season-after-season-header

Understanding and Using Grey Water

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Oct, 13, 2015 @ 16:10 PM

grey_water_on_Corona_tools_landscapechat.jpegIn an average US home, the shower is generally the third largest water usage.  The average shower uses 17.2 gallons (65.1 liters) and lasts for 8.2 minutes at average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute. That’s water that essentially runs over your body, mixes with a bit a soap and goes down the drain. But some folks are saving that water and water from clothes washers and using it to water plants in the landscape. Known as “grey water”, many have jumped on board in this growing trend, while others avoid it, likely due to the plethora of misinformation available.  Understanding and using grey water is our topic on this week’s landscapechat!

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and partner Jain Irrigation with VP Richard Restuccia @JainsUSA , along with the Real Gardener, Cristina da Silva tweeting as @CristinaGardens on #Landscapechat to discuss Using and Understanding Grey Water! Tweet with us on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 11AM PST/ 2PM EST. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

Key Takeaways Include:  

  1. What is grey water?
  2. What types of grey water can be used to water plants? 
  3. Understanding grey water systems
  4. Grey water isn't the same for all plants  
  5. The how-to's and regulations for using grey water
Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat. They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries!

Topics: #Landscapechat, landscape, watering

How to Landscape for Kids and Pets

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Jul, 14, 2015 @ 18:07 PM

 

dog_pic

For those of us with young kids and pets, making our landscape safe for them takes a little extra planning.  Not only should they be safe but also interesting to want to be outside and enjoying nature.  This week,  National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is joins us on #landscapechat to help share some tips for planning your landscape.

You're Invited to Chat

Participate in a live #Landscapechat and join the voice of Corona Tools, Chris Sabbarese, along with Lisa Schaumann, NALP Director of Public Relations tweeting as @the_nalp on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 11am PT or 2pm ET. This live chat invites you to exchange information about landscaping for kids and pets! 

Discussion Key Points: 

Focus on What Matters - When landscaping for kids be sure safety is at the top of the list

Keep Things Interesting - Learn what you can do that will keep your child's interest

A Helping Hand - Discuss what activities make kids want to help out in the landscape.

Planning for Paws - Discover ways to plan your landscape to be pet friendly.

Keep Out of the Dog House - Hear some great tips and ideas to help keep pets from tearing up your landscape

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools LandscapechatDon’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.  

 

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Kids, NALP, pets

What Green Industry Students Look for in a Landscape Career

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Mon, Jun, 29, 2015 @ 17:06 PM

LawnAndLandscapeJuneCover7-1-2015Small

Coming up on #landscapechat - the next generation of green industry employees. Get to know the newest crop of professionals and how you can attract them to your company. 

Like all industries, the Green Industry is only as strong as its people. In the June 2015 issue, "In Good Hands", Lawn & Landscape Magazine sizes up the strengths and weaknesses of the next generation of employees in the column "These Kids Today" by Chuck Bowen. Several of the new generation of employees are spotlighted in the magazine, which also features stats at the end of the story.  

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and partner Lawn and Landscape Magazine Editor Kate Spirgen @LawnLandscape for #Landscapechat on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. P.T.or 2 p.m. ET. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

Key observations on this topic will include:  

  • Ready, Willing and Able - Find out what fuels their ambitions and drives those students planning to enter into the green industry after graduation.
  • Company Culture - Great pay is good but good company culture can be a deal breaker for students. 
  • Good Pay and Benefits - Students entering the green industry work force want more than a paycheck.  Things like steady pay increases, health insurance and working outdoors tops the list.
  • Green Industry Student Demographics - Toss out the sterotypical student demographic and be surprised who is joining the green industry work force.
  • Internships - Learn why if you want to attract good employees, you better have a great internship program in place.
Join the Conversation
Corona Tools Landscapechat
Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.
They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!  If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries!
photo courtesy of Lawn & Landscape Magazine

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Lawn & Landscape, New Generation of Employees

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with NALP

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Jun, 16, 2015 @ 11:06 AM

 

PollinatorWeek15logo

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is guest host on #Landscapechat during National Pollinator Week, June 15-21, 2015.

Why are pollinators important? Pollinators are often keystone species, meaning that they are critical to an ecosystem. The work of pollinators ensures full harvests of crops and contributes to healthy plants everywhere. · An estimated 1/3 of all foods and beverages is delivered by pollinators. In the U.S., pollination produces nearly $20 billion worth of products annually.

Most often we think of honey bees, but many other pollinators are also important. Find out about local events surrounding National Pollinator Week. 

You're Invited to Chat

Participate in a live #Landscapechat and join the voice of Corona Tools, Chris Sabbarese, along with Lisa Schaumann, NALP Director of Public Relations tweeting as @the_nalp on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 11am PT or 2pm ET. This live chat invites you to exchange information about pollinators with interested people and professionals. 

