homegarden-20260412

Dreaming of a new deck? These tips can help

By Jennifer Barger

The Washington Post

BUILD (OR REBUILD)

a deck off your home, and you’ll have a spot for alfresco entertaining, grilling or chilling with a book. But it takes a lot of planning and money to create one, whether you hire a local business or — for the super handy — build one yourself. Here’s what to consider.

What kind of deck?

The size and type of your home often determine the type of deck you need. But for most homes, these outdoor spaces tend to be either the same width or slightly less wide than the structure they serve. You don’t want a deck that dwarfs your house — a 20,000-square-foot deck would look ridiculous on your 1,500-square-foot bungalow.

If you already have an older deck with visible signs of rotting wood or sagging supports, you might need to replace it.

“People don’t always understand that decks have a life cycle, like roofs,” said Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of the North American Deck and Railing Association, a nonprofit membership association offering education and credentialing to industry members. “It’s usually a question of repair or replace.”

Decking materials include pressure-treated lumber and pricier composites (recycled wood and plastic like Trex,

Fiberon and TimberTech) as well as expensive wood species like cedar, redwood or teak. A decking contractor can show you samples and go over factors such as durability and cost.

Consumer Reports’ ratings of decking materials will help you compare prices, features and maintenance.

The big advantage of going with composite materials is that they’re maintenance-free. But they’re pricier and can be less attractive than wood.

“Wood is still very popular and probably accounts for 70 percent of the decks built in this country,” Beaudry said. “Your costs go up significantly with some of the composites and more exotic woods.”

Layout considerations

Your yard’s size, elevation, drainage and tree cover will greatly affect how you design your deck.

If your outdoor space slopes, a multilevel deck can step down with your yard. If existing trees don’t shade your deck, you can kit it out with a pergola, awning or other way of shielding yourself from the sun.

If your neighbors have a view into your yard, you might angle the deck differently or install a privacy hedge nearby.

Most decks are rectangular or square, but they can be almost any shape you’d like, including triangular or round.

Construction and permitting matters

Building a new deck is as much an engineering job as a construction one. In most areas the structure will need to be permitted and inspected, and you might consider hiring an architect or landscape architect to help with the plans. It takes engineering and knowledge of load-bearing principles and building materials to create a safe, stable deck. The grade of the wood or composite material, the spacing of the joists, beams and posts, and the overall design of the deck all impact how much weight it can hold.

“It’s important to think about what you want on your deck — a hot tub, seating for a bunch of people,” Beaudry said. “A good deck builder tends to overbuild, using two-by-eight boards when the project only calls for two-bysixes.”

Most decks are designed to support 60 pounds per square foot including the weight of the deck (the “dead load”) as well as whatever people and things you put on it (the “live load”). Decks must adhere to local building and safety rules and regulations. These range from homeowners-association-size limits to setback distances or structural requirements set by your city,

town or even neighborhood. The height of railings and the placement and pitch of stairs may also be dictated by local code.

Don’t hire a deck builder unless the company agrees to navigate the permitting process for you.

How

to find a deck builder

Many general contractors, fence builders and carpenters also build decks, sometimes only as part of larger projects. But if you need a new deck or a complete replacement of an existing one, you might as well go with a company that specializes in them.

Once you’ve identified some possible contractors, ask lots of questions. Go over your plans and ideas with them and ask about their experience with your type of job. These conversations will likely provide you with lots of new ideas.

Get references and check them. Ask past customers if the company gave them money-saving solutions, if the work was as attractive and as well done as expected, whether it passed inspection on the first try, if the company stuck to its agreed-upon prices and whether it minimized disruption to their lives.

To protect your finances against big damage claims, ask companies for proof that

they carry general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

Get a solid contract

Get at least three fixed-price bids; it’s the only way to make sure you don’t overpay. Ask for a formal contract in writing that specifies payment terms, deadlines and who will be doing the work. It should include a detailed description of the work, including drawings of deck plans and specifics on building products.

The contract should include start and end dates and a warranty on work and materials — preferably one lasting several years. Insist that the contract include requirements that the company obtain and pay for necessary permits and arrange for government inspections, if required. The contractor also should obtain approvals from any HOA or historic district. Arrange to pay as little as possible until the work is finished and you are satisfied. If your job requires a lot of materials, it’s reasonable to pay a deposit against these expenses. But paying for everything or almost everything at the end gives you the most leverage to get the work done properly.

Jennifer Barger is content director at Washington Consumers’ Checkbook

The benefits of annually pruning apple trees

IWINCED WITH ALMOST every snip of the pruning shears recently. My apple trees needed pruning, and they were loaded with buds showing pink and about to pop open. What was making me wince was all the blossoms I was removing, blossoms that, after pollination, could swell into luscious apples. I kept reassuring myself that removing blossoms and, hence, fruit was one of the reasons to prune an apple tree.

Left to its own devices, an apple tree tends to set too many fruits, too many for best quality, that is. With the number of fruits reduced, the tree channels its energy — evidenced by size and flavor — into those that remain.

Each of those buds that were about to pop open housed five flowers, and there were many buds. Realizing that only five percent of an apple tree’s flowers need to go on to become fruit for a full crop was soothing.

I started my pruning with the more dramatic cuts, of which thankfully few were needed.

This was of larger limbs that were too close together, drooping downward, or leaving the trunk at too sharp an angle, the latter making for weak unions. I shortened downward drooping limbs to the point where they were horizontal.

Needs for dramatic cuts is minimized for a tree that’s well-trained in its youth.

Next, I looked for overly enthusiastic, vertical sprouts, sometimes called watersprouts, or suckers. Isn’t enthusiasm good for a plant, a sign of health? Some, yes.

Those watersprouts, putting all their energy into growth, tend to be slow to bear fruit. They also shade the interior of the tree and are prone to disease.

I walked around and around the tree lopping watersprouts all the way back to where they began growth — unless a weak side shoot or a flower cluster had developed low down on the watersprout. In these cases, I shorten the watersprout to the side shoot or flower cluster.

Finally comes the more detailed pruning, that of flower buds. Most fruit buds are born on spurs, which are short stems that elongate only a half inch or so each year. With age, these spurs look like Lilliputian trees as they branch again and again. I remove some of those “branches.” I also ruthlessly remove any spurs growing downwards or from the undersides of branches; they are weak growing and will beget similarly weak offspring. Benefits of annual pruning — and apple trees should get it annually — don’t end with just removing some fruit for the good of those that remain.

The trees, like most of our fruit trees, develop fruit buds the summer before their spring display. But hormones in seeds of developing fruits suppress flower bud initiation. The result: a big crop one year leads to a paltry crop the next, which can lead to a repeating cycle of feast and famine. So pruning that removes flowers is good for next years flowers and fruit.

