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Sarah Maitland of SavATree is joined by Aimee Esposito of Trees Matter.org

Discussion of the Tree Of The Month:  The Chinese Elm.  

Aimee talks about Trees Matter and their goal to inspire and promote and increased tree canopy in the Valley.  They work with SRP on their Shade Tree Program among other programs they're involved with.

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Cooler temperatures means lighten up on pruning on most evergreens except for deadwood removal and structural improvements.  Vigorous trees like mesquite and eucalyptus can handle a bit more pruning.

Trees are one of the infrastucture that actually grow in value for look, shade and food.

Sarah explains shrub renovation in January and February.  Shaping them down for growth in months to come and use less water.

Aimee talks about The Resiliency Project.  Planting 100 trees to honor those who risked their lives, fell ill or passed away during Covid-19 that fits with their tree vision.

Good time to put mulch down around trees to retain moisture and keep the ground warm during cold days of winter.  Create mulch from tree droppings.  And other suggestions mentioned.  Mulch keeps the soil from being too impacted.

Simple compost mix of brown and green waste, water with a space deep and wide enough to maintain a 'cooking' temperature.  

Putting up holiday lights on your trees and plants.  Helpful to prune your trees ahead of time.  

Never use nails or staples to hang lights.  

Sarah explains the SavATree Holiday Lights Program.  They put up the lights and decorations and take them down, pack them for next year.

Interior Designer And Planner Rochelle Horn of Rosie Right Remodeling talks about what it takes to getting a remodeling project started.  Especially when most good contractors are backed up with current projects.

Whats the first conversation between the homeowner and contractor sound like?  What information should be shared?  Just as important, are the contractor and homeowner a good fit?   In a perfect world, when would the homeowner like it completed...and work backwards.

Planning stages can takes weeks.  Most underestimate the amount of decisions clients have to make.

Where to start and whats the progression of planning and choices from there on the project.

Take the one thing you've fallen in love with and start from there!

Discussion on what surface do you start getting selections for?  Kitchen remodel starts with appliances.  

Stainless steel pros and cons.  Trends in countertops and backsplashes.

Sanderson Ford

Jennifer gives her perspective of a remodeling project at their home and the advantage of creating a grand plan.  Plus using an architect.  Reason why some are afraid to work with one.

Rooms Have No Feelings, You Do!  by Barb Kaplan  Not being obligated to do or keep things in the home that doesn't fit your design.

Rochelle explains mixing and matching and making the final project look like 'we got dressed with the lights on'.

Discussion of Three Dimentional texturing and low maintenance items.

Takeaways include getting a masterplan together.  Don't have to complete it all at once.  Plus working with a contractor manager you trust.

Discussion about home security.  Things to consider to make your home the least desirable place on your block.  Starting with the front doors that are not facing the street.

CALLER:  Adding a bathroom and kitchen to the Arizona Room for a one bedroom.  Once the plans are done, how to submit to local government for permits.

Jennifer talks about a Life Worth Living In Place security tip on seniors living in their homes when family is away.  A Welfare Check that's offered by some Police Departments.  

CALLER:  Homeowner hired a contractor to re-line his cast iron sewer line.  They didn't do a proper job and the attempted repairs made it worse.  The homeowner is at an impass because they won't return his calls.  (Rosie explains the re-lining process)

CALLER:  A travertine floor began to weep upwards with sticky fluid only during the summer.  Aluminum slide door has eroded.  House has sunk about 6 inches.  Thinks there's a water leak but can't figure out where.

CALLER:  Has a popcorn ceiling they would like to remove.  Considering covering with beed board or tongue and groove. 

Takeaways from today's show:  Starting a remodeling job, keeping your property safe during the holidays.