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Podcasting for Tree Care and Green Industry on #treechat

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Jul, 15, 2013 @ 20:07 PM

podcast iconOn this week’s #treechat we are gearing up for what looks like an exciting chat topic. We’re getting social this week for #SocialTuesday with an otherwise overlooked opportunity in digital media.  As a business owner or professional organization in tree care or green industry, it’s getting harder to get someone’s attention.  It’s like you’re trying to get your message out there and your audience is a moving target. They’re busy and constantly on the go.  There’s email and social networks to help amplify your voice but you have to hope they hear you. What if, your audience sought YOU out?  And wanted to listen to your message?

Podcasting is hardly a new form of digital media but this form of communication is still in its infancy!  It's set to take off as the most accessed communications tool in 2014.   We’ll be discussing podcasting with our guest host, Chris VanCleave aka @RedneckRosarian, moderator and host of #rosechat  and Rose Chat Radio on Blog Talk Radio Network.  The live chat begins 7/16/13 at 11AM PST via Twitter, where we come together with industry experts and fellow tree tweeps each week to discuss all things related to trees and tree care, since 2010!

Topic Discussion Overview

Some of the main discussion points that will be covered during the live chat include;

  • Podcasting 101 – learn some of basics for getting started and why you should
  • Tools of the Trade – understand what are the tools and resources you will need to create a successful podcast
  • Building Your Audience – if you make it doesn’t mean they will come…gain some insight into growing your subscriber’s list
  • Podcast Dos & Don’ts  - discover what works and what doesn’t before planning out your podcast
  • Win Podcast Help – ready to get started but not sure where to start?  Why not ask the expert during the chat?  Chris also offered to consult with the most active participant during the chat!

Participating on Treechat

PodcastWithHeadPhones 273x300If you’ve ever thought about doing podcasting and never knew where to start, this is a great opportunity to learn more from an expert!  Just follow the conversation over and tweet from our new Twubs #treechat. Come share with us on this great topic and look forward to sharing with you on the live chat! We hope you will join us for the live chat, however if you do miss it, you can still access on Corona Tools' Storify. It will be posted following the chat and includes all the information, links and resources shared during the discussion so you don't miss a thing!

Who knows, after sitting in on the chat you may be inspired to start your own podcast channel.  And start reaching your audience and customers virtually anywhere any where they go.  On the computer, on smart devices, or in their car…it’s like having YOU on demand 24/7! Do you have an opinion already about the topic? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Topics: #treechat, tree care, Landscaping, business

Cork Oak Trees on #treechat

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Jul, 08, 2013 @ 20:07 PM

How many times have you been out for a nice dinner, ordered a bottle of wine, your sommelier brings it to your table, removes the cork and offers it to you to sniff for your selection approval…? It’s an important step in the “wining and dining experience” but do you ever put much thought into the cork itself? Where it comes from? How its cultivated or its many uses?

photo (5)Cork is an amazing organic product that comes from Cork Oak Trees. It has many uses and it’s our topic on this week’s #treechat. Join @CoronaTools and our guest host, @CristinaGardens, Cristina da Silva, of therealgardener.com and #groundchat moderator. The live chat begins 7/9/13 at 11AM PST via Twitter, where we come together with industry experts and fellow tree tweeps each week to discuss all things related to trees and tree care, since 2010!

Topic Discussion Overview

Some of the main discussion points that will be covered during the live chat include;

Cork History – discover how this simple product has been used for thousands of years

Cork Tree Botany – learn about the characteristics of the Cork Oak Tree, climate and regions where they are grown

Cork Tree Ecosytem – understanding cork tree’s role in the ecosystem

Cork Harvesting – learn about how this sustainable product is harvested

Products, challenges facing cork trees and more!

Participating on Treechat

This is a great opportunity to learn more about this fascinating product and trees which have been used for generations! Just jump onto Twitter and search for #treechat. Come share with us on this great topic and look forward to sharing with you on the live chat!

We hope you will join us for the live chat, however if you do miss it, you can still access on Corona Tool's Storify. It will be posted following the chat and includes all the information, links and resources shared during the discussion so you don't miss a thing!

And who knows, after sitting in on the chat if someone ever tells you to stick a cork in it, you can share some wonderful and knowledgeable facts about corks!!! Do you have an opinion already about the topic? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Photo taken near Evora, Alentejo,  Portugal. April 2013 by Cristina da Silva

 

Topics: #treechat, tree care

5 Tips to Beat Summer Heat in Your Garden

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Wed, Jul, 03, 2013 @ 14:07 PM

As Americans prepare to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend, many of us will enjoy fireworks and cookouts in parks and backyards.  It also means that summer is here and temperatures are on the rise.  Folks out in the western states are hitting record highs so early in the season.  And excessive rains are causing severe flooding in the East.  Regardless of where you are, the summer heat and sun is sure to wreak havoc in your garden this season.

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your garden growing, even in the harshest summer conditions.

Corona tools mulchSpread a Layer of Mulch – a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps the soil retain moisture and helps reduce the rate of evaporation.  It also helps to suppresses weed growth which if allowed to grow, take up precious water and nutrients from your plants.  Natural mulches will also break down over time and provide nutients back into the soil.   DON'T FORGET: When it comes to your trees, avoid piling mulch up around the base of the tree and trunk.  I can damage your tree by inviting fungus or unwatned pests.  Better to mulch out than up!

Convert Spray System to Drip – The key to proper watering is a slow and steady drip that has time to penetrate the soil.  Over head sprinkler system have come a long way in being more efficient but are still prone to evaporation and excess run off.  Converting a planter with a drip system can be quick and inexpensive.  You'll see the return on you investment in your monthly water bill too.  Less water and healthier plants, even in the hot summer months.  For more information, check out the EPA WaterSense website

corona tools wateringWater Early Mornings – a good long soak in the early morning hours allows more water to absorb in the soil and minimize water evaporation.  Avoid watering in the afternoon or hottest parts of the day as the majority will evaporate quickly and never penetrate the soil or reach the plant's roots. Another reason early mornings are best is the air is typically calm with less wind.  Spray from sprinklers is more likely to water your lawn instead of being carried off to your neighbor's! 

Set Lawn Mower to Highest Setting – If you have a lawn, keeping your grass taller is better for its overall health.  Taller grass will help it retain moisture in the soil during extreme temperature and heat.  Think of it as a thick blanket on top the lawn's root system.  It protects the soil from the hot mid-day sun, will require less water to keep it green and saves you some green in your utility bill too.

corona tools nativeUse Native Plants – Natives and adaptive plants can survive on less water or tolerate excessive rains and humidity.  And these days your choices are not limited to cacti or succulents either. Your local garden centers offer a wide selection of native plants.  Just look for lables that state low water or thrive in the local climate.  Your county extension can provide you with a list of natives for your area.  

There you have it, 5 easy ways to help beat the summer heat in your garden this summer.  What other things do you do to help plants survive in your garden when it's hot?  Share it with us in the comments below!

Topics: landscape, gardening, Landscaping, Summer

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