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DIY Irrigation Tune-up - Part two

This week we are going through the steps in giving your irrigation system a tune-up.  We started with steps 1 & 2 yesterday and today we are going to tackle steps 3 & 4.

Step 3:  Clean and Adjust Spray-Type Sprinklers

To Clean:

Spray-type sprinklers are the sprinklers that create a fixed fan-shaped spray pattern.  Start by removing the nozzle from each head and cleaning the screen.  The screen will be under the nozzle, you may need a bent paperclip to use as a hook to pull it out.  A toothbrush works well for cleaning the filter.  Reinstall the filter and put the nozzle back on. 

Next you need to look for any partially blocked nozzles by turn on each sprinkler and look for any uneven gaps in the fan spray of water.  If you find some are blocked, you will need to remove the nozzle and either replace it or carefully clean it.   To clean plastic nozzles use a toothpick to clean it - be careful not to scratch the nozzle as one scratch can ruin the spray pattern.

To Adjust:
On top of each spray nozzle is a small radius adjustment screw.  Turn the screw to adjust each sprinkler so they don't spray onto sidewalks or walls.  When sprinklers are properly spaced,  the water from each sprinkler should spray all the way to the next sprinkler in each direction.  If the heads are creating a lot of mist try partially closing the adjustment screws (clockwise). 

Step 4:  Clean and Adjust  Rotor type Sprinklers

To Clean:
Rotor type sprinklers are sprinklers that have a stream of water that rotates over the landscape.  We don't recommend cleaning the filters on your rotor-type sprinkler heads.  The filters require disassembling the head and most likely will result in more dirt getting into the head than you started with. 

To Adjust:
For rotor sprinklers, turn the radius adjustment screw clockwise just until it touches the water stream, followed by turning the screw counter-clockwise just until it is not touching the stream. This is the best position for the screw, and should be left there in most cases. It may take a few tries to find the best amount of adjustment for the screws. If the screw is too far into the water stream, it can cause dry areas, whereas if it is not in far enough, the pressure can be too great. You should always check the water pressure to make sure it is where it needs to be. Overgrown grass and shrubs can easily block areas of the sprinkler causing the water pressure to be compromised.

DIY Irrigation Tune-Up

As mentioned last week, keeping your irrigation system working properly is very important in order to conserve water and money.  An irrigation system should be checked at least annually so the system can be working at its maximum efficiency.  In an effort to help you do your own tune up on your sprinkler system, we will offer step by step directions on how to do it.

Step 1:  Turn on each zone valve, one at a time to inspect the zone for problems. 

If you have above ground zone valves, carefully inspect for leaks, drips or puddles around the valve.  If one is leaking, you will need to replace it.  Replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

Step 2:  Replace the battery in your irrigation controller
Reset the controller and make sure it is set for the current date and time.  Adjust your watering times to meet the new seasonal needs.

Stay tuned for Steps 3 & 4 tomorrow!

Get ready to spring forward

 

Daylight savings times starts on Sunday, March 11th!

 

In addition to changing your clocks, it is also time to check your timers on your outdoor lights.  If you need help, give us a call and we'd be glad to help!

Irrigation System Tune-up

Once a year, you should give your irrigation system a tune-up.  The best time to do this is at the beginning of the irrigation season which is starting now.

Not sure you know how to give your system a tune-up?  Preferred offers irrigation tune-ups that involve checking the entire irrigation system.  We make sure it is running optimally for your landscape with as little water waste as possible.We will set the irrigation schedule to best meet the season's needs as well as make sure you are in compliance with any SAWS drought restrictions.

Want to take care of it yourself but not sure how?  Look for next week's post as we walk you through step by step instructions on how to give your system a tune-up.

It is time to celebrate the arrival of SPRING!

 

Install bright spring annuals in beds to create a lush, gorgeous look.  Splash outdoor living areas with elegant pots. 

Preferred can freshen up your landscape for a stunning enhancement.   Give us a call at 210-657-7737.

Create a certified wildlife habitat in your own backyard

Do you want to make sure your backyard is a healthy place for kids and pets?  Are you interested in providing a safe habitat for birds and insects?  The National Wildlife Federation has a great program that offers ways to help restore wildlife habitats in your own backyard.  Here is an excerpt from their website:

Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat^® from the National Wildlife Federation.

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Provide Food for Wildlife

Everyone needs to eat! Planting native forbs, shrubs and trees is the easiest way to provide the foliage, nectar, pollen, berries, seeds and nuts that many species of wildlife require to survive and thrive. You can also incorporate supplemental feeders and food sources.

Supply Water for Wildlife

Wildlife need clean water sources for many purposes, including drinking, bathing and reproduction. Water sources may include natural features such as ponds, lakes, rivers, springs, oceans and wetlands; or human-made features such as bird baths, puddling areas for butterflies, installed ponds or rain gardens.

Create Cover for Wildlife

Wildlife require places to hide in order to feel safe from people, predators and inclement weather. Use things like native vegetation, shrubs, thickets and brush piles or even dead trees.
 

Give Wildlife a Place to Raise Their Young

Wildlife need a sheltered place to raise their offspring. Many places for cover can double as locations where wildlife can raise young, from wildflower meadows and bushes where many butterflies and moths lay their eggs, or caves where bats roost and form colonies.

Ready...Set...Certify!

Once you have provided these essential elements to make a healthy and sustainable wildlife habitat, join the thousands of wildlife enthusiasts across the country who have earned the distinction of being part of NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat^® program.

http://www.nwf.org/CertifiedWildlifeHabitat/UserAccount/SignIn?campaignid=WH10DGWP