Yesterday’s cuts also let plenty of sunlight and air movement in among the branches. Sunlight is

GARDEN NOTES

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham Garden Club scholarships applications

important for photosynthesis, which translates to good fruit flavor and growth. And the combination of sunlight and air provides an inhospitable environment for diseases.

Some of those cuts I made, depending on where I cut, and how much, influence and direct new growth.

Shortening stems coaxes buds on remaining portions to sprout; the more severe the cut, the more vigorous the growth of sprouts.

Some of the above mentioned watersprouts that were sedate in their growth have potential to sport fruit buds in the future.

To that end, I shortened them in varying degrees: the weaker the growth, the less I shortened them. I cut a moderate amount off watersprouts of moderate vigor; they would sprout moderately vigorous shoots from their upper buds, but buds lower down could turn into fruit buds.

After finishing up the pruning I stood back to admire my handiwork. Hmmm.

The trees looked pretty good. They still have plenty of blossoms, and will still bear more than they can ripen to best quality. After threats of late frost and plum curculio, an early season insect pest, have passed, I’ll thin developing fruits by hand. That’s as it should be.

(The above words cover pruning a mature apple tree. My book “The Pruning Book” covers pruning young and old, neglected apple trees as well as a host of other ornamental and fruiting trees, shrubs, and vines.)

The Wilbraham Garden Club is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for two, $1,000 scholarships. We are accepting applications from graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate college students majoring in or who plan to major in, one of the programs listed below. Eligible student must be residents of Wilbraham or Hampden, MA. All applicants must be enrolled in one of these fields of study: Botany, Horticulture, Conservation, Environmental Science, Earth Systems, Forest Management, Natural Resources, Plant, soil and Insect Science, Sustainable Agricultures, Sustainable Horticulture, Food and Farming, Turf Grass Science & Management, Landscape Design & Management Technology, Landscape Architecture, Oceanography, Clean Energy Technology, Floral Design or Land Management. Applicants must include a personal essay of 100-200 words, official high school or college transcript(s), two letters of recommendation, college acceptance letters(s) if available, along with the completed Wilbraham Garden Club Scholarship application. All required documentation must be received on or before April 30. Notifications will be made by mid-May, and the recipients will be awarded their scholarships at the annual meeting of the Wilbraham Garden Club on June 5. Scholarship applicants will be available at the Wilbraham and Hampden public libraries, Minnechaug Regional High School and Wilbraham Monson Academy. They can also be found on the Wilbraham Garden Club Facebook page. Please contact howella413@gmail.com with questions or to receive an application.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Master gardener Gretel Anspach to speak at West Side club meeting

The West Springfield Garden Club will meet on Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m., in the J. Edward Christian Municipal Office Building, 26 Central St. Parking is available in the municipal lot across the street. The meeting will be held in the Justin Morgan Auditorium on the second floor. The evening’s speaker is master gardener Gretel Anspach, who is a trustee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. She will provide information on lawn alternatives which can lower maintenance and provide environmental benefits. The public is welcome to attend. Please contact BeckyJean at beckyjean@beckyjeanthompson.com to RSVP.

STOCKBRIDGE

Upcoming events at Berkshire Botanical Garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program: Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to noon, “Planning Your Kitchen Garden.” Learn how to create a thriving, productive kitchen garden on

Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. Tracy Hayhurst, owner of Undermountain Pantry, leads this hands-on class where you’ll learn how to design a garden that fits your space, climate and culinary goals. Tracy will guide you through choosing the best site, selecting seeds and seedlings, preparing and enriching your beds, and establishing a maintenance routine that keeps your garden flourishing. You’ll also explore strategies for succession planting to ensure a steady harvest throughout the entire season. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your garden skills, this class gives you the practical knowledge and confidence to grow fresh, delicious produce right outside your door. Cost is $30 members, $45 non-members. For more information, or to register visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.

SPRINGFIELD Miniature gardens exhibit

The Springfield Garden Club invites families, gardeners, teachers, and book lovers to experience “Children’s Books in Bloom: Miniature Gardens That Tell a Tale,” a whimsical exhibit transforming beloved children’s stories into enchanting miniature gardens. The event will take place May 1- 3 at the historic Forest Park Monkey House. The event will kick off Children’s Book Week, May 4-10, which is being celebrated at area libraries.

This imaginative show features 48 creative floral displays each inspired by classic children’s book. Visitors will discover their favorite stories — from magical castles and woodland scenes to beloved characters and adventures filled with plants and flowers. Designed for visitors of all ages, Children’s Books in Bloom combines gardening, storytelling, and creativity in an immersive setting. Guests can enjoy story time readings, explore

enchanting garden displays, and share the joy of books with children and grandchildren. The exhibit also supports a meaningful cause. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated. All donations from the event go towards a future Forest Park Kiddie Train.

MONSON Monson Garden Club scholarships

The Monson Garden Club has announced that two $500 scholarships are available to high school seniors who reside in Monson and plan to continue school at a 2- or 4-year college to study in any branch of life, natural, or environmental sciences. Applications with instructions may be obtained through their school guidance office and are due by April 28.

HAMPDEN

Hampden Garden Club events

The Hampden Garden Club will be hosting Dan Ziomek from Sugarloaf Gardens on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. Dan will be presenting his program “Backyard Orchards.” The program will be at the new meeting location at the Town Hall (formerly Thornton W. Burgess Middle School), 85 Wilbraham Road, Hampden, Room A7. Guests are asked to use the library entrance. There is a $5 fee for non-members of the garden club. Dan will discuss growing fruit trees and other fruit bearing plants in our backyards. His talk will include tree selection, pruning, and pest control. This is Dan’s 39th year in horticulture and he will share his experiences with fruit growing. New members are welcome! Membership fee for the year is $15 and includes admission to all programs.

Hampden Garden Club meeting

The Hampden Garden Club will be meeting at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St., Hampden, on Saturday,

April 18, at 9 a.m. for Earth Putter Day. They will be weeding and sprucing up the gardens at the Senior Center and the Gazebo at the Hampden Town Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. Club members are asked to bring their garden tools to the clean-up.

AGAWAM

Agawam Garden Club meeting

The next meeting of the

Agawam Garden Club will be held Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St. After a short business meeting Evan Abramson, Founder of Landscape Interactions, will present a talk on “Building Resilience through Biodiversity: Scalable and Replicable Stormwater Management Designs.” In this presentation he will explore diverse strategies for storing and managing runoff while simultaneously

supporting at-risk native pollinator species. Abramson holds a Master of Science in Ecological Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design as well as certificates in Permaculture Design and Biodynamic Gardening. All meetings are open to the public and not restricted to Agawam residents.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

Strawberry pots aren’t just for the fruit

Its ‘windows’ make for striking, efficient displays

By Jessica Damiano Associated Press

YOU’VE SEEN THEM — those odd planters that look like buildings with windows and balconies on their sides. Maybe you’ve planted strawberries in them. Or maybe you’ve just never understood them.

