Our potential customers always worry that installing a sprinkler system will damage their established lawn. After all, we understand that you're looking for a sprinkler system to improve your lawn, not ruin all of your handwork! 

Although it is impossible for your lawn to look perfect after an installation, a properly installed system will not damage your lawn. 

Below is a picture to prove that. This picture was taken about an hour after completing an installation. 

If you look closely, you can see where we hand dug a hole to install this head. However, this yard will be back to its original condition in no time! 

​For additional information, check out our blog on best practices for installing a sprinkler system in an established lawn or landscape. ​

​Here are a few tips or general rules for efficient watering:

1. Don’t water too much
2. Don’t water too little
3. Water in the early morning, if possible

Too Much
Watering too much or too often is wasteful. In addition, it can promote disease and fungus in your lawn and landscape. Shrubs and trees can actually drown if watered too much and your lawn mower can damage the lawn by sinking in the dirt if it’s too wet when mowing.

Too Little
Watering too little can is ineffective because in many cases, you’re teasing the grass or plant material. Generally speaking, your lawn will need about an inch of water per week.

Early in the Morning
Watering in the early morning is usually best because the temperatures are mild, there is usually less wind and sometimes the water pressure can be better too. It gives the grass a chance to get saturated and still let the surface dry out before the hot sun rises and either evaporates the water or scorches the surface.

A Few More Notes: 

• It’s best to water deeply in order to get your root system to grow deep as well. This will keep the grass from drying out too quickly and it will also require less water in the long run. 
• It’s better to water heavily for 2-3 days per week as opposed to watering lightly for 5-6 days a week.
• Even if you have an automatic irrigation system, there is no substitute for Mother Nature and the nutrients that come with natural rainfall. Make sure you are comfortable with your controller so you can make adjustments frequently to account for changing weather patterns.
• Along with varying soil condition, water requirements can vary also. Clay will not absorb as quickly but will not dry out as fast once it is saturated. Sandy conditions dry out very quickly and do not retain moisture as well as clay. Therefore, sandy soil may need to be watered more often. 
• There are many types of grasses, shrubs and trees that all have different watering needs. Try to choose species that are natural to your geographic areas so they adapt and adjust to the weather patterns in your area.

​

If you have an established lawn and you enjoy keeping it healthy and looking great, chances are you are concerned with keeping it properly irrigated.

You’ve spent countless hours watering by hand and are getting tired of dealing with dragging hoses around and all the time it takes to do so. But... you don’t want to have an automatic watering system installed because you’re afraid of damaging or disrupting the turf.

Pro Tip: There are several steps and precautions that can be taken to avoid excessive damage.

1. Time of Year
Consider the time of year when installing your underground irrigation system. Early spring and fall are good times to install for several reasons. Generally speaking, there is already a high moisture content in the soil which makes the digging easier and the restoration quicker.

As a contractor or installer, one of the hardest things to do is install a system in the middle of summer when the ground is bone dry. It’s hard on the equipment and the installers, not to mention very stressful on the lawn and landscape.

2. Type of Equipment
Every contractor does things a little different from the next. But, there are generally two type of machines that are used to install the piping for your irrigation system: trencher and plow (or vibratory plow). 

A trencher physically digs an open trench, then the pipe is laid into the trench and covered up afterwards. This is messy, very labor intensive and the buried trenches usually have a tendency to settle over the years requiring more work down the road to level the soil and reseed.

A vibratory plow or sometimes called a pipe puller is less intrusive and destructive to the surface. It lowers a blade into the ground with the sprinkler pipe attached to it. Then the blade shakes or vibrates as the machine drives forward and installs the pipe as it moves. The only thing that is visible afterwards is a slit or cut in the grass. This slit can be gently tamped down or soaked with water and very quickly almost disappears. This way no settling will occur and there is no reseeding needed.  

4. ​Soak the Entire Lawn After Installation
After the sprinkler system has been completely installed, it’s a good idea to thoroughly water in all of the areas where work was performed for several days. This will minimize any additional stress to the lawn and help things settle in.

