Looking at the forecast for Tampa Bay this week, warmer weather is here! Our lawns in Florida need a lot of attention especially during the warmer weather to keep it lush and green all summer long.
Most people have had their sprinklers off or at a reduced water scheduling due to our winter season (if you can call it winter). Now is the time to check if your sprinkler system is fully functioning. A local irrigation and sprinkler company can perform in-depth analysis, pinpoint trouble areas, and determine the appropriate approach for repair or replacement.
University of Florida IFAS Extension states that the warmth of spring and the heat of summer are around the corner and preparations should be made now to ensure that irrigation systems are working properly before being needed. Here are a few things to think about when prepping irrigation systems for spring:
Maintain, Repair, or Replace the Rotors, Nozzles, and Heads.
Many sprinkler heads get damaged over time from riding lawn mowers, utility workers, vehicles, or other causes. To avoid having a geyser in the irrigation zone, it is a good idea to test run the system to make sure the rotor and heads are working properly and the nozzles have not been knocked loose. Many times broken rotor or spray heads can be replaced simply by taking the interior mechanical parts out and replacing them with new parts. This may not even require digging! Sometimes repairs are as simple as replacing a filter or spray nozzle that has popped off over time.
Calibrate the system to provide 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch during an irrigation event.
Many Florida homeowners and horticultural professionals apply too much or too little water while irrigating. Most do not even know how much irrigation water is being applied. It is important to calibrate the irrigation system to apply only 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of water during an irrigation event to promote a healthy lawn and landscape. To little water will stress the plants while too much water may promote disease and insect problems. Irrigating improperly may also cause environmental issues, from soil and fertilizer runoff, to develop. Watch this short video on irrigation calibration.
Inspect and make sure the Rain Shutoff Device is working properly.
In Florida, it is state law to have a rain shutoff device on an automatic irrigation system. Most systems have a device installed that utilizes a small cork disc that expands when wet and physically clicks a button to tell the system to skip the next automatic cycle. As the cork degrades over time, it will cause system malfunction and should be replaced periodically. It is best to skip using an automatic timer and instead watch the weather and the plants for symptoms of drought stress. If an automatic timer is used, a functioning rain shutoff device is essential for proper irrigation management. Other types of shutoff devices are available as well”.
A local irrigation and sprinkler company can perform these items for you to make sure you are up and running efficiently and effectively:
· Test the Sprinkler System Controller
· Examine and Analyze Worn Pieces
· Inspect the Valves
· Check for Debris in the Sprinkler Heads
· Look for Broken Sprinkler Heads
· Monitor for Pressure Surges
Looking for a top irrigation and sprinkler company in Tampa Bay? Sunrise Irrigation is honored by the feedback they receive from their customers, peers, and business rating systems. They also go the extra mile to partner with the best vendors and trade organizations for knowledge and support.
At Sunrise Irrigation, we know sprinkler installation and repair, landscape lighting and all-natural mosquito control and more. Our highly qualified, fully licensed and insured specialists have been beautifying residential and commercial landscapes in Palm Harbor and the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years. As an established, family-owned irrigation management business, we believe that keeping Florida homes and businesses looking their best begins with a healthy lawn. Give us a call at 727-275-2204 or schedule an initial consultation to discuss how we can help your lawn become lusher, greener, and healthier.