Typically made of terracotta, the pots are usually tall and urn-shaped, but shorter, wider options are also available.

2. (DONALD WENTZ VIA AP)

They are, in fact, strawberry pots, and those windows are intended to hold soil and strawberries, keeping them off the ground as they grow and, therefore, protecting them from rotting. But think outside the pot, and you’ll find they make lovely (and efficient) displays for other plants, too.

Striking yet practical displays

The fenestrated containers can be planted with succulents like hens and chicks. Consider the orange and yellow ‘Gold Nugget’ or the silver-haired ‘Cobweb’ varieties for an eye-catching display. In colder areas, the whole pot can be brought indoors for winter; just ensure the succulents get ample sunlight, and avoid overwatering. Or create a space-saving culinary herb garden by filling the “balcony” pockets with cooking essentials like parsley, sage, thyme, mint and oregano, placing the smaller species at the bottom of the pot and larger ones higher up. Then plant a tall herb like rosemary or basil in the opening at the top and — voila! — you’ve created an instant centerpiece. You might even incorporate a few dwarf marigolds for color.

Herbs, too, can be brought indoors and grown (and used!) in the kitchen over winter.

Colorful trailing florals and vines

Trailing flowers and vines make a statement as they spill from the containers’ openings.

Keep it monochrome, or plant a rainbow of colors for a dazzling display.

Trailing geraniums, petunias, and chartreuse or purple sweet potato vines can be alternated around the sides of the pot. A dramatic grass, like Cordyline ‘Festival,’ can be planted at the top of larger planters, black mondo grass in smaller ones.

Nasturtiums, million bells, trailing verbena and sweet alyssum also lend themselves nicely to the pots. Green ivies provide a more understated aesthetic.

If you don’t have a lot of sunlight, consider combining different varieties of caladium and coleus for a colorful display.

Keeping it sufficiently watered

Regardless of what you’re planting, ensuring water reaches the roots of every plant in a strawberry pot can pose a bit of a challenge — but there’s an easy solution.

Cut a piece of PVC piping slightly longer than the pot’s height, then drill holes 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart along its sides.

At planting time, add potting mix up to the pot’s bottom openings, then position the pipe vertically in the center. Insert plants through the holes (from the inside out), add more potting mix to reach the next level of openings and add more plants. Repeat until you reach the top of the pot, packing the soil tightly as you go.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to make

By K ate Morgan

The Washington Post

LAVERNE’S childhood home in Detroit had a big elm out front. In fact, the whole neighborhood was lined with them: great, graceful trees whose branches spread across the street to create a shady canopy. Elms were so widely planted in cities and suburbs in the 19th and 20th centuries that they became known as the “Main Street tree.” Then, in the 1930s, Dutch elm disease began to ravage them, and by 1989, most of America’s 77 million mature elms were dead.

Laverne’s elm and its demise remain seared into his memory

decades later. “I was maybe 8,” he says, “and I remember standing at the front door next to my sister when the trucks came down the street and cut down the elm trees one by one. When they cut ours, it felt similar to losing a pet. I imagine I was not the only person that grieved to see our neighborhood transformed from this beautiful cathedral of trees to clear cut.”

It was the first tree he loved, but certainly not the last for Laverne, who is a master arborist, an adjunct associate professor of forestry at Michigan Tech, and manager of education and training for Davey Tree Expert Company.

Many of us have loved a tree.

Maybe it’s the big sycamore that held a tree house behind your childhood home. Maybe it’s the spruce that waves outside the window of your office, or the maple on the corner near your town’s post office.

I adored a huge fir in the corner of my cousins’ yard in New Jersey, with lower boughs that bent all the way to the ground and formed a sticky, fragrant fort at the trunk. Every day, my daughter greets a trio of towering oaks in our front yard that she lovingly calls “the mama trees.”

It’s not all that unusual to feel a particular bond with a specific tree. In fact, researchers in Finland found that the majority of respondents to a survey did in

Water and fertilize through the pipe, which will be hidden as the centerpiece plant grows.

Strawberry pots are available in various materials, but the traditional versions are made of clay, which can crack in freezing temperatures. If your area experiences cold winters, bring them indoors in autumn, either emptied of their annuals, cleaned and stored, or still housing tropicals, evergreens or herbs, and treat them as houseplants over winter.

Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press. She publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.

friends with trees

fact have a favorite. It’s also not unusual, says Laverne, for that bond to feel a lot like friendship. We form interspecies relationships, he points out, with our pets. So why not plants?

“In most cases, when we think about a friendship, it’s a symbiotic relationship and both parties are actively involved,” he says. Trees might not respond to us the way a dog or cat would, but “we can form a symbiotic relationship with them nevertheless,” Laverne says, “if we understand all of what they provide for us. Not just the wood, but the shade, the wind-shielding. They take pollutants from the air, reduce stormwater runoff. There’s a huge list.”

While those are all good reasons to appreciate trees, Laverne adds, “you’re not going to fall in love with a tree because it’s sequestering carbon.” But there are other, perhaps slightly more intangible, reasons you might.

In the Finnish study, University of Turku researcher Kaisa Vainio and her colleagues identified three main types of human-tree relationships. The first was centered on nostalgia: People recalled trees from their childhood memories, or felt a familial connection. “It’s a custom here, and in many places in the world, that you plant a tree when somebody has been born,” Vainio says.

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Lesser-known glass works of famous NE lamp company

IN THE WORLD OF ANtiques, “Handel” is synonymous with lamps. The company, which began as the decorating firm Eydam and Handel in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1885 and changed its name to Handel & Company in 1898, started making leaded glass lamps in 1904 as a less expensive alternative to Tiffany lamps. Of course, now some Handel lamps can reach prices just as high!

Handel & Company, which changed its name again to The Handel Company in 1903, had a foundry, opened in 1902, to produce its own lamp bases, but the glass shades were always the stars. Handel made several types of glass lampshades. In addition to leaded shades reminiscent of Tiffany, it used marbled slag glass, cameo glass, and reverse painting.

The reverse painted lampshades may be its most famous products, especially when the outside of the glass had Handel’s patented chipped-ice texture. A wellknown line called “Teroma” has a chipped ice surface and reverse painting, usually of naturalistic scenes. The company used many of the same decorating techniques on its other glass products, like vases, bowls and jars. They are not as well-known as the lamps and generally sell for slightly less at auctions.

A Handel Teroma vase depicting a colorful scene with a mountain peak in the background sold for $1,750 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. It is marked for Handel and signed by decorator John Bailey, who also worked on the company’s reverse-painted lamps.