5. Specialized Contractor
Be sure to choose a contractor that has experience working around sensitive areas like landscaping, hardscaping and established turf. They will be a little more patient and tolerant of special circumstances. If it’s done properly, you should hardly be able to tell that someone was in your yard, let alone installing an extensive system of underground piping and irrigation heads!

Well, you have to start somewhere! 

Planning a new landscape project can be intimidating. Just like any project, it's important to set a budget, plan properly and take it in small steps. 

1. Set a budget 
2. Plan
3. Take small steps 

First things first, set a budget. 

Next, plan. This is the most tedious, time consuming and most important step. 
​

Water is one of our most precious resources. The costs of delivering water to your home are constantly increasing. With that being said, it would be wise to be sure that your underground lawn sprinkler system is equipped with a rain sensor and a rain sensor that it is working properly.
​
What is a rain sensor? How does it work?

A rain sensor is a unit that shuts off your irrigation system temporarily when it senses a certain amount of rain. Over the last few years, rain sensors improved greatly. Most of the newer models are wireless, and they are comprised of two pieces: a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is located outside where it can be seen by the sun and the rain. When it receives enough moisture, it sends a signal to the receiver, which is wired to your controller and automatically turns your system off. After it stops raining and the transmitter dries out, it will turn your system back on automatically. 

In the past, most sensors were hard wired to your controller. This would limit the location that the sensor could be installed. Now that most sensors are wireless, they have a much longer range of operation. This allows the contractor to place the transmitter in the proper location to be sure that it get exposure to the rain and the sun

In the picture to the right, Scott is installing a Hunter Wireless Solar Sync Rain Sensor. This particular rain sensor was installed above the garage. As mentioned above, it is important to place the rain sensor transmitter in a location where it gets proper exposure to the rain and the sun to ensure that it works properly. 

A quality rain sensor can usually be added to any system for under $200.00. As the cost of water continually rises, it won’t take long to pay off this investment and start saving on your water bill! 

If you're interested in having a rain sensor installed, call Irrigation Inc. at (440)935-1182 or send us an email at irrigationincorporated@gmail.com. ​

By definition, a backflow prevention assembly is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow. Backflow occurs when water travels backwards or is syphoned backwards in the opposite direction that it is intended.

Below is a picture of a common backflow preventer, a Wilkins 720-A. ​

Annuals tend to bloom all summer long, but they only grow for one season. They will die off and need to be replanted next year. They can start from seeds or be purchased as seedlings. It is often convenient to have an irrigation system because some annual flowers require water on a regular basis. Your lawn sprinkler controller can be programmed to water the annual flowerbeds on a separate schedule from the turf areas, if needed.

Perennials will have a shorter bloom cycle, but they tend to live for several years. They usually bloom seasonally in the spring or fall. Perennials can be bought as established plants or sometimes be grown from a bulb. They are also hardier than annuals and require less maintenance, like regular watering. 

At the end of growing season...

• Annual flowers can be cut and brought in the house for a decorative table arrangement
• Perennials can be cut back or mulched over and left to go dormant until the next season

Try to choose the plants that do best in your zone. For example, Ohio is in Plant-Hardiness Zone 6. Some annual flowers that do well in Zone 6 are impatiens, begonias and zinnias. While popular perennial plants include hostas, roses, daylilies and pansies.

Flowering plants come in many sizes and colors. Have some fun and experiment with different varieties to see what looks best in your yard!

Want to spruce up the yard a little bit without breaking the bank? Here are a few ideas for the DIY group that can be easily accomplished on a Saturday afternoon (and most for under $500).

Plant a tree to add some seasonal color. 
Look at your landscape and decide where you might want to add some color in the spring or fall. Choose a spot where the tree or shrub will have some room to grow. If you have a sprinkler system, maybe your contractor could add a drip emitter or spray head near the tree to make sure it gets regular watering.

