Landscape Irrigation Systems
Antonucci Lawn and Garden would like to look at some of the more common landscape irrigation systems that are popular with residential landscape designs that allow for a worry-free watering program that will beautify your yard.
Landscape Irrigation Systems
An efficient Reno landscaping irrigation system requires a quality sprinkler system design and regular maintenance. Seasonal adjustments of all controllers will produce better water savings and a healthier yard. Up-to-date irrigation technology will give you the most efficient water management for your yard. Let's look at some of the key ingredients to a proper system:
Irrigation Clocks
The utilization of a timer will help set your mind at ease. Sprinkler controllers/timers are an integral part of your landscape irrigation systems that determine watering start and stop times. With most modern irrigation time clocks, you can set it and forget it. All too often, homeowners invest in top-notch sprinkler systems and timers - but never quite learn how to use them effectively. As a result, wasted water and other issues can abound. One of the primary benefits of using a first-rate sprinkler system controller is being able to create a watering schedule that keeps your plants and yard looking great, without wasting exorbitant amounts of water.In this day and age, water conservation is a legitimate concern. Not to mention that over-watering plants is a surefire way to damage them. If you'd like to enjoy the convenience of a sprinkler system, while maintaining an efficient watering schedule, make sure you familiarize yourself on how to program the irrigation clock. Most timers have three programs available. They are typically named program A, program B, and program C. These programs hold the actual settings that control when and how long each station is watered.You might set program A, for instance, to water only the flower bed areas and have them watered twice a day. Whereas Program B might be used to water only the lawn areas two or three days a week. Program C could be used to water plants or shrubs with a drip system if you have one, a couple of times per week. Landscape irrigation systems that utilize a time clock will be far more efficient than those that do not.
Irrigation Valves:
This is probably the simplest thing to learn when it comes to Reno landscaping irrigation systems. These are the valves that turn on and off the sprinklers, they also may be used for drip irrigation systems. Other names sometimes used for them are irrigation valve, sprinkler valve, solenoid valve, and lawn valve. A valve is the part of the sprinkler system that receives signals from the timer. Those signals prompt the valve to open, letting water flow.A sprinkler system timer works by telling these valves when to open and operate. It is important to familiarize yourself with where each valve is on your property and to map out the types of plants and foliage that exist around each one. For best results, you should actually put pen to paper and draw a map that outlines where each valve in your sprinkler system is located.
Sprinklers:
Different sprinkler heads are suitable for different purposes. When you understand what each type is best-suited for, you'll be able to program your Reno landscaping irrigation systems timer more efficiently.
Rotor Heads:
When you need to water large expanses, rotor heads are the best option for your Reno landscaping irrigation system. They have a much lower application rate than spray heads do. Rotors are used to save labor on installation since they cover a larger area than spray heads so you can space them out much farther apart. They are also a better choice for sloped areas or areas that are made up of clay soils since they apply water at a slower rate and thus help prevent water runoff.
Spray Heads:
These sprinkler heads dispense high volumes of water in short periods of time. They are best suited for flat, even areas; do not use them on slopes. Spray heads are also suitable for small, hard-to-reach areas of lawn. Not to mention being practical to use in areas where you'd like to avoid spraying a house, cars or on the street.
Drip Irrigation Systems:
Drip irrigation, which is also sometimes referred to as micro-irrigation or trickle irrigation, consists of a network of pipes, tubing valves, and emitters. It is defined as any watering system that delivers a slow-moving supply of water at a gradual rate directly to the soil. It is becoming increasingly popular and is considered one of the most water and energy-efficient methods for landscape irrigation systems.Drip irrigation offers several great benefits, including conserving water and energy, saving money on energy and water bills, increased plant health, and design flexibility. The tubing can be laid out to conform with any oddly shaped landscape layouts, extend to hanging planters, or extend down rows in a vegetable garden. Other applications include flower beds, ground cover, and street mediums.
Irrigation System Backflow Prevention Devices:
Irrigation system backflow prevention devices are used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution. These backflow devices are designed for installation on potable water lines to protect against both backsiphonage and backpressure of contaminated water into the potable water supply. Backflow assemblies provide protection where potential health hazards exist. These backflow devices are a must for healthy landscape irrigation systems.
There are many benefits to Reno landscaping irrigation systems:
Landscape irrigation systems will save you plenty of time that you in the past would have spent watering your lawns, gardens, and flowers. You can now have your timers set so that watering will take place at the times that best suits your landscape and the climate where you live. You can go on that holiday knowing that your lawns and flowers will be maintained and flourishing when you return.
With landscape irrigation systems, there is no money or water wasted. Everything is timed, programmed and these systems all have rain sensors, so every drop of water is used only when it is needed.
Whatever type of irrigation system you install, there will definitely be a greater saving on water. You can help conserve water with automatic systems. You can save between 30-50% of the water that you would normally use with other more conventional watering methods.
When plants, crops, lawns or flowers are watered with smaller amounts of water over a longer period of time, they grow faster. This is the ideal condition for growth. You will enjoy greener and more luscious gardens and lawns.
For more information on how to take better care of your yard and Reno landscaping, visit our post on lawn fertilizing tips and techniques!
About the Author
As one of Northern Nevada’s leading landscape companies, Antonucci Lawn & Garden offers fresh ideas and quality craftsmanship to improve outdoor living. Since 2009, Antonucci has been focused on enhancing beautiful landscaping. Whether starting from scratch or renovating an existing backyard, our knowledgeable staff and certified team of contractors will explain everything you need to build your perfect outdoor retreat.