Q. I inherited a seven-piece dining set with a round pedestal table with a leaf and six reupholstered chairs. There is a metal label that reads “Quaint Furniture — Stickley Bros. Co. — Grand Rapids, Mich.” I was wondering about the value.

The stunning glass decorations used by Handel were not limited to its famous lampshades. Its Teroma vases, like this one, have the chipped ice texture and detailed nature scenes that appear on their lamps of the same name. (FONTAINE’S AUCTION GALLERY)

A. The Stickley Brothers Company was founded by Albert and John George Stickley in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1891. The company introduced its Quaint Furniture line in 1902, inspired by English Arts and Crafts furniture, and continued making it until about 1920.

Round pedestal tables were popular at the time, and the pedestal style used by the Stickley Brothers company helps to distinguish their work from that of their oldest brother Gustav Stickley, whose Craftsman company produced what may be the definitive examples of American Arts and Crafts furniture.

“Sevres” is from there. Their marks have been copied by porcelain factories in other countries. There was an unrelated Sevres China Company active in East Liverpool, Ohio, in the early 20th century. Several companies have used “Sevres” as a name for a pattern or product line. The F. Thomas Porcelain Factory in Bavaria, originally the Thomas & Ens Porcelain Factory, was one of them. This factory used a shield-shaped mark, usually with “Thomas” inside. Pieces from their Sevres line are usually marked with the word “Sevres” in quotation marks and “Bavaria” underneath.

The company was later bought by Rosenthal, another Bavaria porcelain factory. They continued making the Sevres line; there are pieces marked with the Rosenthal crown and crossed lines, along with “Sevres” and “Bavaria.” As if that’s not confusing enough, porcelain manufacturers in both Sevres and Bavaria have made blanks that were sent to other factories for decoration. They can be marked for both the maker and the decorator.

TIP: Reverse-painted lampshades should never be washed. Just dust them.

CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions. Glasses, cat’s eye shape, black, rhinestone trim, light blue arms, marked, Tiffany & Co., $50.

Silver plate, tea set, squat, fluted base, three ball feet, teapot, coffeepot, lids, sugar and creamer, waste bowl, Gorham, coffeepot 7 inches, five pieces, $60.

Purse, barrel shape, Lucite, iridescent, top handle, gold tone brass hardware, four brass feet, 1950s, 6 x 11 x 4 inches, $110.

However, Stickley Brothers furniture, which was mass-produced, usually sells for lower prices than Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman pieces. Quaint Furniture dining sets like yours have sold for about $1,500 to $2,000 at auction.

Q. My antique china dish is marked “Sevres” and “Bavaria.” I always thought Sevres porcelain was made in France. Can you tell me why the dish is marked for two places?

A. Sevres, France, has been home to many porcelain manufacturers since the 1760s, but not every piece marked

Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

Rug, Persian, indigo center medallion, diamond shape, brick red field, indigo spandrels, multiple borders, ivory, red, fringed ends, wool, 9 feet 1 inch x 4 feet 7 inches, $250. Bicycle, Schwinn, child’s, green, ivory, pinstripes, curved frame, fenders, rear rack, green and white streamers on handles, marked, c. 1950, 30 x 54 inches, $280. Furniture, table, center, Aesthetic Movement, walnut, overhanging top, carved trim, turned and scrolled supports, stretcher base, rows of spindles, gold tone ball and claw feet, c. 1900, 31 x 28 inches, $325. Wood carving, brush pot, bitong, huanghuali rosewood, carved leaves, mushrooms, grasshopper, calligraphy, Chinese, 8 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches, $450. Clock, British United Clock Co., shelf, copper, hammered, tower shape, overhanging top, repousse flowers, stylized tulips, Arts & Crafts, 15 inches, $550. Pottery-contemporary, jug, two snakes, light tan alkaline glaze, shaped spout, loop handle, tapered base, signed, Otis Norris, 16 inches, $750. Glass-Venetian, vase, Canne, multicolor vertical stripes, irregular rim, marked, Gio Ponti, Venini, Murano, 1955, 9 inches, $1,665.

Average long-term US mortgage rate

eases to 6.37%

Rate had risen for the previous five weeks

By A lex Veiga Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate eased this week, a modest relief for prospective homebuyers who have been facing higher borrowing costs as mortgage rates climbed to the highest level in nearly seven months.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate dropped to 6.37% from 6.46% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.62%.

This week’s decline in rates follows five straight increases. When mortgage rates rise, they can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for home shoppers, limiting what they can afford to buy.

The average rate is now back to roughly where it was two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also eased this week. That average rate dropped to 5.74% from 5.77% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.82%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. Only six weeks ago, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage had dropped to just under 6% for the first time since late 2022, an encouraging move for home shoppers just as the spring homebuying season was about to begin. But then the war with Iran began, sending oil prices surging higher and stoking worries about higher inflation.

Those expectations of higher inflation helped push up the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury

Deeds

AGAWAM

Duda Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and David M. Duda, trustee, to Holly Steinmetz, 144 River Road, $355,000.

Ginette M. Poirier, Melissa Poirier and Melissa Harpin to Aleksandr Govor, 2-4 Moore St., $415,000.

Luiza J. Hopkins to Brionna Burke and Evan Moylan, 15 Sturbridge Road, $568,000.

BUCKLAND

Joan Dickson and David P. Hopkins to Elizabeth F. Morgan and Luke J. Salsich, 144 Bray Road, “fka” 142 Bray Road, and Bray Road, $685,500.

bonds, which banks use as a guide to pricing home loans.

The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.28% in midday trading on the bond market Thursday, down slightly from 4.3% a week ago. The yield was at just 3.97% in late February, before the war with Iran broke out.

Higher inflation could also keep the Fed from cutting interest rates. The central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its decisions to raise or lower its short-term rate are watched closely by bond investors and can ultimately affect the yield on 10-year Treasurys.

Bond yields began to ease this week after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, but any relief to mortgage rates may prove short-lived, said Jiayi Xu, an economist at Realtor.com.

“Until a more permanent resolution emerges, the fog of uncertainty is unlikely to fully lift from the housing market,” Xu said.

The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low. They have remained sluggish so far this year, declining in January and February versus a year earlier.

While mortgage rates are down slightly from a year ago, their recent upward trend has discouraged some would-be homebuyers and homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate.

Mortgage applications overall fell 0.8% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Further mortgage rate increases threaten to put a damper on home sales during what’s traditionally the busiest time of the year for the housing market.

Joan S. Morey, trustee, William I. Morey Jr., trustee, and Joan S. Morey Living Trust, trustee of, to Kara Potts, 13 B Castle Hills Road, $350,000.

John Houle and Julie Houle to Vitalii Tverdokhlib, 1077 Main St., $487,000.