Build a small extension near your patio for a grill.
Everyone likes to cook outside on the grill in the summertime, right? Build a small pad out of concrete or paver stones somewhere near the patio and also easily accessible to the back door of your home. This will open up living space on the patio and make more room to entertain or place some patio furniture. Plan ahead and make it big enough to fit your grill and a small table to prepare your food on or keep an ice chest. 

Add a pondless water feature.
There a many ways to add the relaxing sound of water without having all the extensive work that goes with having a small pond in the back yard. Check out your local home improvement store for ponds and water kits that are available, or look online for ideas to create your own water feature. Usually all that is needed is an electrical power source to plug in a small pump, and before you know it you've got the relaxing sound of a small water fall near your favorite spot in the back yard to sit and relax.

Add low voltage landscape lighting.
Add a couple of low voltage, LED lights that you can enjoy during the evening hours.

​Add a zone for your vegetable garden. 
Add an extra zone to your existing irrigation system for your vegetable garden. If you enjoy having a few fresh tomatoes or green pepper plants from the garden, but can't keep up with the maintenance, add an automatic zone to your sprinkler system. Now, the garden gets regular watering while you're at work. In most cases, the new zone can be programmed to run (automatically or manually) whenever you would like. The garden zone can run every day if you want it to, while the lawn or landscape only get watered two to three times weekly.
​
These ideas can be done by a professional or the weekend warrior who likes to get his hands dirty and build a little sweat equity in his home at the same time. The idea here is to make your back yard or outdoor living space a little more functional and enjoyable, while not spending a ton of money on installation or maintenance.

​Comment below and let us know what DIY projects you completed for under $500! ​

Occasionally within your irrigation system you will get a zone that runs continually and will not turn off no matter what you do. This particular zone runs simultaneously with the other zones when being operated from the controller and starves water pressure, so it appears that nothing is operating properly. Even when the controller turns off, it still runs indefinitely.

The problem is most likely located in one of the solenoid valves. These valves are usually located in an underground access box outside in the yard. Before you call your irrigation service provider, you might want to take a look inside the access box. The fix could be a very simple one. All modern automatic sprinkler systems have electric solenoid valves. These valves can be operated electrically from the controller or timer, they can also be operated manually at the valve by simply turning a lever or bleeder screw.

In some cases the bleeder screw or lever may be in the open position, and it simply needs to be closed. If this is the case, simply turning the screw or lever is very easy to do and will fix the problem immediately. Congratulations! You just saved yourself a service call from your irrigation contractor.
​
If the previous description didn't fix the problem, then you may have an internal valve failure or blockage. However, this can be a fairly easy repair as well if you’re interested in taking a little time to explore it further. There are many types of valves on the market, but most operate and look similar. For example, the Hunter PGV is very easy to take apart and repair with a few general tools, if it's accessible.

Follow these steps:

1. Identify the valve that is giving you trouble by locating the valve box and manually turning on one valve at a time with the bleeder screw or lever.
2. Turn off main water supply to sprinkler system after identifying the trouble valve.
3. Take a cordless drill or screw driver and locate the four bonnet bolts on the top of the valve body. Loosen all four bolts.
4. Carefully take the top of the valve body apart and visually inspect the inside of the valve body.
5. If there is debris or something inside the valve, carefully flush it out and put it back together again.
6. Slowly turn the water supply back on and verify that the zone is now turning on and off properly both manually and electrically.

​
Lawn sprinkler system maintenance isn't always as complicated as it seems. As long as you have a few general tools around the house and you're willing to spend a little time and effort, you can diagnose and even fix your own problems when they arise. This will help save time and money, and you might even enjoy the sense of accomplishment that goes along with it!

