Rooted in Care

A Plus Tree

Welcome to Rooted in Care, the podcast that explores the vital role of tree care in our communities and everyday lives. Hosted by Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall of A Plus Tree, we explore expert insights, industry stories, and the deep connection between people, trees, and the environment. A Plus’d Up Production in collaboration with Chorus Studios.

Episodes

  1. 08/11/2025

    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: Common misconceptions about tree irrigationThe importance of preventative maintenanceThe 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/

    47 min
  2. 05/27/2025

    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/ Partners:  Sonoma Ecology Center - Non-profit grant partner and co-project leaderhttps://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

    32 min
  3. 03/31/2025

    Mastering Defensible Space: Expert Tips from CAL FIRE

    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

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Rooted in Care, the podcast that explores the vital role of tree care in our communities and everyday lives. Hosted by Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall of A Plus Tree, we explore expert insights, industry stories, and the deep connection between people, trees, and the environment. A Plus’d Up Production in collaboration with Chorus Studios.