THE PERKS OF INSTALLING IRRIGATION IN YOUR LANDSCAPE
Summer is upon us and I’m sure if you don’t have an effective irrigation system, your plants leaves are wilted and your lawn is crispier than a rice cake. Well…. maybe they’re dehydrated! Yes, plants get thirsty too. Let’s say there is a drought in your area, or you may have a newly planted garden; if they are not irrigated properly, you could lose it all. Irrigation a critical component of plant and lawn health and should be in the forefront when planning a garden or turf install.
Even if you already have an irrigation system in place and plan on getting a garden or lawn renovation, you should always remember to re-evaluate the irrigation system to ensure it is most efficient for your specific installation. Pictured below is a system that we recently updated when it was determined that the old one was no longer performing optimally during a routine preventative maintenance visit.
Installing an irrigation system offers several benefits:
Water Efficiency: Irrigation systems can be programmed to deliver the right amount of water at the right time, reducing water waste.
Time Savings: Automated systems reduce the need for manual watering, saving time and effort.
Healthier Plants: Consistent and precise watering helps maintain healthier lawns and gardens.
Cost Savings: Efficient water usage can lower water bills over time.
Convenience: Automated systems can be set to water plants even when you're away, ensuring they receive adequate hydration.
Increased Property Value: Well-maintained landscapes enhance curb appeal and can increase property value.
Customization: Systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different areas in your landscape, there are many options for smart controllers available that allow you to streamline your irrigation system whether you are home or away.
These benefits make irrigation systems a valuable investment for maintaining attractive and healthy outdoor spaces.
Drip irrigation installed in landscape and garden beds can be a life saver during the summer heat.
An irrigation system can be a waste if it is not installed and setup with efficiency in mind. The significance of irrigation water efficiency is now escalating, due to concerns about climate change, which could lead to a drier climate in the future. According to a study by the St. Johns Water Management District, the average irrigated household used 62% of total water consumption for irrigation. So, if you are using more than half of your water consumption for irrigation, you should make sure it’s efficient.
There are also alternatives to help save on water consumption such as using less turf and more native plantings in your landscape. Irrigation is only a supplement for rain and should only be use when there are new plantings or during a dry season if you are able. If you can conserve water, please do so by any means.
There are many watering restrictions in place that should be followed. Having an efficient irrigation system makes following these restrictions easy. With a well installed and maintained irrigation system, you will have the least amount of water waste and your plants will receive the ample amount of H2o they need. This should make both you, your plants and the county you reside in happy.
These mandatory restrictions ensure the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation, allowing enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. They specify how much water may be used, the amount of water that may be applied, and appropriate watering days and times for residential and nonresidential locations. These days depend on whether your address ends in an odd or even number, and on the time of year, details for the areas on the water restrictions map pictured below can be found on the St. Johns River Water District Management website.
What you can do
Set your irrigation timer to water only between 8 p.m and 4 a.m. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, which helps avoid evaporation and runoff that can waste up to 50% of the water you use.
Identify and repair leaks. Find tips on how to test for leaks at jea.com/waterleak.
Find ways to save water -- in and around your home or business -- with practical tips at jea.com/waterconservation.
Learn more about low- and no-cost savings tips, complimentary on-site assessments, and more at jea.com/waystosave.
Our recommendation for smart irrigation:
Used in several of our most recent projects, the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is a highly recommended irrigation device, known for its versatility and user-friendly design. It features the best app among tested models, ensuring easy control. Available in four-, eight-, and 16-zone versions, it accommodates various yard sizes and can be installed indoors or outdoors with optional weatherproof housing. The Rachio 3 remains functional even during Wi-Fi outages by continuing existing schedules. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri Shortcuts, allowing voice-controlled watering.
If you don’t know where to start and would like assistance with the design and installation of a new irrigation system or repairs/maintenance on your current system, reach out to us at Wacca Pilatka to schedule a consultation and get started today! We are licensed & insured, as well as trained in FDACS Best Management Practices for water quality standards.