Lisa Cecchini to Jane White, 178 Brookfield Lane, Unit 178, $320,000.

Matthew Battista and Rena M. Battista to Sell 2 Us LLC, 30 Barberry, $190,000.

Shawn W. Uschmann, Patricia C. Uschmann and Susan M. Malinoski to Patrick Brown and Sarah Fontana, 811 North St., $5,000.

Walter S. Pieciak Jr., to Julian Trenholm and Stephanie Mercorelli, 354 Rowley St., $370,000.

AMHERST

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Matahari Realty Trust to Barton Ramos and Michele Sobel Ramos, 48 Gray St., $832,000.

Timothy A. Neale, trustee, Cathleen S.F. Neale, trustee, and Timothy A. Neale & Cathleen S.F. Neale 2021 Living Trust to Richard Chesley, 63 Amity Place, $550,000.

Truman B. Likens Jr., trustee, Marjorie L. Likens, trustee, and Truman B. Likens Jr. & Marjorie L. Likens Joint Revocable Trust to Seunghun Kang and Eunsuksong, 473 Pine St., $700,000.

ASHFIELD

Gerald A. Itzkoff and Julia Itzkoff Ruby, “aka” Julia Ruby, individually and as trustees of the Itzkoff Realty Trust, to Matthew St. Louis, John Ford Road, $125,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Zachary C. Almond, Molly L. Almond and Molly L. Bass to Remy M. Taghavi and Hannah Daneshvar, 26 Plaza Ave., $627,000.

Christopher Pobieglo, Michael Pobieglo and Rebecca Chaleunvong to Michael Pobieglo, 620 Federal St., $100.

Evergreen Design Build Inc., to Ali Shirzadeh Chaleshtari and Shiva Delnavaz, 308 North Liberty St., $739,000.

Arthur R. Fish Jr., and Debra L. Fish to Heather L. Fish, 42 Granby Road, $100.

Jordan Ross and Madesyn Nale to Samantha Isbell, 232 Rockrimmon St., $425,000.

Donna L. Miskiv, Kimberly A. Welch, Patricia A. Welch and Donna L. Miskiv, power-of-attorney, to M&H Property Ventures LLC, 78 Federal St., $295,000.

BERNARDSTON

Jordan DiGeorge to Ellary A. Douglas and Joel T. Velez, 90 Bald Mountain Road, $419,500.

BRIMFIELD

Beth A. Goven to Debra Cormier, 34 Lyman Barnes Road, $435,000.

Debra Cormier to Meredith Stone and Kathleen Stone, 97 Cubles Drive, $507,500.

Jeffrey M. Buell “aka” Jeffrey Montgomery Buell, to Douglas P. Hercher and Honor Forsythe Mosher, 9 Goodnow Road, $100,000.

CHARLEMONT

Katherine G. Bellerose and Steven F. Bellerose to Kelly D. McCarthy, 1451 Route 2, $350,000.

CHESTER

Cora Boudreau to Jeremy Tanguay and Alexandra Tanguay, 67 Middlefield Road, $305,000.

CHESTERFIELD

Spencer L. Timm and Ruth L. Timm to Thomas L. Brisson Jr., Ireland Street, $30,000.

Spencer L. Timm and Ruth L. Timm to James P. Brisson and Thomas L. Brisson Jr., Ireland Street, $30,000.

CHICOPEE

Andrew A. McNamara and Kale E. Palmer to Devan M. Monroe, 101 Shepherd St., $300,000.

Francis L. Bizon and Patricia Lawyer to West Jam Man LLC, 115 St. James Ave., $235,000.

Jainis J. Colon Vazquez, Daisy J. Vazquez Flores and Hector L. Guaba Concepcion to Kinsey Kolega and Casey Weisenberger, 23 Jackson St., $325,000.

Mary Louise Mailloux, Barbara Waller and Mary Loise Mailloux to Kmak LLC, 91 Haven Ave., $270,000.

N A R Realty LLC, to Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC, 330 Montgomery St., $320,000.

Naomi E. Longo, James A. Underwood and Marie E. Underwood to Liudmyla Sarmatina, 200 Lambert Terrace, Unit 2, $250,000.

RM Blerman LLC, to Natacha Nieves, 30 Butler Ave., $335,000.

Bowers Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Deborah L. Stevenson, trustee, to Yazmilie Gomez and Stefan Bamfo Okyere, 35 Mount Vernon Road, $342,500.

TD Bank to Lemonade MM TD Chicopee LLC, 153 Meadow St., $250,000.

Virginia M. Bateman to Ilya Latoshkin and Mary Latoshkin, 344-346 Chicopee St., $425,000.

CUMMINGTON

Deborah Rae Nancy Gavito to Joe D. Craft and Jameson A. Bouchard, 13 Jordan Road, $333,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Shouqi Liang to Bin Chen, 41 Dearborn St., $100.

EASTHAMPTON

James Robert Donais to Sharon Leigh Jackson, 131 West St., $590,000.

Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield to Norwich Properties LLC, 33 Knipfer Ave., $217,000. 179 Northampton LLC, to 179 Hamp Street LLC, 179 Northampton St., $1,950,000.

Deeds

ERVING

Charles Henry Fisk, personal representative of the Estate of Nancy V. Parsons, “aka” Nancy Vorce Parsons, to Hector A. Arevalo-Rodriguez and Aimee B. Fraulo, 13 Maple Ave., $125,000.

Dorothy M. Lilliock and Donna Lee Skoczylas to Audericio Barros, 5 State Road, $25,500.

GILL

194 Holdings LLC to Brendan Tang and Diane Swift Tang. 20 Walnut Street. $360,000.

GREENFIELD

Angela Burnett, Personal Representative of the Estate of Paul Albert Siano a/k/a Paul A. Siano a/k/a Paul Siano to Sophia Hatfield. 130 Laurel Street. $257,500.

Nicole Britt and Sarah Maney to Ariane K. Solwell and Seth I. Solwell, 12 Leonard St., $310,900.

Stephen Butcher and Tamarin Butcher to Billie Jean Parent and Kevin Parent, 32 Homestead Ave., $407,000.

Cherie McCarthy, “aka” Cheri McCarthy, and Richard R. Suchanek Jr., to Cherie McCarthy and Kevin Woods, 123 Harrison Ave., $100,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee of Targaryen Realty Trust, to Joseph H. White, 34 Brookside Ave., $345,000.

HADLEY

Michael MacDonald to Malia MacDonald and Dominic MacDonald, 6 Highland Circle, $300,000.

HATFIELD

James R. Zehelski Jr., to James R. Zehleski, Jeanette P. Zehelski and Life Estate, 18 King St., $100.

Geraldine D. Smith and Thomas J. Smith to Mary C. Powers, 71 Chestnut St., $225,000.

