Rooted in Care

The Economics of Beauty: Why Healthy Trees Pay Off

What if the beauty of your trees could actually boost your bottom line? In this episode of Rooted in Care, hosts Chantel and Buddy explore the real, measurable value of beautiful trees with Patrick Anderson, Director of Research & Arborologists at Rainbow Ecoscience. Together, they uncover how the art and science of tree care translate into powerful economic, environmental, and community benefits. With over two decades of experience, Patrick shares research-backed insights into how healthy trees increase property values, reduce energy costs, and create safer, more inviting spaces. He explains how beauty isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a reflection of vitality, resilience, and thoughtful stewardship. Listeners will learn how to identify the signs of a truly healthy tree, avoid common mistakes that harm long-term growth, and implement best practices that keep trees thriving year after year. Patrick also discusses how to turn around stressed or unsightly trees with science-based treatments that restore health and enhance appearance. Whether you’re a property manager, business owner, or homeowner, this episode will help you see trees as more than landscape features — they’re living assets that deliver real returns when cared for properly. Listen now to discover why healthy trees don’t just look good,  they pay off.

Drought-Proofing Your Landscape: Strategies for Summer Care

As summer heats up, learn invaluable insights on how to protect trees through smart watering practices, soil health, and the implications of California Assembly Bill 1572. In this episode of "Rooted in Care," hosts Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall welcome Wister Dorta, the Western Regional Technical Specialist at Arborjet, to discuss the critical issue of drought stress in trees. We cover: 1. Common misconceptions about tree irrigation 2. The importance of preventative maintenance 3. The hidden impacts of drought stress on tree health.  Learn practical tips for identifying early signs of drought stress, the significance of soil treatments, and how to adapt irrigation systems for optimal tree care. Through education and proactive measures, maintaining healthy trees in challenging environmental conditions is possible. Tune in for expert advice that will help you nurture your landscape and promote a sustainable environment. References:  Soil aerification – Supersonic Airknife https://arborjet.com/product-categories/specialty-solutions/pneumatic-soil-excavation/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Fspecialty-solutions%2Fpneumatic-soil-excavation%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488296952613%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7SsYEdkiL6NyuqC%2BNE28YMnypAUU%2FOvF5S%2FIc5G%2FZlg%3D&reserved=0]   Soil injection (irrigation and soil health) – shortstop mention https://arborjet.com/products/accuflo-soil-injector-isd/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproducts%2Faccuflo-soil-injector-isd%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488296974010%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8cZtNlqETBt%2Be40f1jJHVcfbnOoC7qY132eF%2B8XpJoY%3D&reserved=0] https://arborjet.com/product-categories/plant-growth-regulation/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Fplant-growth-regulation%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488296990413%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FMp9SzNd%2F%2B9WzVv2U2aWLDLRuCQ0Phd3a1FqahJo7po%3D&reserved=0]   water mgmt/hydretain https://arborjet.com/problems-solutions/water-management/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproblems-solutions%2Fwater-management%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297010158%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yteBhr1VFmF5BYGAH7OPLoYh1qOjtx31nOp%2FNYgl4T8%3D&reserved=0] https://arborjet.com/product-categories/soil-moisture-management/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Fsoil-moisture-management%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297026622%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NXh4K1J1ezUVxHxRRZ5HmVdLx%2BjXQB5Qvqq0rwDxli4%3D&reserved=0]   Arbor RX https://arborjet.com/product-programs/arbor-rx/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-programs%2Farbor-rx%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297042617%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gu1%2BQH6Op3hQdLoRfZFkVUTd4Qp4hSAc%2BB866FzjLrY%3D&reserved=0]   BIOMP & Enviroplex: https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/soil-conditioners/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Ffertilization-soil-enhancement%2Fsoil-conditioners%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297057916%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=d%2BFowEmYxHuK%2FuhFuKRZn%2BG7bFCT%2Fa9lXe2Vp5K1R5A%3D&reserved=0]   SeaXtra/Cytogro: https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/biostimulants-seaweed-extracts/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Ffertilization-soil-enhancement%2Fbiostimulants-seaweed-extracts%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297073739%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZhqmKvnA8IM%2FvHyvUMwcJRksppEblpcN4CFvQcYE%2FyM%3D&reserved=0]   Salts in soil: https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/soil-remediation/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farborjet.com%2Fproduct-categories%2Ffertilization-soil-enhancement%2Fsoil-remediation%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297089985%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SMPrNXC5xFWCzdNqOitOkoIbEngvVTkzl4clFgWp2VE%3D&reserved=0]   usgs: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=38a93357a08b4f6d94d7e07a424fafd5 [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2FView%2Findex.html%3Fwebmap%3D38a93357a08b4f6d94d7e07a424fafd5&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297105349%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BPis33m%2BuEmVWCOsL4uOXQHCKJNO%2FOzK1cabf0KCrQ4%3D&reserved=0] https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwebsoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fapp%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ccassie%40aplustree.com%7Cbb536297b09043e370df08dda467e179%7C46adc1179db845df9bb5888ea6ff39db%7C0%7C0%7C638847488297120715%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NYxYEzAYf0W8VDZUAYtLXULxrCKwAfWgUvDXJz5SkMY%3D&reserved=0]

