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.

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/

Soil injection (irrigation and soil health) – shortstop mention

https://arborjet.com/products/accuflo-soil-injector-isd/

https://arborjet.com/product-categories/plant-growth-regulation/

water mgmt/hydretain

https://arborjet.com/problems-solutions/water-management/

https://arborjet.com/product-categories/soil-moisture-management/

Arbor RX

https://arborjet.com/product-programs/arbor-rx/

BIOMP & Enviroplex:

https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/soil-conditioners/

SeaXtra/Cytogro:

https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/biostimulants-seaweed-extracts/

Salts in soil:

https://arborjet.com/product-categories/fertilization-soil-enhancement/soil-remediation/

usgs:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?webmap=38a93357a08b4f6d94d7e07a424fafd5

https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/

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.

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/

Partners: 

Sonoma Ecology Center - Non-profit grant partner and co-project leader
https://sonomaecologycenter.org/

ARTi (Advanced Renewable Technologies) - Manufacturer of actual Pyrolysys Unit

https://www.arti.com/

Napa Recycling - Actual location of operations

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

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.linkedin.com/company/aquavac-restoration

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-kazlauskas-42824794/

When it comes to wildfires, defensible space might be the difference between staying covered — and being left in the ashes.

In this episode of Rooted in Care, guest Keith Jackson of KSTJ Insurance Services tackles a hot topic: how wildfire risk, property upkeep, and insurance access intersect—and what communities can do to stay safe and stay covered.

With wildfires intensifying and insurers tightening their requirements, Keith shares what it takes to stay insured when you’re in the line of fire. From maintaining a 5–10 foot defensible space to the rising use of drone inspections and stricter application reviews, he breaks down how smart tree care can reduce liability and help safeguard your policy.

Keith sheds light on what it really means to live in a Firewise community. His advice? Don’t let aesthetics get in the way of action. Bring in a certified arborist (like A Plus Tree), clear out those flammable gutters, and don’t ignore a non-renewal notice — it’s your cue to act fast.

Don’t wait for change to come to you — take action now. Create defensible space, stay on top of tree care, and most importantly, reach out to your insurance agent. A quick chat with your agent could mean the difference between protection and panic.

Learn more about Keith Jackson and KSTJ Insurance:
https://www.ksjtinsurance.com/

Wildfires don’t wait for an invitation—so how prepared is your home? In this episode of Rooted in Care, hosts Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall sit down with Heather McCulley, Deputy Chief for Wildfire Preparedness at Cal Fire, to crack the code on keeping your property safe from wildfires.

With 28 years of firefighting experience, Heather has seen it all—from homes that stand strong in the face of flames to those lost due to simple oversights. She’s here to share the do’s and don’ts of wildfire prep, so you can take real, actionable steps to protect your home before fire season sparks up.

From home hardening techniques to collaborating with local Fire Safe Councils, Heather shares Cal Fire's proactive strategies for property defense and invaluable resources for homeowners. Curious why defensible space matters and what you can do to protect your property? This episode is for you!

Heather’s Mentioned Resources:

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection | CAL FIRE

Prepare | CAL FIRE

Home - Ready for Wildfire CAL FIRE Safety & Preparedness Tips

Fire-Smart Landscaping For Enhanced Wildfire Safety | CAL FIRE

Wildfire Home Hardening Guide | Prepare for Wildfire | CAL FIRE

Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide

Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation | OSFM

NIST.GOV Hazard Mitigation Methodology

IBHS.org – Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

FSRI Safety Academy

Social Links:

https://www.fire.ca.gov/

https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/calfirecareers/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.youtube.com/@CALFIREOSFM

https://www.youtube.com/@CALFIRETV

https://www.instagram.com/calfireosfm/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/calfire/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRE/

https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREOSFM

Welcome to the first full-length episode of Rooted in Care! What is this new show all about? Get to know our hosts, Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall (did someone say “world champion dart thrower?!”), and learn how karaoke played a critical role in their relationship. We will explore key themes in upcoming episodes such as defensible space, insurance, and practical tree care tips for property owners. At the heart of it, Buddy and Chantel are excited to engage with industry experts to help property owners maintain healthy, beautiful trees while protecting their properties.

A Plus’d Up Production in collaboration with Chorus Studios.  Prefer to listen on podcasting apps? Head to our podcast website for links to spotify, apply podcasts etc: https://rootedincare.transistor.fm/

A Plus Tree Website:
https://aplustree.com/

Get a sneak peek of the newest go-to podcast for the best in tree care and property management. Monthly episodes launch March 2025. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss our full-length episodes coming soon.