Live From the Get Outdoors Expo Print

More with the AZ Game & Fish Recreation Branch Chief, Scott Lavin.

• Talking archery and how it's great for kids.
• Details on what you can see at the expo.
• The incredilbe wildlife diversity in AZ....Over 800 species!

• Upcoming events you can attend.
• The beauty and seclusion of Springerville, Arizona!
• Fishing trips you can take and the stocking going on around the state.
• "The Night Hike" you can join to see scorpions, snakes and other creepy crawlies.
• To find events, click the link above and you'll see the Events tab for upcoming opportunities.
• Click here to find webcams to view cranes.
• More on the days events.

• Ways you can volunteer to help the AZ Game & Fish. It could change your life!
• Teaming up with Tread Lightly and Respected Access.
• Report illegal activity through "Operation Game Thief"

Thanks to Scott for joining us today to talk about all they are up to in Arizona outdoors.

It's the Outdoor Hour with Certified Arborist John Eisenhower, owner of Integrity Tree Service.

John discusses the importance of the root system to the overall health of your trees:

• "As to the roots go, so go the shoots"
• Technology that helps determine and help the health of root systems.
• Girdling roots; what they are and how they can damage your tree.
• Correct depth when planting trees. "Planting a little proud in the soil"

• Landscaping mistakes that will deter the growth & health of your trees.
• Using decomposed granite around your tree & other tricks and warnings to create a healthy environment for you trees root system.

Callers:

• Mike - He had a sissou tree put in and it's about 15 feet from his septic tank, so does he need to be concerned about this and cut back the roots?

Recommendation - Sissou's are very vigorous and could be a good candidate for installing a root barrier.  John describes the process and how far and deep it should be put in.

*John talks about other applications where they are used and a good idea, plus a few tree varieties where it could be a bad idea.

• Richard - He has a fish pond in his patio and it's drawing bees into the area. He's seeing some boring and damage to the leaves. Should he be concerned about the safety of his family?

Recommendation - When bees are foraging and looking for water, it's a convenient place to hydrate. They generally aren't dangerous in this state, but he could call The Pond Gnome to see what they think.

• Tim - Can he use the leftover pine needles and eucalyptus leaves in his yard for mulch & compost?

Recommendation - Pine needles are compostable, but very slow to process. They take a long time to break down, so consider crushing them to speed up the process. Eucalyptus can be composted, but it's a good idea to mix it in with several other materials. Do some research to make sure you know what you're doing with them and turn it a lot.

• Anthony - He has some orange trees in his backyard and they look really healthy, but the fruit itself tastes bitter. What could be causing that?

Recommendation - It sounds like it's an ornamental variety that will taste that way, not sweet. You can use it into make juice, but it won't taste like a sweet orange your used to.

*Back to our conversation on roots and the issue with planting trees too deep & what you can do to fix this.

• The crew discusses all the different varieties of trees in Arizona.
• The importance of using certified arborists. Click here to learn more & to find one in your area.

Remember, if you have questions or need an tree expert at your home, reach John at Integrity Tree Service.

• All the things you can see at the "Outdoor Expo" where we're broadcasting the show.

E-mails From Listeners:

• What do we think of "equipment breakage coverage"

Recommendation - According to Phocus Insurance Services, there is only one company is offering this, Safeco Insurance, but we suspect there will be more in the future. Listen as we discuss the benefits.

• Martha - Statements on her water bill recommended that she invest in reusable flood barriers in preparation for any monsoon damage that may come.

Recommendation - Make sure the material is plastic and that you have a place to store them. Romey lists a few varieties you can find.

• Michael - Getting rid of gnats can be a problem with indoor plants and he has a tip to put dryer sheets down on the soil and leave them for a few weeks, this will interfere with their reproductive cycle and get rid of them. He swears it works!
  

   

• Steve - He's home shopping and it's on a well and septic system. Does he need to be concerned?

Recommendation - Not really, but make sure you have a rainy day fund to cover the repair costs as it can be expensive. Romey has this at his home and talks about all the other concerns.

Callers:

• Tom - He has about 2,200 square feet and he his bedroom is the furthest away from his AC unit and much warmer than the rest of the home. He's closed some vents to unused rooms and it's not helping. What can he do?

Recommendation - We never recommend closing vents in rooms. Rosie talks about all the registers in his home and how he can adjust them to "balance the home" to get cool air into the bedroom.

• Roland - His wife is listening and wants to know how the process of "Super Cooling" works.

Recommendation - Rosie talks through it and how he can save big $$$. He could call Steve at Advanced Home Systems and install an energy management computer to his home. 

We talk with Ken Colburn of Data Doctors, sponsored by Carbonite:

•  I.O.T. (Internet Of Things) - What it its and all the things in our lives that connect to the internet. i.e. fitbits, doorbells, thermostats, etc.  How to protect yourself with all these new applications. 
• Ken talks about some online programmable thermostats made by Honeywell that he really likes. 
• Nest Products and what they offer.
• Technology isn't all on the same platform right now. It's sort of the "Wild West" when it comes to all these products and applications talking to each other.
• Products & Apps Ken is excited about when it comes to your home and yard.
• Discussing the security protocals with all these new products. Follow through on all the instructions!

Callers:

• Martin - Does Ken know about any applications that can tell you when your water meter is moving? (When a valve breaks and you find out at the end of the month when you get your bill)

Recommendation - Yes, but they aren't in all areas yet. He could use inexpensive different sensors around the home that could be trouble spots. Rosie talks about flood preventative valves with one of our Rosie-certified plumbers like Stampede Plumbing.

• Nancy - She has air in her hot water line & they can't figure it out. What do we think it could be?

Recommendation - They've done a pressure test and after investigating, it sounds like it could be the valve at the hot water heater needs to be fully opened. It can feel open when it's not due to all the sediment buildup.

• We welcome a new partner, Aztec Interiors.
• The team chats with Mike Russell, host of the Get Oudoors Program on KTAR and the organizer of the Arizona Get Outdoors Expo we're attending.

JC Lutich with Farnsworth Wholesale Company is here to talk faucets, the topic of our weekly article.

• The history behind their business.
• You can see all their products for your home in their showroom. It's called Expressions Home Gallery.
• Fun guessing the price range for kitchen faucets available.
• The difficult process of choosing plumbing fixtures all around your home.
• Issues with switching between brand names on plumbing fixtures.
• How the industry and all the options have increase exponentially.
• Touchless Techology on faucets. Pros & Cons.

• How costs have risen in the last few decades.
• New features and the trends JC is seeing others we like.
• How prices differ greatly because of plastic versus brass parts being used.

• Choosing brands and how to identify knock off brands versus quality.
• Why using "off brand" models is a bad idea.
• Beware of bad plumbing fixtures in flipped homes.

Caller:

• Ken - He upgraded all his fixtures and wants to convert his shower too. Will Pfister fixtures fit onto a delta brand?

Recommendation - Unfortunately no. He'll need a professional plumber to change the valves or go with a premium brands to look for more alternatives.  Different brands don't match, necessarily.

• JC's 3 best brand preferences. (Kohler, Delta, Moen)
• Thermostatic valves.

• Updating fixtures is one of the easiest ways to update your home.
• Plumbing tips & when to call a professional.
• Tips you can use for your Do It Yourself plumbing jobs.

Thanks to JC for joining us. If you'd like to see some of the products we've talked about, stop in at Expressions Home Gallery.

Join Rosie On The House every Saturday Morning!!!