HEATH

Peter A. Law to Eujean Law and Nathaniel Law, Town Farm Road, $60,000.

HOLYOKE

Adam J. Mulcahy and Christina L. Gusek to Eric Beattie and Donna Beattie, Mountain Road, $389,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and A-O-K Realty Trust, trustee of, to Bianca Gonzalez-Lesser, 104

Lincoln St., $476,000.

Elizabeth A. Blumgarten to Quincy McGinnis Lacwasan and Andrew Alden Holt Carney, 22 Liberty St., $335,000.

Erin Brunelle to Penelope Bayard Bloodworth, 284 High St., $325,000.

James A. Ryan, Stephen P. Hefner, Deanne L. Draeger, James F. Quinlan and Paul F. Footit to Pinc LLC, 329 Beech St., $1,245,000.

Jennifer E. Sawyer, Jennifer E. Zito and Michael Zito to Kaila Tallman, 350 Homestead Ave., $303,000.

Jordan O. Doucette to Appleseed Co., LLC, 19 Calumet Road, $100.

MGHPCC Holyoke Inc., to Massachusetts Green High Performance Computer Center Inc., 100 Bigelow St., $100.

LONGMEADOW

Kristiana Alyssa Tadeo to Brandy Magdalino, 32 Edgewood Ave., $315,000.

Michael D. Bajakian and Michelene C. Bajakian to Nathan A. Duval and Jennifer R. Duval, 189 Rugby Road, $970,000.

LUDLOW

Andrey Katykhin to Peter J. Godbout, 184 Howard St., $515,000.

Daniel J. Whalen to Pamela Jumba and Shanice A. Madala, 70-72 Fuller St., $451,000.

Donna Lee Scott and David B. Scott to Moises Elias Ramos and Hannah Ramos, 173 Colonial Drive, $515,000.

Henry Mercado to Park LLC, 382 Holyoke St., $375,000.

Linda I. Beaulieu to Ronald R. Beaulieu Jr., Eric T. Beaulieu and Lori A. Morris, 3 Letendre Ave., $100.

Y & S Properties LLC, to Miguel Goncalves, 23 Oregon Ave., $400,000.

MONSON

Stephen Murdoch and Kristin Grunzweig to Emma G. Mesa-Melendez and Julio A. Melendez, 188 Bumstead Road, $699,500.

MONTAGUE

Kathryn A. Sisson and Marshall W. Sisson to Margaret Ann Smith, 45 Millers Falls Road, $385,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Jonathan Arpino and Donna S. Arpino to William Wimsatt, 10 Hawley St., $759,000.

Lionel G. Romain and Mary Ann M. Romain to Sarah Gray and Benjamin Leiter, 832 Westhampton

Road, $615,000.

Luigi Baccari and Nancy Baccari to Nicolas Gross and Janet Gross, 50 Union St., $329,900.

Alyssa M. Prucnal, personal representative, Marie Ann Bates, estate, and Marie A. Bates, estate, to Samuel G. NG, 8 Hockanum Road, $410,000.

Leon A. Pedruczny III, to Dorothy Foley, 88 Pines Edge Drive, $330,000.

Rachel Sachs Riverwood and Michael Schurter to Catalina Mullan Baker and Ryan Shannon Stark, 13A Finn St., $551,000.

ORANGE

Katherine S. Otter, “fka” Katherine S. Bates, to Samuel Bulloch, 35 Ball St., $270,000.

PALMER

Fumi Realty Inc., to Sarah Puffer Caron, 69 East Palmer Park Drive, $357,000.

Jason Joseph Hoffman and Caitlin Rose Hoffman to Gavan Joseph Wescott Rice and Lauralyn Rose Rice, 4 Pioneer Drive, $572,300. Rachel Lane and Melanie Pariseau to Julie Dialessi-Lafley, 3177-3179 Main St., $350,000.

SHELBURNE

Daughters Properties LLC, to Hotfire LLC, 10 Bridge St., $350,000.

SHUTESBURY

Jenny Louise Kirley, “fka” Jenny Louise Griffin, and Tamara J. Miccoli to Claudia Citkovitz, Baker Road, $65,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Karl K. Pikul and Christine E. Pikul to Andrea L. Lyman, 17 Rivercrest Way, $100.

Rachel Romano, trustee, and Karen A. Romano Irrevocable Real Estate Trust to Richard J. Jolivet and Sheila J. Jolivet, 12 Sycamore Park, $455,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Stacy Powers, personal representative, Jennifer Ehret, personal representative, and Charlotte Ehret, estate, to Tyler Jaeger, 242 Russellville Road, $250,000.

Erika J. Humel and Erika J. Graziano to Joseph M. Humel, Erika J. Humel and Erika J. Graziano, 55 Moose Brook Road, $100.

SOUTHWICK

Jeremy Pepin and Hayley Pepin to Steven Gardner and Jennifer Gard-

ner, 5A Sawgrass Lane, $650,000. Robert E. Wheeler to IHI Wave LLC, 368 Granville Road, $185,000.

Sharon Mae Dunn to Christine Frappier, John F. Frappier Jr., and Laura A. Gioscia, 27 Rosewood Lane, Unit G-3, $282,000.

U S Bank Trust, trustee, and LSF10 Master Participation Trust, trustee of, to Ruslana Popa, 8 Curtis Road, $220,000.

Wicked Deals LLC, to Madison Shelby Girouard, 3 Evergreen St., $415,000.

SPRINGFIELD

2024R&L LLC, to Hammond Business Center LLC, 2220 Main St., $1,500,000.

Aileen Ramos and William Guilbe to Marimar T. Cedrez, 42 Marquette St., $290,000.

Andrew K. Agyemang, representative, and Kofie Afriyie, estate, to Ashley R. Desjardins, 60 Jeanne Marie St., $305,000.

Angela Streeter to Naples Home Buyers Inc., 51-53 Suffolk St., $165,000.

Carmen L. Montalvo to Amanda Lee Blake and Roxanne Lee Cramer, 1730 Carew St., $305,000.

Carol E. Nicholson to Kenneth R. Close Jr., 46 Puritan Circle, $389,900.

Colleen O. Quintyne to Gary McDonald-Williams, Lee Kimball and Emily Kimball, 410 Allen St., $295,000.

Dalin Ou and Noeun Touey-Ou to Robinah K. Nantale, 40 Byers St., $350,000.

Elizer Vasquez to Dayana Yubilee Lugo Medina, 134-136 Woodlawn St., $450,000.

Emma G. Mesa-Melendez and Julio A. Melendez to Cole Walker and Tiffinie Walker, 35 Carlton St., $286,000.

Father Bunch LLC, to RGA Properties LLC, 140 Chestnut St., Unit 404, $150,000.

Fidelis A. Lemchi to Shawn A. Dixon, 63 Lawton St., $240,000.

