For most of Gainesville Regional Utilities' residential customers, 'tis the season to be stingy. Their wastewater rates for 2014 will be determined by their usage beginning with the billing cycle that starts this month.

Called the "winter max," the rates most residential customers pay are determined by how much water is used for the January and February bills. And depending on when their meters are read, whether at the beginning of the month or the end, the dial my already be in motion.

Basically, the wastewater rate — since most residents don't have wastewater meters — is determined by taking the average daily water consumption for those two months, multiplying that by 30.4 and rounding to the nearest 1,000 gallons.

GRU charges $5.29 for every thousand gallons used, in addition to a $6.50 customer charge.

The average consumer uses 5,000 gallons of water a month, down from 6,000 two or three years ago, said Kim Jamerson, a spokeswoman for the city-owned utility.

"Winter months are used to set this winter max ... because the amount of irrigation is typically lower," Jamerson said.

That way, the rates are more comparable to actual usage inside the home and not counting water that isn't being run through the wastewater system. However, if your Gainesville Irrigation system is not set to run less than it did in summer and fall, you won't see any savings. 

It appears that most Gainesville residents have received the message that reducing consumption benefits their pocketbooks — not to mention the environment, although there has been some albeit minimal blowback.

Regardless, he said, the district has received a lot of support from residents since officially limiting Gainesville irrigation systems to running two times a week in the warmer, wetter months and once a week in the dry season.

"We're getting a lot of compliance with it," Still said. "A lot of people understand the issues."

If you need help resetting your irrigation timer to use less water during the winter, feel free to call us for all of your Gainesville Sprinkler System needs. 

How to program your Gainesville irrigation controller

You can save a lot of water in your Gainesville landscape, and save your plants from drought stress or overwatering, with the proper and timely adjusting of your Gainesville sprinkler system controller. The key is to not "set it and forget it". You need to change the watering schedules as plants become established, with the changing seasons, and when it rains (unless you have a Smart Wifi Hydrawise Controller or functioning weather sensor). Here's an easy guide to make setting your irrigation controller easier than setting your coffee maker. If you don't already know how much water your plants need, our Landscape Watering Guide will help walk you through the steps.

Basic Controller Features

• Stations control the valves that release the water to the Zones in your yard and landscape. Put plants with similar water needs on the same station or zone. This allows for more efficient watering since all emitters and/or sprinklers on a single valve will run for the same amount of time. Multiple stations or zones allow you to customize watering amounts for different types of water needs (full sun vs. shade, turf vs. Plants), by allowing for different run times for different areas.
• The Start Time is the time at which the first valve will open to irrigate that particular area of the yard, and then continue on through the rest of the program.
• The Run Time is the time, in minutes, a specific valve will stay open and therefore water a zone. This is a major key to increasing/devreasing water to specific areas of your yard that are struggling. Off or Stop will stop programs from running until you toggle back to ‘Run’. Your programs will be saved. This is great during rainy periods (as long as you remember to turn it back on!).
• The Manual button allows you to run a single valve or entire system for the amount of time it is set for. This is helpful when you want to tune-up your irrigation system and check for leaks, misaligned sprinkler heads, or clogged drip emitters or run an extra time during the week.
• A Program is where you store all of your settings. It consists of a set of stations set to specific start times and run times. Here, multiple programs A, B, & C allow you to run different valves on different days with different run times. Make sure each program runs stations with similar plant water needs to maximize irrigation efficiency. We recommend only using additional programs once you have a complete understanding of the irrigation controller, as this is where controllers can be confusing.
•  

Programming Your Gainesville Sprinkler Controller

For easy programming, first slide the "Set Program" (1) toggle to the middle, and then start in the upper left corner of your controller and move clockwise through the settings. Start with program A (2). Set the dial to current time and use the +/– buttons to locate the current time of day. Turn the dial one click to the left and use the +/- buttons to locate the day of the week. You only have to do this once (3). Turn the dial to the “valve run times” to select a station and use the +/– buttons to enter the amount of watering time for that valve, which sends water to a particular zone in your yard or garden (4). Turn the dial to start times and use the +/– buttons to select time you'd like your irrigation to begin. You can have three different start times per day, but typically you only need one (5). Now turn the dial to “schedule” the days you want your irrigation to run or the numbers of days to skip in between watering. Use the +/- buttons to enter this information (6). Now repeat steps 3, 4 & 5 for each station/valve you are controlling, and program A is complete. Use programs B & C for other zones that require difference frequencies of watering, such as turf, Xeriscape, vegetable gardens, etc.

