Green Industry Leaders Network

In this #plantchat episode, Doug Hall, former editor of Organic Gardening Magazine shares his 8 -step program for successfully growing an organic garden without chemicals. This is another installment from the Growers Success Summit, a how-to series of gardening and landscaping topics. Doug is an accomplished freelance writer and organic gardener, shares his insights on what organic gardening means, and how to achieve better produce, healthier plants and soil in your garden. While some of these principles may seem basic in nature, Doug presents tips and insights that every gardener can use. Connect with Chris at Corona Tools on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Whether you inherited a tree gone wild by moving into a new home or you've left your tree to grow wild, in this episode, we've got some insights on how to restore and rejuvenate it. We welcome back Tchukki Andersen, master arborist and certified tree care safety professional for Tree Care Industry Association. She shares tips about the proper tools needed, how to reshape your tree, how much you can remove in a season and some proper pruning techniques. There is also more information their website, treecaretips.org. Find TCIA, the VoiceofTreecare on Twitter and Facebook Connect and share this topic with Chris at Corona Tools, using #treechat on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

In part 1 of Demystifying Hydrangeas , we discussed the 6 different types. In part 2, Stacey Hirvela of Proven Winners joins us to talk about reblooming hydrangeas and some facts on their color. If you have ever tried to change it from pink to blue, then this episode can help figure out what will work. There is a lot of information out there and it can be tricky, if not downright impossible, to get your hydrangea to be the perfect color. Things that are out of your control, like nighttime temperatures, could derail your efforts. Regardless, Stacey shares some sage advise so you can do everything possible to get the hydrangea color you want. At the very least you will still have and amazing shrub in your landscape! Proven Winners developed an easy to use chart to helps take the mystery out of which one is right for you. If you have questions along the way, connect with Proven Winners on Twitter or Facebook and ask them. And connect with Chris Sabbarese @CoronaTools on social networks including Twitter and Fac

If you’re in the landscape business, it’s imperative to know how the industry is performing. The State of the Industry report sheds light on issues in the industry, what services business are offering, and where they see opportunities for growth in the coming year. As an industry leader, Lawn & Landscape has been tracking this for decades in their State of the Industry report. Each year they survey 1000s of landscape businesses, not just to get a bead on the overall sentiment, but things like; how they feel about the industry, what’s the median revenue being reported, do they foresee growth in the coming year? And so on. On this episode, we managing editor, Kate Spirgen, at Lawn & Landscape magazine. Follow Lawn & Landscape on Twitter and Facebook Follow Corona Tools on Twitter and Facebook

In this episode, we're demystifying the most Googled plant and flower on the planet, the amazing hydrangea. We discuss the different types to help understand where each grows best, the types of flowers they produce and which ones to can prune. Our guest is Stacey Hirvela, of the #1 plant brand, Proven Winners and she helps shed some light on this shrub in this part one of two! Hydrangeas are a favorite for many gardeners, yet often times they confuse one for another. Different types of hydrangea produce different types of flowers, can thrive in different zones, and have different requirements when it comes to pruning. To prune, or not to prune...?!? It can determine if you'll have beautiful flowers in the spring or not. The good news is, it's not all that complicated but starting with knowing the kinds of hydrangea available, there is certain to be one for every kind of gardener. Proven Winners developed an easy to use chart to helps take the mystery out of which one is right for you. Once you know the differ

Gardeners quite often mention that they love roses but they are too hard to grow. Or that they take too much time, they don’t have the space to grow them or roses just don’t do well for them. In this episode, we'll cover some basics about roses and how there is a rose out there for everyone! Our guest is Susan Fox, a.k.a Gaga's Garden, a noted rosarian, who lives in the world of roses. She shares her guarantee, that if you have never grown roses successfully, live in a cold climate or claim you have a black thumb, there is a rose for you. You'll get some great insights on new roses available for gardeners, tips on seasonal care, varieties that will perform well, and great resources like Plantsmap. Still have questions? Connect with Susan on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Chris Sabbarese @CoronaTools on social networks including Twitter and Facebook.

