property soils, quite often they are lacking in necessary nutrients, organic matter and adequate pore space. Soil structure is composed of a variable combination of sand, silt, and clay particles (ranging from largest size sand to the tiniest clay particle. A mixture of all three including air/water pore space and organic matter is the optimum soil structure. The soil texture is a description of the degree in which the soil particles are combined; sandy loam, silt clay, clay loam, etc. The ability of the soil to retain a balanced pH (measure of acidity) and nutrient content is known as its buffering capacity. The tiny particles of the clay component of soils holds the colloidal ions responsible for CEC or Cation Exchange Capacity which attract, hold, and release nutrient ions for plant uptake. However too much clay will prevent adequate drainage and result in water pooling, this can destroy beneficial aerobic microorganisms as well as drowning the plant roots. This also allows for an easily compacted soil, which further reduces pore space required for root growth. With soils containing too much sand, the result is excess drainage or low water retention. This affects the pH balance and reduces nutrient content due to the water leaching through the soil, as well as poor root anchorage in the soil.

   Compacted soils can be aerated mechanically relatively quickly or naturally over a longer period of time (with no further compaction). Sandy soils can be remedied with the amendment of organic matter or the type of compost recommended by the soil analysis.

SOIL LAYERS

There are four basic levels in a soil profile (C,B,A,O) in a natural soil environment. C level is above the rock strata (bedrock) and consists primarily of rock or parent material, this level is well below most root zones. The B level consists of mineral breakdown and is also below the root zone. The A layer is the soil aggregation known as the topsoil; this is the region where root growth occurs, approximately 18”-20” deep on average. The top O layer is commonly known as humus, this is where organic matter is deposited, builds up, broken down by carbon eating microorganisms, and turned into nutrient rich topsoil. These beneficial microorganisms are known as aerobic (air breathing), the anaerobic organisms (non air breathing) are the result of excess water in the soil; this can cause root rot and soil born disease (what causes the heavy sulfur smell in swamps). Typically the organic matter content in topsoil is about 5% and provides the majority of the nitrogen as well as the phosphorus and sulfur required by plants. Organic matter, like clay particles, also has the buffering capacity that holds the pH balance and nutrient availability steady.

"pH" DEFINED

This one is definitely a brain exerciser, the pH is a measure (agreed internationally) of the acidity of a chemical solution (liquid). The pH or potential Hydrogen ion (+) is another very crucial factor in the availability of mineral nutrient uptake for plants. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 (extremely acidic Hydrochloric Acid) to 14 (extremely alkaline Sodium Hydroxide), with 7 being considered neutral (pure water). Plant pH requirements differ slightly, however all plants generally prefer a mid-range pH od 5.5-8 on the pH scale. Most nutrients are also made available to plants at this range; some micronutrients require a slightly more acidic level to become available for plant uptake. If a soil analysis results in a low pH or acidic soil, basic substances such as lime are used to “sweeten” the soil. When the soil is too high in pH or alkaline, sulfur or other acidic materials are used to lower the pH level. A soil analysis report will specify actual pH level and the optimum range for the specific plant species, as well as the action required to correct the pH levels.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS IN SOIL ANALYSIS

The primary nutrients that plants require in larger amounts are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, this is the N-P-K listed on fertilizer bags. The numbers on the fertilizer bags represent the percent by weight of the nutrients, thus a fertilizer bags stating 10-15-10 contains 10% Nitrogen, 15% Phosphorus, 10% Potassium. Other important primary plant nutrients are Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen which occur naturally within the soil, with the air and soil water exchange cycle. Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, and even small amounts of Chlorine and Sodium are also used by plants for metabolic processes. Micronutrients required by plants in small amounts including Iron, Manganese, Boron, Zinc, Copper are also included on the soil analysis report. The micronutrients Cobalt, Chromium, Iodine, Selenium, Nickel and Molybdenum are used by plants for various reasons, apparently not as important because they are often not included in soil analysis reports.

Winter is Really Here to Stay and We Love Snow Storms!

 Choosing a Snow Service Landscaper in West Hartford
    When you choose a snow company, you want someone local, who is getting top ratings from your neighbors.  Drive time from point A to point B is doubled when there is snow on the roads, and the risk of accidents goes way up.  We maintain a tight route in West Hartford where we do all the priority customers on the way out,  and all the homes for sale and people on vacation on the way back from the route.    The following three subject headings encompass our approach to storm service

 Communication:
    Here at Trout Brook Landscaping, we take pride in meeting our prospective customer's expectations of service.  Through many seasons of residential snow blowing in West Hartford, we have developed a reliable, efficient and safe system.  We contact all our clients before a major storm, and discuss their needs.   Some feedback we get  is how it is easier to reach us than the previous landscaper.

    Integrity:
    We have had all sorts plowing mishaps over the years, mailbox damage, lawn damage from teh plow, impacting garage doors from teh wight of pushing snow,  car accidents from town traffic light malfunctions.  We always are quick to take responsibility for an accident, and accountability is a core value in our business.  We understand accident's impacts on our bottom line  and reputation and how to avoid accidents and minimize liability.   This is why you can trust us to be unfront and honest about risks and damages if they occur.
       Emergency Service:
      We thrive in situations where we have to toss distractions aside and be there for our clients in storms, regardless of the weather circumstance (Snowtober) (3 ft storm of 2012) (snow banks are 7 feet high in winter of 2010)   We shoulder a duty to figure things out for our customers in crisis situations.  This is what we are here for!   We stay in West Hartford only in the winter, and this allows us to provide responsive service.

"A Rising Tide Lifts all Boats"  -Mariner's Proverb