Nature's Choice Landscaping & Irrigation Inc. » Residential

Water Emergency Shut-Off

Nature's Choice — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:52:27 +0000

If your system will not shut off from the clock, go to where the main water line enters the house. Off to the side you will see a small metal device which has two handles. Turn either handle in the opposite direction and this will stop water to your irrigation system.

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Irrigation System Components

Nature's Choice — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:49:40 +0000

Clock

You must learn to adjust your clock’s watering schedule. This schedule needs to be changed according to the change in seasons, and with the change in maturity of the plants. Your clock will always be located next to your outside electrical panel.

Vacuum Breaker

This is installed next to your front yard hose bibb. It prevents irrigation water from entering your drinking water. It has two handles which can be turned to shut off the irrigation system.

Electrical Valves

The electrical valves are located below ground in a plastic box. The grass valves need no maintenance. The drip valves have a filter that needs to be cleaned out once per year.

Grass Sprinkler Heads

Grass sprinkler heads should be checked for adjustment every 90 days. The filter in each head needs to be cleaned out once per year.

Plant & Tree Emitters

The water lines should be moved away from the trunk as the tree matures. Failure to move the water away from the trunk will cause your tree to blow over in high winds. Plants & tree emitters should be checked at least twice per year for proper water flows and/or damage.

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Frost Tender Plants

Nature's Choice — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:43:56 +0000

Some of your plants may be frost tender. You must cover these plants with fabric when the temperature drops below 35°.

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Weed Control

Nature's Choice — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:40:38 +0000

Pre-emergent, applied twice per year, is the best weed control agent in granite areas. Plastic overlays are no longer used depending on your landscape. Some weed growth will occur even after treatment and should be manually removed.

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weed control

Nature's Choice — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:39:11 +0000

The standard stake applied with your tree is NOT able to withstand high winds. You must replace the stakes and cables to provide proper support as your tree becomes larger.

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Water Drainage

Nature's Choice — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:37:26 +0000

Your yard has been pre-graded by your builder to drain water off your property (or into a retention basin). The landscaping design is built around your drainage plan.

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An automated irrigation system saves you water and much more!

Nature's Choice — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:05:33 +0000

Save Water

The system is more convenient and efficient than manual watering-only the right amount of water is applied, where and when it is needed, which minimizes waste.

Save Time

The system operates automatically-on a pre-programmed schedule-to efficiently water your landscape, even when you’re away from home.

Save Money

The less water you use, the lower your water bill.

Increase Your Property Value

According to the National Association of Realtors, housing resale values increase by up to 15% when landscapes are well maintained-and an automated irrigation system is the most efficient way to get those results.

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Here are some practical tips to help you have a lush, green landscape while using less water!

Nature's Choice — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:00:26 +0000

Don’t Drown

The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often-much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long session, water a few times for shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks between each session. This will allow water to soak in, while minimizing runoff.

Watch the Clock

Water between 5 am and 10 am-when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Mid-day watering tends to be less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during the day. Watering in the evening isn’t a good idea either because leaves can remain wet overnight-an open invitation for fungus to grow. By watering in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.

Divide by Zones

Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide your yard and landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Both sprinkler and drip irrigation can be incorporated to achieve more efficient use of water.

Water Only Things That Grow

If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

Consider Dripping

When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers or other non-grassy areas, consider applying water directly to the roots using low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff, and will prevent unwanted weeds from growing.

Do Routine Inspections

Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a problem may not be discovered until it is too late. Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

Be Rain Smart

Adjust your irrigation systems as the seasons and weather change-or better yet-install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and enable you to take advantage of the water without having to pay for it.

Image provided by Port of San Diego.