water smarter - set it and forget it

Smart Irrigation Month – How to water smarter

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💦 JULY 𝒾𝓈 SMART IRRIGATION MONTH 💦

As the mercury rises 🌡 we see irrigation systems kicking in more and more. Have you ever noticed that some seem to be more efficient than others? Read on for our tips on how to water smarter.

Conserve Water by Designwater smarter - conserve water by design

Smart watering starts well before it’s time to turn the sprinkler on. A good landscaper knows that water conservation is a design consideration. Check out these ideas for how to plan or rework your space to be water conscious without sacrificing curb appeal.
  1. Use native plants. Read up on which plants thrive in your zone and stick with ones that require very little watering once established.Click here to link to the Alberta Plant Hardiness Zone Map
  2. Add compost & mulch. Did you know that adding compost when planting will help retain water near the plant’s roots? Covering the area with mulch after will prevent evaporation, and, as an added bonus, using bark mulch can inhibit the growth of weeds.
  3. Be creative with non-plant material. Use rock beds, patios and other materials to create visual interest and reduce your lawn coverage.

Install an Irrigation System

water smarter - set it and forget itAn irrigation system will take into consideration area, configuration, soil type and water requirements.

Irrigation systems function best with an annual check-up. We recommend installing a wireless rain sensor to conserve water. This sensor sends a message to the controller to shut off if it is raining. Once things dry up the controller returns to the previous program. 

Basically, if your system is setup correctly you can “set it and forget it!”.

Use Quality Products

For us, the best bang for your irrigation system buck is found in a handful of small components. We like Hunter products, their commitment to quality and innovation shows.

In our effort to water smarter,  here are the top products we like to use on all Irrigation Systems we install and/or maintain:

💦 Sensors

water smarter - quality products Hunter

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isn’t proper drainage, too much water can be harmful to plants, foundations and structures. Installing a wireless Rain Sensor to work with your Irrigation System will prevent overwatering.  Click here to learn more about the benefits of adding a Rain Sensor

💦 Rotors

Hunter made its reputation on the quality, reliability and innovative features found in its rotary sprinkler line and continues to set the benchmark by which other manufacturer’s rotors are judged. For spacings from 15 feet to 160 feet, you’ll find a Hunter irrigation sprinkler that meets your needs. Read more about Hunter Rotors.

💦 MP Rotator Nozzles

Hunter’s MP Rotator is a revolutionary alternative to traditional sprinkler heads and pop up sprinkler heads that spray the landscape. MP Rotator nozzles feature unique, multi-trajectory rotating streams that deliver water at a steady rate. This slower application rate allows water to gently soak in at rates that soils can absorb. Use the MP Rotator to replace the sprinkler head on any conventional spray head body or pop up sprinkler for water savings of up to 30%. Read more about Hunter’s MP Rotators.

Click here to read more about the benefits of an Irrigation System or contact us for a quote.

 

Add a Rain Sensor to Your Irrigation System

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Watering in the Rain: Why is my sprinkler coming on when it’s pouring rain?

Have you ever seen sprinklers running when it’s raining? The worst is when there is enough precipitation that the ground is saturated. The rain combined with the irrigation is causing the water to pool or run off wastefully.

So why does this happen on some properties and not on others? The solution is quite simple. A rain sensor added to your irrigation system can monitor the moisture levels and ensure that it is only watering when moisture is required.

We install, service and maintain irrigation systems and rain sensors in Strathmore and surrounding area.

I have an irrigation system but it doesn’t have a sensor, can I have one added after the fact?

The good news is that we can retrofit your system to work with a sensor.

But water is still relatively cheap, will adding a sensor really pay off?

A lot of factors play into this, including the cost of water in your area, how much rain you typically receive and the area that you’re watering.

We realize that overuse of water the odd time may not counteract the cost of a unit, but there is more to the story than a few bucks saved on your annual water bill.

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isn’t proper drainage, too much water can be harmful to plants, foundations and structures.

Keep in mind that the cost of water is only going up, and that a sensor will save you for many years to come.

The added bonus of a rain sensor is perception – do your part for the environment and stop watering in the rain!

I have a sensor but my sprinklers still kick in when there is rain forecasted for a few hours later.

Spoiler alert! A rain sensor is not able to predict that it will be raining in a couple of hours.

wiresless rain sensor Landscape Plus Hunter Rain Clik photo
Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor Unit

What is the quality of the unit and will I have an ongoing maintenance cost?

The unit installed by Landscape Plus professionals is an industry-leading wireless sensor that will do the job well and not become a make-work project for you.

 

What does it cost to get a rain sensor added to my irrigation system?

At Landscape Plus, we can provide and install a wireless unit to an existing irrigation system. We recommend including one with all new irrigation systems. Click here to order now!

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What are the benefits of an Irrigation System?

Time to Put Your Garden to Bed

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This is the time of the year when Alberta can start the day with a frost then by afternoon we are enjoying twenty-something temperatures! We are all busy though gathering the rewards of our summer labours; fruits and vegetables are being preserved for winter meals, herbs are dried, late-blooming flowers enjoyed. There are also things we can do to get our garden and landscaping ready for the winter ahead.

Tips to get ready for winter

1. Trees and shrubs need a good watering in the last half of September or early October before freeze up. This helps them survive the fluctuating temperatures we get in the Calgary area.

2. Grass will continue to grow and stay green if you water through the Fall. Autumn is when the roots are active so it isn’t too late to lay sod.

3. Evergreen trees such as Spruce and Pine will begin to show signs of yellow inner needles. This is a normal seasonal activity. By giving a good soaking of water it will ensure that new needles will grow in the Spring.

Continue reading “Time to Put Your Garden to Bed” →

Busy Days at Landscape Plus!

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Despite these unusual times we want to let everyone know that we are open and ready to go with our Spring Services. If we are not in the office when you call to make an appointment, please leave a message then Kerry or Debbie will get back to you as soon as they can.

We also want to assure everyone that we take the health & safety of our staff, customers & the public seriously. Landscape companies have been deemed an essential service and we will provide our services to you in the safest way that we can.

When we come to your place of business or residence there will be only one person per truck (unless they are from the same household). Each truck is equipped with hand sanitizer and disposable gloves. Trucks will be sanitized regularly. Onsite physical distancing will be observed and for bigger projects, the number of employees will not exceed fifteen. And of course, our staff is monitoring their health daily.

Happily, greenhouses were also allowed to open so you can get out of the house and be outside in your gardens! From this difficult time has come a renewed desire to plant vegetables and herbs. Once called Victory Gardens people want to plant ‘living pantries’ in order to feel that they have what is needed to provide healthy foods for their families.

To help here is a list of Easy Vegetables to Grow in Calgary and area and Five Herbs That Can Survive Alberta Winters

Continue reading “Busy Days at Landscape Plus!” →

What are the benefits of an Irrigation System?

What are the benefits of an Irrigation System?

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Do you know the benefits of an irrigation system? A healthy sustainable landscape, no more over or under watering, increased curb appeal and property value are just some of the reasons people decide to have an Irrigation System installed.

A well designed system will met the needs of your grass and plant zones plus take into account the sunny vs shady areas. A timer system means one less thing on your to-do list and it can be set to be in compliance if water restrictions are in effect in your area.

You invest a lot of time and money in plants, grass, shrubs and trees so it is important they stay healthy and flourishing from season to season.  As the system will be specifically designed for areas that truly need water this limits potential weed growth. Also your soil structure is preserved and plants absorb nutrients, not the runoff water. Continue reading “What are the benefits of an Irrigation System?” →