Discussion Key Points: 

Share and learn from fellow tweeps to others create pollinator habitat in their yards 

Discuss why pollinators are important and how tweeps support them

Learn how landscape professionals help pollinators thrive

Understand the pros and cons of pollinator attractive plants in places like schools and HOAs

Hear about the White House's new strategy on pollinators

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools LandscapechatDon’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.  

(Photo credit PLANET)

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, NALP, National Pollinator Week

Big Opportunities in Design/Build Landscapes

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, May, 28, 2015 @ 12:05 PM



LawnLandscapeMag-Waterfall-5-27-2015No matter what aspect of the Landscaping Industry is your forte', Lawn and Landscape Magazine provides resources and a great sounding board throughout the industry. On the upcoming #landscapechat, we visit the resurgent Design/Build segment of our industry and discuss everything from customer wants and design trends, to staffing and bidding challenges. What do today's young homeowners want in their landscapes? How do we educate them as to the value of our services?  What's hot in the industry? Join in and add your experiences to the chat on Wednesday, June 3! 

You're Invited to Tweet

Join Chris Sabbarese @CoronaTools, and Kate Spirgen of Lawn and Landscape Magazine on #Landscapechat to discuss the important issue of the resurgence of Design/Build segment of the Green Industry. The live chat begins Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. PST / 2 p.m. EST.  This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011. 

Discussion Key Points: 

1) Surge in Demand - Consumer confidence is up which means opportunities for design/build jobs are too. 

2) Staffing for Success - Hiring remains a main concern but there are ways to get around it.

3) 2015 Trends - Learn how design trends have changed from the standard flat patio and hot tub!  Hear what else is hot this year.

4) ­­­Something for Nothing - Show customers the passion that you and your team have for your work, find the right clients and be rewarded for your work!               

5) Wearing Your Psychologist Hat - Discuss how knowing your customer and their lifestyle needs are key.

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools LandscapechatDon’t miss out on these exciting topics and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

 

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Lawn & Landscape, Design/Build is Back

Tips for Adding Water Features to Gardens and Landscapes

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Wed, May, 13, 2015 @ 11:05 AM

Ewing-PondWaterfall-5-2015Small"Water is the soul of the garden," noted Gertrude Jekyll, the influential British Horticulturist and Garden Designer who created more than 400 gardens in the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. in the early part of the twentieth century.

On the upcoming #Landscapechat on Twitter, the folks at Ewing Irrigation will cover water features, ponds, and waterfalls. and give tips and tricks to creating an oasis in your home or clients' gardens. Discuss both still and moving water, and the delights of sound that a fountain or waterfall can add.

Do you know how to calculate the size pump that will work best? Or the best practices if algae invades your water feature?  Join Corona Tools for this excellent topic and conversation.  It's a great forum to come and share your experiences, successes and failures using water in the landscape. 

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and partner Ewing Irrigation with Social Media & Digital Strategist Laurie Ory tweeting as @EwingIrrigation  for #Landscapechat on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11 a.m. P.T.or 2 p.m. ET. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

On the live Twitter #Landscapechat find out more answers to these 5 key takeaways for Water Features and Ponds: 

Conservation - Learn tips to prevent water waste

Features and Benefits - Review the types of water features and benefits

Pump Smart - Learn how to pick the right pump

Pond Maintenance Tips - Discover some easy how-to tips from the pros

Green Slime - Discuss how to deal with algae in your garden water feature

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

 

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Ewing Irrigation, Water Features and Ponds

Tips to Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System with EPA Water Sense

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Sun, Apr, 26, 2015 @ 10:04 AM

Ewing-4-23-2015EPA-sprinkler-spruce-up-infographicSprinkler season is nearly upon us. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Water Sense program suggests that people choose Water Sense labeled products in your home and business landscapes, as well as taking simple steps to save water each day.

Ewing Irrigation and Corona Tools welcome special guest, EPA Water Sense, to kick off #SprinklerSpruceUp Month and share information on saving water with homeowners and landscapers. What tips can you offer fellow tweeps on the chat? Learn more about "Inspect, Direct, Connect, Select" on this upcoming #Landscapechat. 

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and chat partner Ewing Irrigation with Social Media & Digital Strategist, Laurie Ory tweeting as @EwingIrrigation along with special guest EPA Marketing, Development & Social Media Outreach Director, Kathleen Horan tweeting as @EPAWaterSense for #Landscapechat on Wednesday, April 29 at 11 a.m. P.T.or 2 p.m. ET.  This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

On the live Twitter #Landscapechat learn about these 6 key takeaways for #SprinklerSpruceUp 

What is a "Sprinkler Spruce Up"? and how it came about

EPA-Recommended Tips for Homeowners #SprinklerSpruceUp 

Hear what EPA recommends when it comes to watering times for yards and landscapes

Key Factors to Smart Irrigation that homeowners need to know

Discussion of the impact this program has had on water conservation in general

Resources Discover what resources for improving irrigation systems

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Ewing Irrigation, #SprinklerSpruceUp Month

What Mandatory Water Reductions Mean to Landscapers

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, Apr, 09, 2015 @ 19:04 PM

CLCA-Riverbed-4-15-2015For the first time in California's history, Gov. Jerry Brown has imposed mandatory reductions in water use.  According to California.gov/drought, April snow in California was measured at its lowest level on record. "The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) announced that Californians in cities and towns reduced their water consumption by just 2.8 percent in February. This dismal conservation rate is the lowest monthly figure since the State Water Board began tracking the data in July 2014." It appears that many urban Californians are attempting to ignore the drought.  