Grahams Construction Inc., to Jessica Buzzell, 81 Crystal Brook Drive, $625,000.

Janice I. Matos to Joseph Howe, 22 Amanda St., $320,000.

JJJ17 LLC, to Angel Lopez, 744-746 Carew St., $515,000.

John Thompson and Lauran C. Thompson to Dale Cotton, 1155 Dickinson St. Unit 1155, $289,000.

Joseph A. Pellegrino Jr., to Corey Connaughton and Sawyer Connaughton, 73 Atwater Road, $475,000.

Joseph John Carron to Raquel Wood and Lynne Wood, 18 Riverton Road, $375,000.

Junior Properties LLC, to CJ Harding Realty Inc., 20 Sachem St., $275,000.

Katherine Theresa Mentor to Joshua R. Wenzel and Alexia White, 44 Amanda St., $305,000.

Larry J. Cole and Carolyn J. Cole to Katie Ann Archambault, 228 Acrebrook Road, $289,900.

Lorenzo Quinones and Milagros Quinones to Halina Lefort, 86 Wildwood Ave., $128,000.

Marth-E LLC, to Cash Solution LLC, 915 Bradley Road, $200,000. MD Trading Corp., to Amado Vazquez Morales, 19 Saint James Ave., $770,000.

Pah Properties LLC, to Ernesto E. Jimenez, 17 Pebble Mill Road, $300,000.

Paula M. Corridan and Brian Q. Corridan to 198 Atwater Realty LLC, 198 Atwater Road, $165,000.

Richard J. Bertrand and Theresa M. Bertrand to Tamara Ortiz Hernandez and Eduardo Ortiz, 944 Wilbraham Road, $272,000.

Richard T. Holmes, representative, and Robert Ronald Holmes, estate, to Karl W. Rehbein and Jason Michael Rehbein, 189 Essex St., Unit H, $140,000.

Rupert E. Smith, estate, and John J. Ferriter, administrator, to Manchester Ent LLC, 52-54 Andrew St., $185,000.

Sekar Sumanth Dhanasekaran and Ngoc Vo to Brian Enaworu and Oluchi Enaworu, 108 Birchland Ave., $550,000.

Sell 2 Us LLC, to Jose Manuel Melenciano, 16 Amherst St., $420,000.

Simone Larochelle, trustee, and Normand Larochelle Living Trust, trustee of, to David Larochelle and Stacey Dickinson, WS Croyden Terrace, $300,000.

Somchai Daniels to Zachary C. Ouimette and Anna Mercieri, 5 Fenimore Boulevard, $348,000.

Steven J. Martinez and Barbara Vargas to Tyler Stratton and Daniel Bruce Morgan, 15 Pine Acre Road, $400,000.

William J. Craven to Marjorie J. Hurst and Frederick A. Hurst, Arey Street, Lot 229, $2,000.

William J. Craven to Marjorie J. Hurst and Frederick A. Hurst, Arey Street, Lot 230, $2,000.

SHELBURNE

Daughters Properties LLC, to Hotfire LLC, 10 Bridge St., $350,000.

SHUTESBURY

Jenny Louise Kirley, “fka” Jenny Louise Griffin, and Tamara J. Miccoli to Claudia Citkovitz, Baker Road, $65,000.

Deeds

WARE

Yellowbrick Property LLC, to Daniel Daigle and Corey Daigle, 207 Monson Turnpike Road, $430,000.

Nasser H. Chehimi and Ahmad Sultan to Elian Morfe Aria, 44 South St., $334,000.

Kevin P. Slattery to Sydney Ocran and Oxana Ocran, 27 Morse Ave., $435,000.

Patrick W. Rusiecki, Beverly M. Rusiecki and Beverly Ann Rusiecki to Leesa Conway and Brian Rusiecki, 21 Pine Crest Circle, $100.

John F. Slattery and Mary E. Slattery to Scott Slattery, 2 Susan Drive, $460,000.

Kristy L. Smith to Jessica Lee Dulak, 310 Palmer Road, $282,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Burhan Holdings One LLC, to XPB-2 LLC, 43-47 West School St., $455,000.

Christopher M. Paltz, trustee, W&M Paltz Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Walter W. Paltz Jr., to Lockhouse Development LLC, 63 Worcester St., $500,000.

Jess A. Payant to Ali Yahya, 188 Windsor St., $159,700.

John Peret and Roman Peret to Scott Blair,

439 Cold Spring Ave., Unit 439, $162,000. Maryann Santillo to Larkspur LLC, 5 Nelson St., $175,000.

WESTFIELD

Anthony E. Breglio and Rita M. Breglio to Rita M. Breglio, life estate, Anthony E. Breglio, life estate, and Rochelle Feyrer, 297 Falley Drive, $100.

Brenda L. Labbe, trustee, Paul R. Labbe, trustee, and Labbe Family Trust, trustee of, to Hae Ae Kim and Joon Hyun Kim, 103 Woodcliff Drive, $710,000.

Brian G. Balukonis, trustee, Valerie Haggerty, trustee, Thomas W. Balukonis Testamentary Descendants Trust, trustee of, and Thomas W. Balukonis II, trustee, to Brian G. Balukonis and Thomas W. Balukonis II, 8 Smith Ave., $100.

Del Holdings LLC, to John A. Morin and Martha L. Morin, 798 Airport Industrial Park Road, $1,050,000.

Direct Auto Realty Inc., to King Barrett LLC, 300 East Main St., $855,000.

Francis P. Kirley to Sheila Ashton, 24 Sunflower Lane, Unit B, $350,000.

Hum Real Estate Holdings LLC, to N A R Realty LLC, 24 Elise St., $880,000.

James M. Pettengill, Paul E. Pettengill, David J. Pettengill and Diane M. Mayhew to Vasyl Matichyn, 25 Dubois St., $247,500.

looking tree that is important to somebody, because it’s the tree they share their everyday life with.”

“You see it grow, and it’s mirroring your own growth, which creates a bond. That relationship is not just between yourself and the tree, but maybe with your grandmother who planted the tree, and her grandmother who planted one before her.”

Others in Vainio’s study chose their favorite tree based on what she calls a nurturing relationship. People felt close to trees that they had planted or were directly responsible caring for.

The third category, which she calls admiring relationships, involves “charismatic trees,” she says. “You probably know one.

They are somehow impressive — maybe weird-shaped, really old, very big. They can be monuments or have some special status, or be a rare species.”

But a tree needn’t be so singular to become beloved. In many cases, Vainio says, a “favorite” is just a “really ordinary

How to befriend a tree

There can be a lot of benefit to getting to know the trees in your yard or along your commute, says Holly Worton, a naturalist and author of the book “If Trees Could Talk,” but first you have to realize they’re there.

