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 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.

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
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.
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

An 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

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.

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!

Tag: Hunter

Smart Irrigation Month – How to water smarter