If you've ever had a dispute with the neighbor over and tree, you know it can become a real problem. In this episode, we’ll share some insights on who is responsible for trees and hedges that grow into a neighbor's yard. It's important you know what you can do and what you may be liable for. We welcome back Tchukki Andersen, master arborist and certified tree care safety professional for Tree Care Industry Association. She shares some insights on what you can do as a homeowner if a neighbor's tree encroaches your yard, or damages your property. The best option is always to talk to your neighbor to find an amicable solution, but it may be necessary to locate a consulting arborist that can help from the American Society of Consulting Arborists. There is also more information in the Tree Care Tips post, Before You Cut Your Neighbor's Tree. Find TCIA, the VoiceofTreecare on Twitter and Facebook Connect and share this topic with Chris at Corona Tools, using #treechat on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

With today’s advanced technologies, more people are relying on them for smart automation in all aspects of life. Taking care of our landscapes is also getting a lot easier thanks to the latest smart controllers. This episode debunks some common myths about them for property managers and residential property owners. On this #landscapechat episode, we welcome back, Michael Derewenko - Marketing Manager for Jain Irrigation. We discuss some common misconceptions about smart controllers and how they help save water and money. Have questions about this episode or drip smart controllers? Connect with Michael on Twitter @MDSavesWater and Jain's Facebook and Instagram. A check out 6 Smart Controller Myths Debunked the Jain blog, Connect with Chris Sabbarese @CoronaTools on social networks including Twitter and Facebook.

It could be argued that soil is the most important aspect for a plant to survive and flourish. Sure without water, a plant will eventually die. Without the right amount of light, too much or too little, it can affect how a plant will perform. However, the right soil condition establishes a foundation for the plant with healthy roots, provides key nutrients and appropriate drainage. Making sure that your soil is the right environment for your plants, will help ensure their performance On this episode, our guest is Cristina Da Silva, founder of Soil Groundwork, an online resource for information on soil. You can also chat with her live via Twitter on #groundchat on Wednesday at 8PM EST. You can connect with Cristina via Twitter and Facebook. Connect with Corona Tools and share your thoughts on this podcast via Twitter and Facebook

Ask any landscape business owner these days, what keeps them up at night, and you are likely to hear, finding and retaining good employees. Demand for landscape service remains high and many business owners are having to turn away jobs due to lack of resources to get the work done. In a booming economy, there are plenty of opportunities for potential candidates, so it’s important to know how to find good talent, and equally important, to know how to retain the great talent you already have. In this episode, we'll discuss how landscape companies are recruiting and retaining professionals in a tight labor market. Our guest is #landscapechat partner, Kate Spirgen, a managing editor at Lawn & Landscape. Visit their website to get the latest news for Labor and HR issues. Follow Lawn & Landscape on Twitter and Facebook Follow Corona Tools on Twitter and Facebook

One topic that gardeners never get tired of chatting about is fruit trees. Whether discussing proper care, or when to fertilize or pruning techniques, many want to know how to get the maximum yield from their fruit trees. However, selecting the right fruit tree for your location, is the first step in the process. Identifying the right cultivar for your zone, ordering your tree at the right time, and planting it in the right spot at the right time of year, can help ensure a bountiful harvest each season. Our guest on this #treechat podcast is Susan Poizner. Susan is an urban orchardist, journalist, author of the Award-Winning, Fruit Tree Care Book Growing Urban Orchards and the creator of orchardPeople.com, an online training in fruit tree care. She is also the host of the Urban Forestry Radio show and podcast. Connect with Susan on Twitter and Facebook Connect with Chris at Corona Tools on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

You may only think about holiday lighting during the season but, for lighting specialists, it's a year round business. Many landscape contractors offer lighting displays as a service to residential and commercial property managers. With so many different types of lighting options available, customers need to plan ahead. We share some of the best tips and trends in this #landscapechat podcast. On this episode, we welcome guests, Warren Gorowitz, Vice president of Sustainability and Roger Ramsey, National Specialty Products Manager at Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply. Roger "sheds some light" on different types of lighting, products that help making installing them easier, new lighting displays on the horizon and much more. Watch the tree wrapping tips video referenced in the podcast. The #landscapechat podcast series is based off the live #landscapechat via Twitter on Wednesdays at 11AM/ 2PM ET. You can connect with the guest and podcast hosts through their social network channels with any quest

Proper watering is essential for a thriving garden and an automatic system can help ensure it’s well hydrated. Drip irrigation systems are the most efficient method of delivering water to plants and they are easier than ever to install. On this #landscapechat episode, our guest is Michael Derewenko, Territory Sales Manager at Jain Irrigation. Michael discusses the mechanics behind drip irrigation systems, how they work, and why they are ideal for delivering the right amount of water that plants need. He also shares details about Jain's drip irrigation kits, which takes the guess work out of what components are needed by bundling everything a gardener needs to successfully install them. These kits make it easier than ever to install a system directly to an outdoor water source. A complete diagram of what is included in the kit can be downloaded here. Have questions about this episode or drip irrigation systems? Connect with Michael on Twitter @MDSavesWater and Jain's Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit

