The Value of an Irrigation System Renovation

Crabapple LandscapExperts recommend updating irrigation systems for the greatest cost savings. A thorough irrigation system renovation will pay for itself within a few years.

Quick Tips:

● Efficient irrigation requires a quality sprinkler system design, excellent water management skills and regular system maintenance by your LandscapExperts.

● Tune ups and renovations of sprinkler systems greatly improve water coverage resulting in both better plant growth and water savings.

●Seasonal adjustment of irrigation controllers yields substantial water savings and better plant health.

● New technologies will likely result in improved water management. An irrigation audit can point to where water savings can be achieved.

Water sensors are a good upgrade, and shut off the equipment when enough water has been applied. While manual overrides can achieve the same result, rain sensors are another reliable method of eliminating redundancy or overwatering. Soil moisture sensors are still another option and will shut off the irrigation when the soil is moist and irrigation is no longer needed.

New Advancements in Technology

New technology has the potential to revolutionize landscape watering. Evapotranspiration (ET) controllers adjust run times by calculating the correct amount of water to apply. This takes the guesswork out of programming watering times. ET controllers use broadcast or online-transmitted data based on current weather station information(!). If current data is not available, normal (historical) ET information can be programmed into the controller for the calculations. Ask Crabapple LandscapExperts about these devices that will likely become more common over time. 

Horticultural tests for a new and efficient method of irrigating lawns and planted beds are underway at several agricultural experiment stations. One method uses subsurface (buried) drip irrigation lines, eliminating water loss through wind drift and evaporation waste. Your LandscapExperts are watching how this technology will develop. Ask about cutting edge technologies as you are installing new or renovating old sprinkler systems on the properties you manage, and save both water and money.