The Tipping Point: When Trees Become Trouble

In this episode of Rooted in Care, we sit down with Rob Powell, VP of Operations at A Plus Tree, to uncover the critical role of Tree Risk Assessments in protecting people, property, and peace of mind. With over 16 years in the field and a stack of certifications — including TRAQ, CTSP, and ISA — Rob shares expert insights and real-life stories that reveal what’s really at stake when tree risk is overlooked. You’ll learn how to identify early warning signs, prepare your trees before storm season, and avoid costly emergencies or liability issues. Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, this episode equips you with the knowledge to take proactive steps and build safer, healthier landscapes. We cover: 🌳 What a Tree Risk Assessment is—and why it’s more than a visual checkup 🔎 How to spot structural issues before they become dangerous 🌪️ The biggest risks after a storm (and what not to do) 🧠 Real stories of preventable failures—and what they teach us 💸 Practical tips to budget, document, and prepare year-round Don’t wait for a storm to show you what’s at risk — listen in and learn how smart care starts with awareness.

From Wood Waste to Super Soil: A Biochar Breakthrough

Each year, tree care companies generate tons of woodchips—most end up in landfills. Meet Sarah Gaskin, a certified arborist of 15 years and VP of Strategic Initiatives at A Plus Tree. Once Sarah learned about the biochar production process through pyrolysis, (which not only sequesters carbon but also enhances soil health by significantly promoting beneficial microbial activity) she got out her vision board and promised herself to bring this solution to life. Sarah shares how a four-year project not only launched the nation’s first urban pyrolysis unit—but also led to a landmark US EPA exemption that changes what’s possible for tree care companies across the country.   We cover: ·         The scale of the woodchip waste problem ·         What biochar is and how it benefits trees and soil ·         What it really took to permit and launch a system like this ·         What this means for the future of our industry—and how you can be part of it   This is a story of perseverance, innovation, and changing policy to build a better path forward. We hope you enjoy! Learn more here:  https://aplustree.com/biochar/ [https://aplustree.com/biochar/] Partners:  Sonoma Ecology Center - Non-profit grant partner and co-project leader https://sonomaecologycenter.org/ [https://sonomaecologycenter.org/] ARTi (Advanced Renewable Technologies) - Manufacturer of actual Pyrolysys Unit https://www.arti.com/ [https://www.arti.com/] Napa Recycling - Actual location of operations https://naparecycling.com/ [https://naparecycling.com/] CalFIRE Urban and Community Forestry Grant  - Source of main funding https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants [https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urban-and-community-forestry-grants]

Beyond the Burn: Navigating Fire Restoration with Nate Kazlauskas

When the flames are out, the path to restoration begins. In this episode of Rooted in Care, we sit down with Nate Kazlauskas, owner of AquaVac Restoration, to share what homeowners need to know about navigating fire recovery with confidence. From tackling hidden smoke and water damage to working smart with insurance and contractors, Nate offers expert guidance to help you move forward safely and successfully. With the right knowledge and the right team, rebuilding becomes an opportunity to create something stronger than before. We also cover: 🔥 The critical first steps to take after fire damage 🔥 How to spot hidden issues early and protect your investment 🔥 What to know about insurance coverage—and how to strengthen your claim 🔥 Why working with trusted, experienced contractors makes all the difference 🔥 How fire departments, city officials, and insurance partners work together in the recovery process Whether you’re rebuilding after a wildfire or preparing for the unexpected, this episode offers the tools and insights to help protect your home, your peace of mind, and your future. Tune in and learn how to rebuild smarter, safer, and stronger. Social Links: https://www.aquavac.net/ [https://www.aquavac.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquavac-restoration [https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquavac-restoration] https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-kazlauskas-42824794/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-kazlauskas-42824794/]