It's a topic our industry cannot ignore it and becom the major concern for landscapers around the state.  The continuing drought increasingly impacts landscapers as well as everyone in the US.  Join us for this special April chat along and share your ideas and concerns on this week's #landscapechat!    

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and noted water expert, Richard Restuccia tweeting as @H2OTrends along with other concerned industry organizations on #Landscapechat.  This important topic, What Mandatory Water Reductions Mean to Landscapers on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 11AM PST/ 2PM EST. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

landscapechat_logoDiscussion Overview

Key topic discussion points will include:  

  • Why is there a need for statewide mandatory water deductions?
  • What measures have gone into effect as of 4/1/15?
  • How do these reductions affect CA landscape contractors and business owners? 
  • What kinds of recommendations are being made to professional landscapers?
  • How can investments in new technologies help contractors, business owners and residents?

Get 24/7 Access

Not able to attend the live event and discussion?  You can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7!  The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion so you won't miss a thing! Here's a look at some highlights from chat participants;

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About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries!

Topics: #Landscapechat, Drought, Statewide Mandatory Water Reductions, California Drought, CLCA

Benefits of Shade Trees in the Landscape

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, Apr, 09, 2015 @ 13:04 PM
AngelOak-Wikipedia-1Shade trees are both valuable and, if mature, nearly irreplaceable. It is delightful to relax under the shade of a tree with a large canopy. Distinctive shade trees are named, like the Angel Oak (right). Poems are written about shade trees, "I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree", documents are signed under them and if widely known, they are used as landmarks. 
ACTrees will discuss and quantify the value of shade in the landscape, and the trees that provide it on #treechat on Twitter. Bring your observations and experience to the chat and join in the conversation.

You're Invited to Tweet 

Welcome!  @CoronaTools invites everyone with an interest in trees to enter the hashtag #treechat on Twitter. Chat partner and ACTrees Program Manager Sarah Anderson along with Max Ewart and Nicole Spina, will be tweeting as @alliancefortrees. The live chat begins Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 11 a.m. PST / 2 p.m. EST. This is the Twitter chat were we come together with industry experts and fellow tree tweeps each week to discuss all things related to trees and tree care, since 2010!

Discussion Overview

See the 5 Key Takeaways from this week's discussion:

* The effect of trees on carbon emissions due to decreased electricity use and from direct sequestration.
* How the magnitude of energy savings depends on the tree’s location.
* How shade tree programs benefit utilities. 
* Working with developers for energy considerations.
* Making the case to homeowners who experience virtually none of the carbon and stormwater benefits of tree planting, and whether a subsidy to encourage tree planting is warranted.
Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Treechat

Join us for this information-rich topic live on Twitter! Just sign in, search for #treechat and tweet using the hashtag. You're tweets will appear in the live tweet stream and you will be part of the conversation.  Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the treechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live chat, you can still access the complete Storify transcript, available 24/7 following the live chat.  It includes include all the information and links shared during the discussion.

About Treechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now treechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries.

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, ACTrees, Shade trees, Value of Shade

How to Scale Water and Energy Conservation

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Apr, 07, 2015 @ 17:04 PM

MeterHero-4-8-2015-JainsJain Irrigation Systems LTD is the largest manufacturer of irrigation equipment in the world. This week Corona Tools and Jain will be talking to MeterHero, which runs the a water and energy conservation exchange. We’ll find out how MeterHero tracks savings, how conservation rebates are calculated, and how to get involved.

Founded by McGee Young, formerly of H2Oscore, MeterHero is designed to use price to encourage conservation. And instead of working through water and electric utilities, MeterHero works directly with end users and funds the rebates through private contributions. In just a few short months, MeterHero is already paying rebates across the United States and even around the world.

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and partner Jain Irrigation with VP Richard Restuccia @JainsUSA along with their guest, Meter Hero Founder, McGee Young tweeting as @MeterHero on #Landscapechat this week! Tweet with us on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11AM PST/ 2PM EST. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

Key topic discussion points:

1) The only way to solve the water crisis is to treat conservation as a form of supply.

2) Price works better when it’s a payment for conservation rather than a penalty for over consumption.

3) The water crisis is too big and too important to wait around and hope that the government solves it.

4) People already think they are doing a good job with water conservation. You have to empower them to do more.

5) Water sustainability is in our reach, but it will take a commitment to net-zero consumption. Reuse what you can, offset the rest.


Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat.  They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries!

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Jains Irrigation, Drip Irrigation, MeterHero

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