The Benefits of Installing a Sprinkler System

Adding a sprinkler system to your property is a decision that pays off as soon as it is installed. Between the time saved from not watering the land manually, and the system’s efficiency in applying the right amount of water to each section, you should get great results throughout the growing season. 

As you think about making this addition, ask a few key questions. These questions will help you get maximum value for your investment without destroying a beautiful landscape. 

Many choose to install their sprinkler system before they create a stunning landscape; for landscape design services that ensure the irrigation system won’t destroy your investment, contact us today or check out our landscaping services. We also have professional maintenance services available if you’d rather play it safe. A sprinkler system is great, but it can’t catch the early signs of damage to your landscape. 

Start-Up Irrigation Services

Jackson, WY summers are warm and sunny, but the winters have very varied weather.

It frequently gets below freezing, and those extreme conditions can damage your irrigation system. Call TLC and inquire about our irrigation start-up services prior to the springtime. This is the first step in a healthy sprinkler system that won’t damage your landscape.

Start-up procedures for irrigation systems include inspecting valve boxes, sprinkler heads, and water coverage in addition to looking for broken pipes and ensuring that all zones are operational. You can save water and money all season long by starting your irrigation system properly! Your system will be configured by our skilled irrigation professionals to operate effectively all summer long.

#1 – What Areas Need to Be Irrigated?

The process starts by determining which parts of your land need to be covered by the new sprinkler system. Most likely, you won’t need to cover every square inch of ground you own – so laying out a design for your system that covers the important elements without wasting water in other places is essential. 

Also, you’ll want to ensure your sprinkler system can cover your planting beds and lawn. Those areas of the property need consistent watering throughout the warm season to keep the plants healthy and thriving. 

#2 – Will Rain Sensors Be Used?

Adding rain sensors to your sprinkler system is a great way to optimize performance and avoid later problems. Without rain sensors, you might find you apply too much water to your plants, potentially damaging them. 

Watering too much can be harmful and may lead to disease in your plants and flowers, so a rain sensor will track how much natural water has fallen recently and adjust the irrigation schedule automatically. 

#3 – Measure Your Water

How much water it distributes can mean the difference between healthy plants and dead ones. To measure, use 3 rain gauges to test how much water your sprinklers give out. Put one close to the sprinkler, one close to the spray boundary, and one halfway between the others. Turn on the sprinklers for 15 minutes. Combine all three gauges into one, measure the water, and divide by three. If you measure 1/4 an inch of water, on average, it will take 30 minutes to soak 3 inches of soil. 

However, if the closest and farthest gauge readings differ noticeably, you might need to adjust your sprinkler heads or add new ones to your system to ensure that two streams overlap during watering.

#4 – The Depth of Soil

Having read the above, it must be noted that not all soil is the same. Some soils will absorb less water than others. To calculate the depth to which 1/2 inch of poured water will permeate the earth, you must measure it. If the system is already installed, activate it for the required time to disperse 1/2 inch of water. Then, measure the depth of the soak by digging into the ground. If it is less than 3 inches, increase or decrease the watering duration appropriately.

#5 – Supplemental Hand Watering

Sometimes, your sprinkler system can’t run for long enough to immerse your newly planted plants in water sufficiently. New plants need closer care. If this is the case, you can use a garden hose to add plenty of extra water throughout the first growth season or whenever it is needed. 

Remember that it is preferable to make the soil very wet less often than only to water lightly every day. If your sprinkler system isn’t soaking the soil enough, and you don’t have time to take care of an extra soaking yourself, reach out to TLC. We have plenty of maintenance services available to keep your landscape healthy. 

Contact Us Today

Getting your sprinkler system installation project right the first time will save you endless frustration and additional expenses later. This is made much easier by working with an experienced team on your landscape projects, irrigation systems or maintenance. Get in touch with TLC at your convenience and we’ll work together to ensure your new sprinkler system exceeds your expectations.