Living landscapes depend upon water to survive and flourish, and relying completely on natural rainfall is not the best method of supplying water. A more constant system of watering needs to be implemented for a properly nourished lawn, plants, bushes and trees. Depending on the type of grass and other plantings you have in your landscape, a more constant source of water may be required and a home irrigation system might be what you need. The need for this routine watering may lead the homeowner to begin shopping for a sprinkler system, and we are here with some tips an advice on the venture.
A properly installed and maintained underground sprinkler system conserves water by directing it exactly where and when it’s needed. Maintaining an improperly installed system can be difficult to say the least, so take the time to plan and have it installed properly from the start.
Installing your own home irrigation system can save you money, however, it is not one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects around. Planning and purchasing appropriate components are keys to success, but keep in mind that an irrigation system installation is not just a Saturday morning project. A well-functioning and efficient watering system takes time to fine tune.
First, decide whether an underground or above-ground irrigation system is necessary. The type of grass in your lawn affects irrigation needs. The soil type also affects the efficiency of irrigation as well. Sandy soils absorb water more quickly than clay soils. If you supply more water than the soil can absorb, runoff is the result. An irrigation system gives you better control of the moisture content of your soil.
Before installing an irrigation system there are a few important checks to cover. See if your locality requires a building permit. Check for underground utilities before digging. Before beginning any excavation, you have to call and check for underground utilities. Research your local municipal watering ordinances and find out if your state/local regulations require a licensed professional installation.
When giving an estimate, a contractor generally provides a plan diagram and usually plants small flags in the ground indicating what type of sprinkler heads will go where. Ask for a detailed explanation of what components are being used and how the design accounts for water pressure and separate planting areas, so the system covers the yard without wasting water.
If you have an irrigation project here in the Central Florida and Orlando areas that needs attention, contact us at 407-302-2227 for an estimate. Bookmark our blog and website for more news, tips and advice concerning sprinkler irrigation and more! See you soon!