If you are considering installing a Gainesville sprinkler system, the following answers to frequently asked questions can help get you started towards owning the most convenient and efficient way to water your lawn and landscape.Receive answers to all of your irrigation questions from the experienced staff at The Master's Lawn Care in Gainesville, Florida. Our team understands that you might have a lot of different questions regarding the installation and maintenance of a Gainesville Irrigation system. Take a look at the list of frequently asked questions below to see if your answer is covered or contact us today with any additional questions you might have.
Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I'm currently using?
No; in fact it will conserve water. You won't have to worry about wasting water when you forget to turn off the hose, or runoff from over watering. Also, with a rain sensor, your system will know when it has rained and will shut itself off when watering is not needed.
Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I can by hand?
It will do a much better job. Your professionally designed 100% TRUE coverage system will deliver the right amount of water to individual lawn and garden areas—for example, less water in heavily shaded areas.
Will installing a system with fewer heads than you recommend reduce my water bill?
Absolutely not, in fact the opposite is true. There are a few things our Gainesville, Fl irrigation specialist can do to help keep your water bill down. First of all, we make sure you are not watering your neighbor's yard, your driveway, the road, or your house. Secondly, we make sure your system has enough sprinkler heads to cover the lawn evenly. If we skimp on heads, you will have some areas that are under watered. In your efforts to put enough water on those poorly covered areas, you will over water the areas having proper coverage, paying for this extra water each time you run your system.
There is no cheaper sprinkler system, in the long run, than a system that covers the entire lawn with balanced, even and proper 100% true coverage. Do the job right in the first place, or you will pay later in the form of a poor looking lawn, repairs, and excessive water bills.
Will our future landscaping plans have any effect on our sprinkler system design?
The answer to this question depends upon what your plans are. If you have plans for a shrub hedge along a property line it would have a great impact, since it may end up blocking spray from planned rotor heads. On the other hand, substitution of shrubs for lawn in most areas in front of or around the sides and/or back on the home only result in us having to specify shrub risers rather than lawn popup heads in those specific areas. If you think you may have future shrub plans, let us know when we do our estimate for you.
What about the timer? Is it easy to operate?
All of the electronic timers we install are user friendly. You will be fully instructed on how to use it, and will find that after a few tries you will be an expert at it. It also has a battery back up so you don't have to reset your timer if you experience a power outage. Also, by using the most popular brand on the market, there are many video tutorials on YouTube if you were to forget how to reset it, lose your manual, or not want a technician to assist.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
The ideal time for your sprinkler system to complete the watering cycle is shortly before sunrise. Your lawn and other vegetation begins the process of transpiration (drawing water from soil) when the sun hits it in the morning. By noon, most vegetation is either inactive or discharging water through evaporation. People that water in the afternoon are not watering in a cost effective manner. Evening watering results in having the lawn staying saturated all night long. This can contribute to various fungal and disease conditions, as well as a need for Gainesville Lawn Spraying.
How often should I check my irrigation system for performance?
It’s a good idea to check it 2-3 times per year to make sure that everything is functioning correctly and water is being applied as needed to the plant material and lawn areas. We do offer this service of inspection if you choose.
What should I look for during my system performance check?
Turn on each zone and observe the operation to make sure the spray from each sprinkler is going where it’s needed, and not where it is unwanted. Make sure all rotary sprinklers are rotating in their intended arc. Look for any wet or dry spots and see if there is an obvious reason why that is occurring. Also, be aware that sometimes the controller may need to be adjusted if temperatures are extremely hot or cold, and to stay within Gainesville's Irrigation Guidelines. Below is a checklist.
- Verify the proper operation of each zone valve by activating it from the sprinkler timer.
- Walk through each station on the controller, checking for proper operation of the zone. Check for property operating pressure (low pressure indicates a line break or missing head), proper rotation and adjustment of sprinkler heads, and adequate coverage. Check and clean filters on poorly performing sprinklers. Adjust heads to grade as necessary.
- Check for heads being blocked by new growth from shrubs, low hanging tree limbs, or new plantings that aren't getting sufficient coverage.
- Reprogram the controller for automatic watering. Replace the controller back-up battery if necessary.
- Inspect the rain sensor, to make sure it will shut system down as saturation occurs (most rain sensors have a test button to use)
- Finish and clean any in-line filters for drip irrigation zones.
- It is recommended that our qualified irrigation technician perform this type of service in order not to void our warranty if your system was installed by our team.
Know Your Watering Day(s) by the table below:
Time of Year Residential: Odd-Numbered/No Address Residential: Even-Numbered Address Non-Residential: All Addresses Daylight Saving Time
(3/8/15 - 11/1/15) Wednesday &
Saturday Thursday &
Sunday Tuesday &
Friday Eastern Standard Time
(11/1/15 - 3/13/16) Saturday Sunday Tuesday
We hope this has answered your questions about your current or upcoming irrigation system. We look forward to serving you in any way possible. Call our office at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our online irrigation service form.