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"An irrigation and/or landscape lighting system
should be considered a home improvement, an investment.
Maintaining your system protects your investment."
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO WATER?
Midnight to 7:00 am. During these hours the lawn is already
wet from dew. Watering after 7:00 am extends the periods
the lawn is wet. The goal is to minimize the amount
of time the lawn stays damp.
WHAT'S THE NEXT BEST TIME TO WATER?
Noon to 3:30 pm. This is likely the most popular time
for homeowners without sprinkler systems to water.
Watering at these hours allows the lawn to dry out
in the morning and again before nightfall.
WHAT'S ARE THE WORST TIMES TO WATER?
Do not water between 7:00 am - 11:00 am or between 3:30
pm - midnight. Watering during these hours extends
the amount of time the grass is wet, thus tremendously
increasing the chance for disease problems.
WHAT IF I CAN'T WATER DURING THE "BEST HOURS"?
If you're not able to water during the recommended hours
of the day, then water heavily on the weekends or don't
water at all. A dormant lawn is healthier than a diseased
lawn.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I WATER IN THE FALL?
If the existing lawn is green, its root system is still growing. So if the weather has been dry, grass will need watering. Lawns require less water during the cooler, shorter days of fall because there is less moisture lost to evaporation. But newly laid sod should be watered thoroughly in advance of winter to ensure good contact between the thin layer of roots and the subsoil. After all leaves have been raked, soak the new lawn an inch or more and then try to keep people and machinery from compacting it.
Based on normal fall weather conditions, plan to turn off your sprinkler system in early to mid-November as established grass has usually gone dormant by then.
WILL I USE MORE WATER WITH A SPRINKLER SYSTEM
THAN IF I KEEP WATERING MYSELF?
No. You'll conserve water and use less! Your properly
programmed system will not over water and can't forget
to turn itself off. Your timer controller can even be
fitted with a wireless moisture sensor that will tell
it not to turn on if it's raining. The system can also
be easily adjusted to apply less water during the off
peak seasons.
HOW DO I REPLACE THE LAMPS IN MY LIGHTING SYSTEM?
Once we install a lighting system, any lamp that burns
out within the first year is replaced at no charge.
If your system was installed over a year ago, most
of your lamps will probably need to be replaced. To
ensure that your system continues to operate effectively
and efficiently, we offer replacement lamps at competitive
pricing and annual renewable maintenance programs.
CAN I GET A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM?
Yes. For those customers who participate in our landscape
lighting maintenance program, lighting systems (with
exception of lamps) are warranted for a lifetime. Plus
a lighting system can alter due to landscaping changes,
weather conditions or the addition of a new patio or
water feature. While we're servicing your lighting
system, we may recommend changes.
I WANT TO HAVE A SPRINKLER INSTALLED, WHY SHOULDN'T
I CHOOSE THE LOWEST PRICE? ALL SYSTEMS DO THE SAME
THING - RIGHT?
It's true that all sprinkler systems water the grass
and lighting systems can illuminate landscape and architectural
features. But there are major differences in how this
is accomplished. Things to look for include:
Design - A proper design is the architecture
for a quality installation. For irrigation, a good design
includes properly spaced sprinklers that throw water
from sprinkler to sprinkler (head-to-head coverage) proper
positioning of the valve boxes on the property, and a
properly placed controller. A poor design can result
in brown patches, or cause the need to over-water by
trying to compensate for the poor design.
Product - There is a large range
in product quality within the industry. Most products
will work properly for the first season. But the true
mark of a quality product is its longevity and ease of
use. That is why we partner with Rainbird® and Hunter® Industries for
irrigation systems.
Installation - A proper installation by a professional
should look as though nothing was done. There can be
slight damage to grass yards, but it's kept to a minimum
by a quality installer. Sprinklers should not be exposed,
valve boxes should be flat.
I WANT TO IMPROVE THE LOOK OF MY HOME BY INSTALLING
A LIGHTING SYSTEM. ISN'T THE LOWEST PRICE GOING TO
WORK AS WELL FOR ME?
Design is very important. A good design includes fixtures
that are illuminate landscaping and architectural features
that aren't seen at night. Fixtures are spaced to eliminate
shadows and dark areas that can cause safety and security
concerns. A poor design will result in glares and shadows
causing more harm than good.
There are quality differences in product from manufacturers.
We only partner with established, reputable companies
that include Kichler® Landscape Lighting; Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting; Nightscaping®; Escort Lighting; Focus™ Landscape Lighting and Hadco Outdoor Lighting.
When installing new landscape lighting, wire and controls
should be hidden. Lighting fixtures should be properly
adjusted, with controllers and transformers level at
their proper height. Your yard and landscaping should
not be disturbed with quality installation.
"A quality system may cost a little more up
front, but the savings in water, energy, time and headaches
will be worth it. It's like everything else - you get
what you pay for!"
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