“A lot of people think of them as inanimate objects,” she says, “even though obviously they’re alive. But they’re just standing there, so I think they’re so unlike other living creatures that it’s easy to think of them as, basically, outdoor furniture.”

Worton believes trees can communicate with her — and with anyone else open-minded enough to converse with them — telepathically. In addition to factual information about a number of tree species, her book also includes their advice for life, delivered, she says, in their own words.

A Norway maple suggests she should stretch her comfort zone by spending time in

Mary F. Leblanc, trustee, Valerie Haggerty, trustee, Thomas W. Balukonis Testamentary Descendants Trust, trustee of, Thomas W. Balukonis II, trustee, Brian G. Balukonis, trustee, and Christopher J. Balukonis to Brian G. Balukonis, trustee, Valerie Haggerty, trustee, Thomas W. Balukonis Testamentary Descendants Trust, trustee of, and Thomas W. Balukonis II, trustee, 8 Smith Ave., $100.

Matthew Troiano and Amanda V. Troiano to Jake Squires and Melinda Scagliarini, 60 Mill St., $360,000.

Nathaniel Hill Realty LLC, to Christian Gezotis, Heather Gezotis, Curtis Gezotis and Christina Gezotis, Nathaniel Hill, Lot 5, $200,000.

Nathaniel Hill Realty LLC, to Nicholas Gezotis and Kelsey Gezotis, Nathaniel Hill Lot 12, $200,000.

Pah Properties LLC, to Kimberlee Cartwright, 2 Cycle St., $360,000.

Priscilla A. Harman to Rheal Duquette and Suzanne M. Duquette, 929 Shaker Road, Unit 18, $393,000.

Stacy Powers, representative, Jennifer Ehret, representative, and Charlotte Ehret, estate, to Tyler Jaeger, 0 Russellville Road, $250,000.

William F Duval, trustee, Linda A. Duval, trustee, and Duval Family Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Todd W. Duval, 122 Hillside Road, $187,500.

the woods relaxing with her eyes closed. An ancient yew suggests that she might benefit from spontaneity and stepping off the path.

Other trees tell her stories.

An English oak, one of the last old-growth trees in a stand of young pines, describes seeing his neighbors cut down with chainsaws. “For some reason they let me stay,” Worton writes that the oak said. “They cut down the trees all around me — my network, my family — and planted these evergreens, the ancestors of those which you see today. The diversity of our community was gone.”

Laverne talks to trees, too (though he doesn’t expect them to respond), and he encourages his students at Michigan Tech to do the same. In his forestry courses, one assignment asks students to “interview” a tree, and Laverne provides a guide for how to do so.

“You go out, find a tree and introduce yourself out loud,” he says. “It might feel funny, but it’s really more an acknowledgment to yourself that you’re approaching another living or-

WESTHAMPTON

Scott E. Dunlap and Carey L. Dunlap to Scott E. Dunlap, 130 Chesterfield Road, $100.

WILBRAHAM

2589 Boston Road LLC, to H P Rum LLC, and Winners O LLC, 2589 Boston Road, $212,575.

Wicked Deals LLC, to Taylor A. Dupuis, 16 Maple St., $399,900.

WILLIAMSBURG

Marcella Tindara Barry, personal representative, Brian Richard Wycherley, estate, and B. Richard Wycherley, estate, to Cyrus Jones and Kathryn S. Jones, 3 Deer Haven Drive, $839,000.

Brittany Superba and Aron Superba to Sean P. Ryan, 6 Williams St., $247,500.

Joan T. Cody to Jane Ellen Cody, Jennifer Ann Cody and Martha Anne Cody Huber, 14 North Main St., $131,175.

WORTHINGTON

Charles E. Amo and Choice Builders & Modular Housing to Randall J. Benoit and Jennifer R. Benoit, 458 Old North Road, $40,000.

ganism. That opens the door to your imagination. Now, they’re not going to talk back, but a tree can still tell you things.”

He instructs his students to examine the details of the tree, feeling the bark and examining the foliage. “The most important part is to give yourself 10 minutes of silence with your tree,” he says. “Sit down, close your eyes and get as many thoughts out of your brain as you can. Listen to what’s happening in and around the tree. You’re going to hear birds. You’re going to hear wind going through the leaves. You may even hear some of the branches clattering around.”

Laverne says he wants the students to become familiar with the tree and the environment in ways they weren’t before.

A connection to one particular tree can become a longterm relationship, Vainio says. In her study, more than 40 percent of respondents said their attachment to a favorite tree had lasted several years, and close to a quarter said they’d loved their tree for decades or even for their entire life. But like any lifelong relationship,

there’s always a chance that things end in tragedy. When our favorite trees die, either of natural causes or by chainsaw, it’s typical to feel a real kind of grief.

In 2023, when the centuries-old Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, England was cut down by vandals, there was an international outpouring of anger and grief.

And people will go to great lengths to try to save trees. “Any time one has to be removed in Central Park, they put notices up months in advance to try to ease the pressure,” Laverne says. “But people will still chain themselves to the trees to try to stop it.”

Worton, who has written about tree grief on her blog, often hears from readers mourning the loss of a tree, “whether it’s one they’ve had to cut down because of some kind of illness, or one the city has come and cut down,” she says. “That seems to be the worst kind of scenario, where people have this beloved tree and they show up one day and it’s a stump. That’s really difficult for people to deal with.”

info@towneauction.com / 781.790.7870 www.towneauction.com

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

12 PM 110-112 Lenox Ave a/k/a 110 Lenox Ave, Pittsfield, MA

2 PM 58 Cherrelyn St, Springfield, MA 1 PM 1650 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026

11 AM 164 Wenonah Rd, Longmeadow, MA

Terms of Sale: Deposit by bank chk required to register to bid at time of sale. Visit website/call for deposit amt. Balance to be paid 30 days from sale date. Other terms announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations to the accuracy of the information contained herein. FinCen requirements may apply. NO CASH - S Hill - MA Lic. AU 3381

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MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Monday, April 13, 2026

2:00 PM-HOLYOKE 66 Sherwood Terrace

sgl fam, 1,334 sf liv area, 0.16 ac lot, 5 rm, 2 bdrm, 1.5 bth, fpl, Hampden: Bk 20108, Pg

NORTH CHELMSFORD (978) 251-1150 www.baystateauction.com

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MORTGAGEES’ REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS TO BE SOLD ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PREMISE FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2026

5:00 PM - CHICOPEE, MA 505 PROSPECT STREETDEPOSIT $10,000 TERMSOFSALES:DEPOSITSINTHEAMOUNTS SPECIFIEDABOVEARETO BEPAIDBYTHEPURCHASER(S)ATTHETIME ANDPLACEOFEACH SALEBYCERTIFIEDOR