Do You Have Questions About Irrigation Systems? Here are Some of the Basics.
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What is the cost for a newly installed irrigation system?
The cost for installing a new irrigation system varies upon the type of system that is needed, as well as the size of the areas needing irrigation. The price would also vary upon the number of plant beds that need watering, as they require different amounts of water than lawns and therefore need to be separated. Lucas Irrigation provides free estimates for installations and revamps. Please contact the office to set up an appointment.
What are irrigation zones and what’s their role in landscape irrigation design?
The premise behind the irrigation design concept of ‘irrigation zones’ is simple enough; Lucas Irrigation determines your watering needs and decides that area A of your landscape should get X amount of water, while area B receives Y amount of water, etc. Once irrigation zones have been established, the controller is then programmed to accommodate each zone’s watering needs. This is one of the benefits of having an automatic irrigation system, which allows you to target water distribution more precisely than by manual watering.
What does it mean to have your irrigation system audited?
Lucas Irrigation provides an audit service, where a Certified Irrigation Auditor carefully examines and tests your irrigation system. They create a report detailing the condition of your system, including a list of recommendations for repairs and improvements. They also audit your property soil, which will provide you with the informationneeded in determining appropriate watering needs (water amounts and how often) while eliminating wasted watering.
What the purpose of a Mid-Summer Service?
Plants get thirstier in the summer than during spring and fall, therefore Lucas Irrigation recommends a Mid-Summer Service. At this service call, the technician will reprogram your irrigation controller to accommodate the weather changes, rather than keeping it on the same settings. The technician also thoroughly runs through the system to check for any leaks and adjust any sprinkler heads to keep the system running its best. The Mid-Summer Service results in a healthier landscape, while saving you money and conserving water.
When is the best time to run my system?
It is important to run your irrigation system during the early morning hours when less water is lost to evaporation (cooler temperatures) and the wind doesn't blow as hard. Watering in the evenings can lead to turf and plant disease problems because the water sits on the plantings all night, especially in humid climates.
How long and how often should I water my landscape?
Watering your plants deeply and less frequently will encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. We suggest deep watering 3 times a week for 30 minutes per zone. This is much better than watering 7 times a week at 15 minutes per zone.
What is the benefit of installing a Rain Sensor?
A rain sensor detects measurable rainfall and turns off the automatic irrigation valves to prevent over watering. A rain sensor instantly shuts off the system when it begins to rain saving water consumption.
Why is it important to upgrade to a newer controller?
Technology in sprinkler systems have advanced over the last 15 years and many new products are more water efficient than the older models. Replacing a controller that is not web-based to one that is web-based will allow us to run your system more efficiently resulting in a healthier landscape. We highly recommend a Hunter Hydrawise controllers for this type of control and efficiency.
Why is it important to upgrade to newer sprinkler head models?
The new nozzles achieve a greater radius than was possible with the old style nozzles, while using less water.
What is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation systems, at the most basic level, are constituted by a series of buried tubes that have holes opened along them at intervals. They are often installed in areas in which flowers or shrubs are growing, as opposed to lawns. Drip irrigation systems allow you to target plant roots more precisely than sprinkler nozzles, resulting in better plant health and better water conservation.
What length should I cut my grass for best results?
Longer grass (no less than 3 inches) has deeper, stronger roots and is more resistant to disease and drought. Adjusting your lawn mower to a higher setting for taller grass (or asking your Landscaper to do so) during the hotter summer months, will shade the root system, allowing for better soil moisture and encouraging roots to grow deeper.
Where is your Water Shut-Off Valve?
Knowing the location of your Water Shut-Off Valve can save you water and prevent damage to your home and landscape in the event of a water emergency. Our technicians tag the irrigation water shut off with our company name making it easy to locate. If you are not sure of the location of this valve, we recommend that you have someone show you.
Why is it so important for me to winterize my sprinkler system in the fall?
Properly winterizing outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems will prevent pipe and backflow damage when temperatures dip below freezing. Note that Lucas Irrigation uses compressors to properly evacuate water from all irrigation system water lines.