An irrigation system typically has two types of heads that cover turf and landscape areas: rotary and spray. Spray heads are generally used in smaller or irregularly shaped turf and landscaped areas. The two primary brand names we install are Hunter and RainBird. They both make several lines of spray bodies and spray nozzles. Here is a little info on our favorites:

Hunter Pro Spray and RainBird 1800:

• Comes in 4", 6" and 12" pop up heights
• 1/2" threaded bottom inlet on all sizes
• Two piece ratcheting stem for easy adjustment
• Compatible with all standard industry female threaded nozzles including rotary nozzles, fixed pattern and adjustable pattern spray nozzles
• Spray distances up to 18' depending on pressure and volume

Hunter Pro Spray PRS and Rainbird 1800 PRS/SAM:

The PRS/SAM version has all of the same great features of the Pro Spray AND 1800, except it also has a built in water pressure regulator and/or check valve. The regulator allows for precise water delivery and can minimize wasted water up to 30%. The check valve eliminates low head run off when the zone shuts down.

Spray Body Nozzles:
The nozzle is the part of the head that water sprays out of. There are many types of nozzles that are interchangeable with the spray body. The nozzle is a separate piece that threads onto the body and comes in many configurations. Nozzles have drastically improved in the recent past and there are many types available.

• Fixed pattern nozzles commonly come in fixed spray patterns and spray distances. Some common patterns are 1/4 circle, 1/2 circle, full circle and rectangular. These patterns also vary in the distance that they spray ranging from 4'-18'.
• Adjustable nozzles are similar to fixed nozzles, except the spray pattern is adjustable from 0-360 degrees to accommodate irregularly shaped areas. They also vary in the distance they spray.
• Rotary nozzles are fairly new to the market and achieve great water conserving results. Rather than a steady "spray" of water, rotary nozzles deliver multiple streams of water that rotate in a slow circular pattern. This allows for even distribution and a gentle slow soak that minimizes run off and waste.

For more information, contact Scott at (440)935-1182 or check out www.rainbird.com and www.hunterindustries.com. 

Low voltage lighting is becoming more popular everyday for many reasons. First the obvious, it’s a great way to add safety to your home! Also, it helps you enjoy your landscaping and outdoor living areas at night. However, there are other great reasons as to why you should choose low voltage lighting (24 volts or less) over high voltage lighting.

1. Cost
The first reason you should choose low voltage is because installation is usually much cheaper compared to high voltage systems. The low volt wires do not need to be buried as deep as 120 volt systems, nor do they need to be buried in conduits or pipes which also keeps the cost down.

2. Safety
Next, a properly designed low volt lighting system should be designed with roughly 11-12 volts running to each fixture. This means that the system is completely safe for children or pets running around the yard. This also makes routine yard maintenance more safe when planting or edging flowerbeds.

3. Flexibility
Another advantage of low voltage systems is their flexibility. Many fixtures can be run at the same time and often be installed in creative locations to accent features in the landscape or patio space. Consider the winding path that leads to the back yard or the beautiful specimen tree near the water feature next to the patio, these are areas that you might want to show off during an evening party or get together.

4. Efficiency 
Lastly, most of the newer systems are utilizing L.E.D. bulbs and fixtures. The typical life span of an L.E.D. bulb is usually around 40,000 hours. Also, L.E.D. bulbs produce less wattage than conventional incandescent bulbs. This means they are now even cheaper to operate and maintain on a yearly basis.

Hunter Industries has several lines of commercial and residential controllers, but they all operate similarly. These timers are pretty easy to understand, however there are a couple common programming mistakes.

The most common mistake is confusing the "Set watering start times" and "Set station run times" features.

Customer: "My sprinkler system runs through the entire cycle just like I programmed it, but then it starts all over and runs through the cycle again and again."
Well trained Irrigation Incorporated technician: "Check the program start times and be sure that only Start Time #1 is programmed. The others should read "off."

Most Hunter controllers can operate several times per day if desired. The Pro-C has three programs... A,B and C. Each of these three programs can run up to four times per day. That's a total possibility of watering up to 12 times per day.

