Nothing offers more curb appeal for a home than a green and well-maintained lawn and landscape. It takes a bit of extra work and water to achieve that level of beauty. Regarding water, since it doesn’t always rain in Nevada, it helps to invest in a good irrigation system to keep your grass and other plants healthy and lush. Here are some ways you can use an irrigation system effectively without wasting water and money.
1. Maintain Proper Timing
Schedule your irrigation system to run from around 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. During this time, the outdoor temperature is relatively cool, the sun is less intense, and the wind is calm. These factors make it suitable for water to soak into the soil so that grass and plant roots can absorb it before it evaporates.
Watering in the midday or afternoon is often wasteful because there is a lot of evaporation during this time. The sole exception to this requirement occurs when the sun is overly intense, and your grass begins to dry out.
Watering at night is not only wasteful but problematic. Water droplets tend to cling to grass and other plants at night, promoting fungal and bacterial growth as well as pest infestations. Also, you may be interfering with plant activity. Normally, plants open their pores (stomata) during the day to allow for transpiration — a process necessary for food production.
When you let your irrigation system run at night, your grass and other vegetation will absorb water, but they won’t be able to expel it. That is because the stomata remain closed in the absence of sunlight. This can result in root rot and other plant diseases.
2. Be Mindful of the Weather
Consider the weather before using your irrigation system. Water is less often used during the cool fall and spring weather because the rate of evaporation is significantly low.
Modern irrigation systems can sense rain and water content in the soil and adjust the watering frequency and amount accordingly. This function can help reduce wastefulness and problems caused by too little or too much watering.
3. Use the Right Water Pressure for Your Lawn
Not every part of your lawn is the same. There are areas that would require more water at high pressure, while others need the reverse. For example, shrubs, small trees, and gardens will not take well to sprinkles with high pressure. Blasting your grass with water may also wash away seeds, leaving you with bald spots.
Also, consider adjusting your sprinkler timing for sloped landscapes. Such areas can quickly lose water to runoffs before your grass and other plants absorb enough for optimal growth. Therefore, instead of the usual 15-minute run, you should consider operating your irrigation system for eight minutes three times a day.
4. Understand Your Lawn’s Water Needs
If you want to avoid wastefulness while maintaining a lush green lawn, you need to ensure that you are using just the right amount of water. It’s best to work with an irrigation expert to figure this out.
One method you could employ to get a rough idea of how much water your lawn needs involves placing a clear measuring cup on the ground you want to irrigate and then turning on your sprinklers for 15 minutes. Note the amount of water collected. Grass usually needs 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. So, if your measuring cup collects 0.5 inches of water within a span of 15 minutes, it means you need to water your lawn three times week.
5. Inspect Your System for Leaks
Irrigation system leaks can easily go unnoticed for weeks, especially if you are not paying close attention to your monthly water bill. The other case is if they begin just after you’ve settled your previous month’s home expenses. This is why frequently inspecting your lawn and irrigation system for any changes is important.
A common warning sign of a leak is an isolated bright green patch of grass. If your irrigation is working properly, your lawn should have a uniform hue and grass growth. If you notice any discrepancies, it could be a sign of water leaking and pooling in that specific area. Remember to single out other factors, such as over-fertilization or pet urine, to be sure.
Also, monitor your water pressure and inspect your water meter for any fluctuations. Then, call a professional to perform other tests to find the root cause of the leak and offer solutions.
6. Invest in Smart Irrigation Technology
The trend towards sustainability has led to a rise in advanced technology that helps minimize resource wastage while maximizing results. If you have an irrigation system you bought 10 years ago, consider replacing it with a modern one with sensor-based controllers.
These controllers can detect moisture content in soil and supply water only when needed. They can also detect rain and freezing conditions to prevent lawn and garden damage.
Smart irrigation systems can also communicate problems, such as leaks and malfunctions, to your smartphone for immediate attention. You can also track the amount of water you use in real-time and generate reports that can help you better manage irrigation.
7. Choose the Right Sprinkler Head for Your Irrigation System
To minimize water wastage and enhance the efficiency of your system, you must get the ideal sprinkler type for your lawn and garden. For small patches of grass or garden, a spot or stationary sprinkler can be an excellent choice for efficient watering. It sprays water from one focal point, usually reaching a distance of 1 to 15 feet. Spot sprinklers perform well with low water pressure, are affordable, and last long.
Rotor sprinkler heads are ideal if your lawn is sloping or your soil drains water slowly. They distribute water evenly over a large area with little to no wastage. Impact sprinkler heads, with their forceful spray, are best suited for big grassy areas.
8. Schedule Professional Maintenance
To ensure your irrigation system operates at peak efficiency, you need to have a professional inspect and service it at least twice per year. The first maintenance should happen before the cold months set in. A professional will drain all the water in your system, insulate the above-ground components, and turn off any timers. They do this to prevent cracks or loose fittings caused when water freezes and expands in winter.
The second inspection occurs before the start of the spring season. They will check and test the components of your irrigation system in preparation for heavy use. They may also recommend upgrades to enhance efficiency and reduce water wastage.
Contact Bumble Breeze for More Information
Call Bumble Breeze in Las Vegas, Nevada, today for plumbing solutions, today! We will ensure you maintain the lush, green lawn you love and save as much water and money as possible in the process. You can also contact us for repiping, thermostat and heat pump installations, as well as AC maintenance and repair.
