Home /
Learn /
Blogs /
Get Smart with your Sprinkler System
Get Smart with your Sprinkler System
July is Smart Irrigation Month
Did you know that July is Smart Irrigation Month? The Irrigation Association dedicated this month to smart practices for your sprinkler system, which makes sense since July tends to be the hottest month of the year due to scorching temperatures and high humidity.
The initiative was started in 2005, focusing on providing consumers information on the value of water as well as increase awareness in water saving products, practices and services.
Using water wisely and being efficient when watering, starts with have a properly working and calibrated controller. Today’s controllers have “smart” technology that can determine which zones need more or less water and adapt the run times to water needs and current weather conditions.
The type of soil in your yard and landscape also plays a major role in how your sprinkler system is set-up. Some soil absorbs water quickly without runoff where as other soil may need to be watered for a short period of time, waiting for the water to be absorbed and then watering the same area again until it has received the correct amount. This process may need to be repeated three or four times to supply the correct amount of water to heavy, compacted soils. In most cases, different zones within your yard are going to need different amounts of water. The amount of water needed changes based on the amount of sun or shade the zone receives, the type and quantity of plant material in each zone and if the area is level or sloped. A good controller will allow you to set each zone to receive the correct amount of water.
Regardless of how efficient your controller is, if the sprinkler heads are not properly aligned or the wrong heads are being used, you will be wasting water. Inspecting your sprinkler system will alert you to water that ends up flowing down sidewalks, driveways and into the street from incorrectly set sprinkler heads. Clogged nozzles can also affect the even distribution of water across a lawn.
A good controller will allow you to set the best times to water. Generally, this is early in the morning. Having your sprinkler system come on at 3 o’clock in the morning is ideal. Overall, there is less water being used at that time, so water pressures should be good. Adding soil moisture probes into the lawn and rain gauges will also improve water efficiency. These tools will reduce the need for water if the amount in the soil is sufficient.
This year has been a strange one in regards to weather. Some areas of the Midwest are experiencing record setting rain levels where other parts of the US are mired in a drought that has lasted three or more years. Regardless of where you live, having a properly functioning sprinkler system will help reduce water usage and save you money.
Contact your local Spring-Green Professional today to learn about how we can help your system reduce water usage and cost.