​Most customers will only need to utilize Program A and water their lawn and landscape once a day. If Program A has all four start times set up, then it will run four consecutive cycles leaving the customer baffled as to how this happened!

Here a few easy steps to prevent this from happening:

1. Press the PRG button until the display reads "program A
2. Turn the dial to "Set watering start times"
3. Use the + or - keys to "Start time #1" for 8:00 a.m.
4. Press the right arrow button to advance to "Start time #2"
5. Use the + or - keys to set "Start time #2" to the "off" position
6. Repeat for start times 3-4

The controller is now set to water only once per day. Now turn the dial to "Set station run times."

1. Use the right or left arrow to advance to "Station #1"
2. Use the +or - keys to set the amount of minutes that you want Station #1 to water for (Example 10 minutes)
3. Use the right arrow to advance to "Station #2". Set the amount of time with the + or - keys.
4. Repeat for the rest of your stations.

The controller is now set to water once per day for 10 minutes per zone.

Sometimes your irrigation controller can look intimidating, but it really isn't. Actually, it's very simple and you should feel comfortable with it and make changes in the scheduling when needed. This will help keep your lawn and landscape healthy and probably help save money on your water bill!

If you need help programming your sprinkler system controller, give us a call at (440)935-1182 or send us an email at irrigationincorporated@gmail.com. We'd be happy to help you!

There are two common reasons that a sprinkler zone could appear to not turn off when it’s supposed to.

1. Low head run off.
If low head run off is an issue, water will seem to slowly seep out of the lowest head on the zone after it has turned off. This occurs because the irrigation pipes are full of water and the water will drain out of the pipes if they are on a slope. The water should stop running quickly after the pipes empty out. An easy solution for this is to install a check valve on the low sprinkler heads or purchase a sprinkler head with a check valve already in it, then reinstall the head at the lowest head locations.

2. Solenoid valve failure or blockage.
If the valve is determined to be the problem, it is usually fairly simple to repair. Turn the main water supply off to the irrigation system and follow the steps below.

• Find the valve location in the field, and find the retainer bolts that connect the bonnet to the valve body. Loosen the bolts with a screw driver or nut driver.
• Next, take the bonnet off of the valve body and locate the diaphragm and support ring. Carefully take the diaphragm out of the valve body and inspect it for damage or wear and tear. If the diaphragm needs replaced, you can usually get replacement parts from a supply house or local contractor.
  
• Check the valve body for dirt or debris that may be inside the valve itself or main sprinkler piping.
  
• Flush the main sprinkler line to clear out any debris.
  
• Be sure to reassemble the valve exactly how it was taken apart.
  
• Turn the water supply on and test the system.

If your sprinkler system won't stop running and you need further help, give us a call at (440)935-1182 or send us an email at irrigationincorporated@gmail.com.
​​

There are several ways to connect irrigation pipes when making junctions or installing sprinkler heads when using polyethylene as the predominant pipe for lateral lines and feed lines. The two most common are types of fittings for making these splices are called insert fittings or saddle tees.

Insert fittings come in many forms and are very common in irrigation system installations. Some common configurations are couplings, tees, elbows and threaded tees. When making connections or installing sprinkler heads, these insert fittings are installed inside the pipe and are usually secured with a stainless steel pinch clamp or ring clamp. The pinching tool that is used for the clamps is inexpensive and can be found at a local supply house or hardware store.

Saddle tees are usually used when installing a sprinkler head. These types of tees clamp over the pipe and have two screws or nuts and bolts that hold the fitting securely onto the pipe. Once the fitting is clamped onto the pipe, a piercing tool, or sometimes a cordless drill with a ½” or smaller drill bit, is used to pierce a hole into the pipe where the sprinkler head is connected.

Are there benefits to installing a sprinkler system for my lawn and landscape? YES! 

​If you enjoy a great looking lawn and beautiful landscaping surrounding your home, you know the value in keeping it properly irrigated. Having a professionally designed sprinkler system installed is one of the best choices you can make to protect the investment you’ve made in your lawn and landscape.

