water smarter - set it and forget it

Smart Irrigation Month – How to water smarter

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šŸ’¦ JULY š’¾š“ˆ SMART IRRIGATION MONTH šŸ’¦

As the mercury rises šŸŒ” 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.Ā 

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,Ā  here are the top products we like to use on all Irrigation Systems we install and/or maintain:

šŸ’¦ Sensors

water smarter - quality products Hunter

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isnā€™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. Ā Click here to learn more about the benefits of adding a Rain Sensor

šŸ’¦ 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 manufacturerā€™s rotors are judged. For spacings from 15 feet to 160 feet, youā€™ll find a Hunter irrigation sprinkler that meets your needs. Read more about Hunter Rotors.

šŸ’¦ 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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patio paver

Paving Stone patio, driveway or walkway

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Set in Stone: Paving Stone Is An Affordable Way to Add Lasting Curb Appeal and Low Maintenance Function

Paving stones come in different colours and sizes and can be laid in several different patterns.paving stone

In the Calgary area (Strathmore, Langdon, Indus, Chestermere) we source products from reputable manufacturing companies to ensure quality. Our preferred suppliers have their options online at BelgardĀ andĀ Barkman. Tell us what you like; we take care of it from there!)

Surprisingly versatile, paving stones can be used for pathways, patios and driveways. The most crucial step is the preparation of the site. If this step is overlooked or rushed or ill-considered, expect problems down the road!

When you hire a crew from Landscape Plus, you can rest assured that the foundation is properly laid for a solid project that will last for years to come.

Here’s what you can expect from our crew:

  • The soil is excavated out to a minimum depth of 8″.
  • Crush gravel is used as a base material.
  • It is well tamped to make sure the base doesn’t shift in any way.
  • Once the grades have been set and the finished surface will have a sufficient slope for drainage the paving stones are laid on a bed of sand.
  • A retaining edger needs to be installed on the outside of the stone to keep them tight and avoid shifting.

And that’s just the prep work!

Finishing your paving stone patio, driveway or walkway

Once we have properly prepared the site, we get to work on the fun part, laying the patio stones into place. A polymeric jointing sand is spread and swept into the cracks while a tamper runs over the stone many times. This firms up the stone by filling in the cracks with the jointing sand. Then the patio is wet down with a mist to activate the polymeric agent and the paving stones can now be used for many years to come.

Unlike concrete, the stones can be lifted and any cracks can be filled to have a smooth surface at all times. A stone lasts for many years. The European cobble walks and roadways can attest to that! Check out some of our past projects on Facebook or Instagram.

What does it cost to get a paving stone patio, driveway or walkway?

At Landscape Plus, we typically charge $25.00* per square foot which includes the materials, labour and equipment. Click here to contact us and get a quote today!

*Price estimate for typical materials as per 2021. Rates subject to change. Travel charges may apply.

birch leafminer sample landscape plus

Birch Leafminer Systemic Injection Service

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An emerging treatment proves promising for birch trees

birch tree healthy landscape plus
Sample of a healthy birch tree

What is Birch Leafminer and does it occur in Southern Alberta?

Birch Leafminers are sawflies, which are closely related to bees and wasps. They are among the most common insect pests affecting Birch trees in North America.

Native Birch varieties include Paper (aka Canoe Birch or Silver Birch), River, Bog (aka Dwarf Birch or Swamp Birch).

Areas inside the leaves are consumed by the larvae, affecting the leaves’ ability to produce food. Browning of birch leaves is apparent annually in mid-July and August, but the leafminers have been feeding inside the leaf tissue since early spring. Wikipedia

Are your trees infected with Birch Leafminer?

birch tree in winter landscape plus
Birch trees provide visual interest in winter due to their infamous bark

Calgary and Strathmore area homeowners are reporting Birch Leafminer as an issue in recent years. If you’re not sure if you have it, check birch trees for tell-tale brown patches on the leaves. This is evidence that caterpillar-like larvae are feeding inside your tree.

If I have an infected tree what can I do?

It is possible that left untreated, the Birch Leafminer infestation will be taken care of naturally as populations of wasps eventually get the sawflies under control. However, repeated infestation over a number of years can weaken the affected tree so intervention might be desired.

It is always a good idea to keep your birch healthy by ensuring it’s well-watered.

Landscape Plus is currently working with an arborist who will provide a service to treat your birch tree with a systemic insecticide. This relatively new treatment is a systemic injection, which looks promising with two-year effectiveness in combatting Birch Leafminer.

Is there a certain time of year that the systemic injection must be done?

The treatments must be done in mid to late May, so book now!

Did you know? The peeling bark of the Birch tree will add winter interest to your landscape.

gardening prize package 2021

10 Days of Isolation – 2021 Gardening Prize Package

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Landscape Plus “10 Days of Isolation” Facebook & Insta Contest

Enter to win a 2021 Gardening Prize Package*, Valued over $300!

The prize package is fully transferable and the winner will be announced the week of April 26th, so it could make a great Mother’s Day gift!

In order to win you must:

  1. Be a resident of Alberta age 18 or older
  2. Like/follow our Facebook page or Instagram page
  3. Tag a friend who is interested in gardeningĀ  Ā 
  4. Watch our Facebook page to Like, Share & Comment on the daily prize announcements to increase your odds of winning

Contest details:

StartingĀ Apr 16, 2021, Landscape Plus will post one prize daily for ten days. Each day, you can like, share and comment on the prize post, each action is an entry to the contest. We use third-party software to randomly select one person daily from all actions on the post, this personā€™s name will be entered into the final draw (assuming all other criteria are met, #1, 2 & 3 above).

Contest closes on the 10th day (April 25th,Ā 2021) at midnight. The week of April 26th, one name will be selected to win ALL TEN prizes. The prize is transferable, the winner will be contacted and asked if they wish to receive the prize or gift it. This information will be announced and shared on our social media pages.

*The 2021 Gardening Prize Package includes a cumulation 9 items + delivery & instructions for use of your gardening prize package. In a series of 10 social posts, we will reveal the complete prize package. PLEASE NOTE: Not all items will be exactly as pictured. Upon randomly selecting the winner from contest entries, we will contact the winner to arrange free delivery IF you are within Strathmore, otherwise, you will need to arrange for pickup/delivery of your package and instructions will be given over the phone.

The contest is closed to Landscape Plus employees, subcontractors and affiliates. Any activity by Landscape Plus and/or its affiliates on the campaign posts will not be included in the draw. Click here to contact us with any questions or concerns.