AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

• SAVE TIME: Your system will do all the watering for you.
• SAVE WATER: An automatic system uses less water than watering by hand.
• SAVE MONEY: Your water bills will be lower and your plants will live longer.
• REST EASY: The Rain Bird name is your assurance of quality, value, and performance.

      Overwatering is a common mistake by homeowners and Irrigation companies alike.  Most think the more water, the better.  Each season requires its own unique scheduled settings.  With the heavy rains in the Indiana Spring, your system does not need too much work.  However, we all know the Indiana summers can lack rain, and be tough on all aspects of your lawn.

       If your property has an irrigation system, during the summer months be sure to keep an eye out for signs of overwatering or under-watering your grass.  Fall in Indiana is a tricky season.  Not much watering is required as temps are much cooler, but your irrigation system does help you get your lawn ready for the following seasons.    

Here are some signs to look for during all seasons of the year.

SIGNS OF TOO MUCH WATER:

•   The blades of grass are wilted and limp.
•   There is increased mowing due to thicker thatch growth.
•   Your lawn remains soggy for long periods of time.

Did you know? Overwatering can lead to lawn disease.

SIGNS OF LAWN DISEASE:

• Root Rot – A fungal disease that starts at the root system. This causes the lawn to turn yellow and brown.
• Moss – This usually appears in moist conditions and in shady spots.
• Brown Patch Lawn Disease – A turf fungus that creates brown circles in the lawn. 

SIGNS OF TOO LITTLE WATER:

•   The grass blades are wilted and feel dry.
•   The soil is dry.
•   The grass does not spring back when stepped on.
•   There is a slower blade growth.

It’s important to keep a lookout for signs that your lawn is healthy and growing at an appropriate rate. 

SIGNS OF A HEALTHY LAWN:

• There is an even color range of green.
• The grass blades bounce back right away after being walked on.
• There is an even thatch at soil level.
• The blades have a fairly even thickness.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR SYSTEM

Run your irrigation system during the morning hours.  Less water is lost to evaporation when the temperature is cooler, plus in most areas the wind doesn't blow as hard in the mornings. Watering in the evenings can lead to turf and plant disease problems because the water sits on the plants all night, especially in humid climates.

Solution = Allow our service technician to program your control panel for maximum efficiency.

MORE IS NOT BETTER

If you irrigate with automatic sprinklers, program your irrigation timer so that it waters in 1-2 short cycles rather than a single long period of time. Allow the water to soak in to the ground between the cycles.  Watering every day is NEVER recommended unless you are installing new sod.  Most controllers even have a % key that makes changing the time quick and reasonably painless.

Solution =  Use the “Seasonal Adjustment” feature on your control panel to maximize your sprinkler system features. Our technicians have extensive knowledge in this area.  Ask how this feature works when we come out for your system start up.


END OF LINE DRAINAGE

Do your sprinklers spit and spew air mixed with water for a short period each time they are turned on? This is caused by a phenomena called "low head drainage". Low-head drainage occurs when the sprinkler system has been installed on a sloped area. After the sprinklers are turned off, the water in the pipes drains out through the lowest sprinkler heads and is replaced by air.

The water that drains out is wasted, and often flows into the gutter or creates a muddy area around the lowest sprinkler head or drip emitter. Then the air is violently forced out the next time you run the sprinklers. This puts a lot of stress on the sprinklers and pipes. The easiest way to tell if you have this problem is when you turn on the sprinklers. If they spit and spew air when the valve is turned on, then you have low head drainage.

Solution = Have one of our service techs install check valves on your lowest sprinkler head to help with “low head drainage”