Here are a few reasons why you will love owning an automatic sprinkler system:

Time Savings 
Your system does all the watering for you. If you’ve ever had to drag those long heavy garden hoses around the yard, you know how time consuming it can be. It’s a full time job! First, you have to drag the hoses out of the garage or shed and stretch them out all over the place. Then if you leave the sprinkler in one spot for too long, you end up overwatering. In other words, you’re constantly monitoring and watching to make sure everything gets covered properly.

Water Savings
An automatic system uses less water than watering by hand. A qualified designer knows what to look out for when it comes to water requirements. This consists of knowing how to layout zones properly and using proper heads or types of watering in specific situations. There are many innovative and new types of sprinkler heads that are designed to save water. Also, if a rain sensor is implemented properly, it can be useful in saving water as well.

Money Savings
Your water bills will decrease and your plants will live longer if your system is designed and installed properly. The controller can be programmed to water individual areas of your landscape and turf areas separately and on different schedules if necessary.

Relaxation
​Irrigation Incorporated is your assurance of quality, value and performance. Let us install and maintain your irrigation system for you, so you have more time for the other important things in life!

​If you don't have an automatic sprinkler system, you're missing out. If you already own a system, chances are you’ll never be without one again! Call (440)935-1182 or email irrigationincorporated@gmail.com to schedule a free estimate. 

It is very important to properly maintain your lawn sprinkler system. Fortunately, maintaining a sprinkler system is fairly simple. Aside from unexpected repairs or add-ons, there are only a few steps involved in maintaining your system.  Typically, there are three steps every year: Turning on your system in the spring, performing a back flow test and winterizing your sprinkler system in the fall. 

Spring Turn On - $75.00*
Back Flow Test - $40.00*
Winterization - $60.00*
Total - $175.00*
*Based on Irrigation Inc. pricing for an average residential lawn sprinkler system in 2016.

Spring Turn On
This is also referred to as a “start up” or “tune up.” Most of our residential spring turn ons cost around $75.00. During a turn on, a trained technician comes to your home to identify the main components of the system and completes an evaluation/checkup. This procedure includes cleaning sprinkler heads thoroughly, making adjustments, setting the controller and recommending repairs, changes and upgrades.

Back Flow Testing
The back flow assembly is a check valve that insures that dirty water cannot travel backwards to get into your main drinking water supply. It is necessary to perform an annual test and submit the results to your local city, township or water purveyor. This cost can vary slightly based on individual circumstances, but the average cost to have Irrigation Incorporated perform this test and submit the results to the proper authorities is $40.00. 

How to save a few bucks: Tie this service in with another, such as a spring turn on, so your irrigation professional doesn’t have to make a separate trip to your home. 

Winterizing
Any irrigation system that is in a cold weather climate must be winterized to avoid costly damage and unnecessary wear and tear. Connecting compressed air to the system and forcing out all of the water is the best way to perform this. On average, most residential homes can be winterized for around $60.00. If you have a larger residential system or a commercial property, special pricing may apply.

On average, it costs about $175.00 per year to maintain a residential lawn/landscape sprinkler system. If you are a DIY type of person and you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you can perform some of these services on your own. Be sure to call Irrigation Incorporated first, and we will be happy to guide you through the process to ensure that nothing is overlooked!

There are many benefits to having a sprinkler system professionally installed at your home or business, however it is an investment.

As an irrigation professional, I get asked this question all the time, "How much does a sprinkler system cost?" Unfortunately, the quick answer is not always the best answer, but potential customers want an answer that's easy to understand. 

The quick answer: Most commonly, an average residential installation ranges between $3,000.00-5,000.00.

For the long answer, there are many factors that determine the cost of a professionally installed sprinkler system.