On this #landscapechat podcast, guest Kate Spirgen, managing editor at Lawn & Landscape, joins us to celebrate the “goodness of green” or in other words, how green spaces give back to everyone, and how the green industry is giving back to their communities. Kate also highlights the efforts of one individual, Rodney Smith Jr, who was the cover story of the August 2018 issue. His vision of 50 States/ 50 Lawns has helped out many Americans having difficulty maintaining their yards. And the only thing he asked in return was a selfie with the homeowner to share online. It's a great inspirational piece, that outlines how one person can make a enormous difference in the world today. Follow Lawn & Landscape on Twitter and Facebook Follow Corona Tools on Twitter and Facebook

It’s not something most of us think about on a daily basis. We assume tree in the front yard which has provided shade and beauty over the years, will continue to grow and flourish. Yet plenty of us have seen pictures of trees, that have fallen in a storm, crushing cars or crashing into a house. On this #treechat podcast, we’re going to discuss what property owners can do, to help spot warning signs and when to seek the guidance of knowledgeable tree care professionals. Our host, Tchukki Andersen, of Tree Care Industry Association, shares her insights on what property owners should be looking for, identifying potential problems, reason a tree might fall and how to locate a knowledgeable professional, on their website treecaretips.org. You can also get TCIA tree care tips in Corona's free Principles of Pruning guide. Find TCIA, the VoiceofTreecare on Twitter and Facebook Connect and share this topic with Chris at Corona Tools, using #treechat on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Selecting the right tool for the job is essential. In this episode, Chris Sabbarese shares the benefits for using the right tool and how to get the most out of them. We'll cover what to look for when purchasing new tools, the importance of proper care, including how to sharpen your pruner with a Corona tool sharpener, and how to clean and store them. For more tips and information, download Corona Tool's free guides, Principles of Planting and Principles of Pruning. Connect with Corona Tools on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube

On this #landscapechat episode, John Gonzales, of Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) in Cleveland, joins us to talk about community outreach on social media. Their team has been actively engaged in social media since 2009, building reliable followings and promote often-overlooked aspects of clean-water work. Laurie Loftin of Athens Clark County (ACC) in GA, a #landscapechat partner, interviews John. Sharing insights on how they effectively reach out and engage with the community. It's a great way to help protect the water quality while helping out the environment. Follow NEORSD on Twitter, Facebook | Follow ACC on Twitter, Facebook | Follow Corona Tools on Twitter and Facebook

If you own a landscape company or work in the green industry, its likely you have thought about the value of social media. Whether to connect with other industry professionals, find new business leads, or find your target audience, Twitter is a great platform to utilize and engage with some of the best in the business. Lawn & Landscape's Twitter Top 25 list of landscape companies is out and managing editor, Kate Spirgen joins #landscapechat to discuss ways how use this network effectively, tips for tracking relevant industry conversions, and best practices to consider when posting updates. You check out the Twitter Top 25 list or search for #LLTwitter25. Follow Lawn & Landscape on Twitter and Facebook Follow Corona Tools on Twitter and Facebook

On this #treechat episode, we brought in a tree care expert, to help ensure you are giving your tree the right amount of water. We welcome back Tchukki Andersen, Staff Arborist at Tree Care Industry Association. She’s been with TCIA for 12 years, and is a Board Certified Master Arborist and Certified Treecare Safety Professional. Look for more information on the TCIA website and TreecareTips.org. You can also find TCIA tree care tips in Corona's free Principles of Pruning guide. Find TCIA, the VoiceofTreecare on Twitter and Facebook You can connect and share this topic with Chris at Corona Tools, using #treechat on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

A team of urban beekeepers at Tudor Place, a historic D.C. garden shares what the process is like to get a bee colony set up and established, and tell some great lessons they learned along the way. They also share a sight seldom seen, the queen laying her eggs in the hive, which can be seen here. There is also an article in the Tudor Place Times - Bees are Buzzing Again at Tudor Place. Download this episode featuring Tudor Place guests - Charlotte Germane, Communications Coordinator; Virginia Velez Thaxton, Gardener; and Emma Miniscalco, Seasonal Gardener. This #plantchat podcast is based off the live chat that takes place via Twitter on Tuesdays at 11AM/ 2PM ET. You can connect with the guest and podcast hosts through their social network channels with any questions our comments about this episode on 7/31/18. Tudor Place - Twitter, Facebook, Website Corona Tools - Twitter, Facebook, Website