Questions to Consider When Installing a New Sprinkler System:

• What is the water supply? What is the water pressure and volume of water coming from the supply? (Logistically speaking, this is one of the biggest factors in designing and pricing a system. The path of the main sprinkler supply line needs to be determined before even designing the system itself. The water pressure and volume dictate how many sprinkler heads can be dedicated to one line or zone).
• How big is the area that is being watered? Front lawn and/or back lawn? 
• Do we need to water obscure areas such as the shady side of the house, behind the shed, the area around the kids swing set, etc.?
  
• What are we watering? Lawn, garden and/or landscape areas? (Consider sensitive areas of the landscaping that need to be watered separately from the turf areas. Or maybe a customer has a garden in the back yard, and it has different moisture requirements than the lawn and landscape).
• Are there any special circumstances? Are there any hard to reach areas that will require extra labor? Maybe the job has to be done in phases to accommodate other projects on the same property or maybe the customer will choose to upgrade the main components of the system to allow for extra durability or water saving features.

These are just a few of the determining factors that influence the cost of professionally installing or repairing a lawn/landscape sprinkler system. Be sure to ask these questions, and be clear on the scope of operations if you are thinking about having a system installed on your property. 

For a free sprinkler system estimate, call Irrigation Inc. at (440)935-1182. We're always up for a new challenge. 

A properly designed sprinkler system is made up of many zones. Each zone will operate individually, and sprinkler system zones automatically advance from one to the next. A professional designer or contractor will know how to layout a system and customize it to the lawn or landscape that needs to be watered. 

The amount of zones and zone designation is determined by the following: 

1. Evaluate the water source and how much water is available. This helps determine the path of the main supply line that feeds the irrigation system. This also determines how many sprinkler heads can operate at the same time.
2. Determine what areas need watered. Do we have large turf areas combined with small or narrow turf areas? Will we be watering any landscaped areas? What types of plant materials will be planted within the landscape beds? Are there areas that get more sun or shade than others? Are we watering flat land or sloped spaces? Every one of these questions needs to be answered and the sprinkler system need to be customized to fit the needs of these different conditions. For example, an area that receives full sun during the day will need more water than the shady area in your back yard. In addition, different plant species need different amounts of water to grow properly.
3. Determine what types of heads or sprinkling methods will be used. ​Different types of sprinkler heads will put out different rates of water, so they usually should not be combined within the same zone. Some sprinkler heads are better suited for small, tight spaces and others are best used in wide open areas.

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Don’t cut corners at the time of installation just to save a few bucks up front. Design flaws can ruin a lawn or landscape and cost thousands of dollars to repair. An irrigation system that is designed and installed poorly will waste water, operate inefficiently and create headaches in many ways.

On the other hand, an irrigation system that is designed properly with quality components can last 20 or more years when maintained the right way. Properties and landscapes change over the years, but it will be easy to make slight changes to the sprinkler system if a solid foundation is in place.

When it comes to conserving water within your lawn and landscape sprinkling system, you must know the soil conditions that you are working in. Many people do not understand how soil conditions can affect the absorbency, run off and saturation of water when irrigating. Your soil type dictates how often and how long your irrigation system should run.

If run times are too long, you may loose much of your water to runoff. If run times are too, short the water may not be reaching the root zone of your plant material or turf grass.

Three main elements

• Sand
• Clay
• Silt (loam)

The combination of these three determine how your soil absorbs water and how quickly it dries out. The ratio between the three can vary not only by region, but also within your own property. For example, it's possible that your flowerbeds were built with a different mix of soil than your lawn. This may mean that different areas of your property require different watering times or schedules. We want to avoid overwatering because it will cause puddling, runoff or even erosion. Underwatering for obvious reasons is not healthy either for your plants and grass.

In addition, the weather and the type of plant material also play a part in how much water needs to be applied. Sometimes the best way to figure things out is through trial and error. In order to use your water wisely you must find the balance between these variables and adjust your watering schedule accordingly throughout the seasons.

​Call upon a local service provider for a consultation or an assessment if you need more help to determine your soil conditions and how much water is needed to keep a healthy lawn and landscape.