Programming Tips

Different plants have different watering needs. Use multiple start times if excessive runoff is a problem Remember… The controller controls the Gainesville irrigation system, but YOU control the controller.

•  
• Links to Gainesville Irrigation Controller Manufacturers

• 
  800-724-6247, www.rainbird.com
• Hunter
  800-733-2823, www.hunterindustries.com
• Irritrol Systems
  800-634-8873, www.irritrolsystems.com
• Orbit
  800-488-6156, www.orbitirrigation.com

Here's a YouTube Video to make changing your Gainesville Irrigation Controller settings easier. 

Be Smart.

Get More By Using Less Water with your Gainesville Sprinkler System.

In recognition of Smart Irrigation Month coming up in July, read up on our Gainesville Irrigation and lawn tips, and make sure you are saving every dollar you can while helping conserve water.

From water savings calculators, to weather sensors, MP Rotators and more, Hunter has the solutions you need to conserve water and keep your Gainesville landscape healthy. .

This June and July, go to hunterindustries.com/smartirrigation to learn more about how Hunter is working with The Master's lawn Care to save water and be more environmentally concious as a Hunter Prefferred Gainesville Irrigation Contractor.

How much does a landscape or lawn service in Gainesville, Florida cost?  ...or... How much should I budget for lawn and landscape work in Gainesville, FL?

This is always one of the first questions a homeowner has when starting the research process for a Landscape company. The problem with answering this question, though, is the fact that a lawn service or project has so many variations and options that it can be very tough for one to truly know what the price to fully enjoy their yard will be. Notwithstanding, I'll do my best here to give you some realistic cost ranges as to what most people will spend. (And remember, these prices are AVERAGE, and can vary drastically depending on the size of your property, the thoroughness of the company, the quality of the material, etc)

Gainesville Irrigation System Costs

First things come first, and before you can expect to have a vibrant landscape in North Florida, you must make sure you have water irrigate it. Most homes built after the 90's in our area came with irrigation systems, but there are still many in our area that haven't had one installed yet. To irrigate efficiently and effectively, a professionally-installed irrigation system that meets code, comes equipped with a backflow preventer, and utilizes a rain sensor is a must-have.

Price Range for Design/Installation: - $3,500-5,000

Price Range for a Service Call - $100-250 (depending on the type of repairs needed)

Price Range for a Bi-Annual or Quaterly System Inspections - $75-250 per service

Gainesville Sod Installation

Occasionally we'll have a client that just wants to have a new lawn installed. Although there are many more things that create curb appeal than just green grass, there are people who just need new grass to give them a lawn they want their kids and pets playing in. Here are some rough price estimates, with variables of size of lawn, access for equipment, and amount of preparation work needed. 

The estimated costs include:

• the removal of the existing weeds and dirt to make sure the existing problems and pests are removed from the lawn
• the removal of approx 1" of existing soil to make sure new sod is installed level with the current lawn
• application of an organic soil ammendmanet (milorganite) that helps kick-start the biological cycle in the soil to create nutrients and healthy soil under the new sod
• Sod costs and delivery fees
• Installation labor
• Irrigation Check-up to verify coverage of new lawn
• Dump Fees for old materials removed from the lawn

1,000 - 1,500 Sq. Ft. of Sod - $2.25-2.75 per square foot

1,500 - 3,000 Sq Ft. of Sod - $2.25-2.50 per square foot

3,000 and up Sg. Ft. of Sod - $2.00-2.50 per square foot

Smaller Gainesville Landscape Designs:

This typically includes: a professional landscape design sketch concept, removal/disposal of existing unwanted plant material, approximately 30-50 plants, mulch, and the installation of all of the above. This is typically for a very small postage stamp-sized lawn, or just the front or back of a normal sized yard. 

Price Range: $2,500-$6,000. (This, like everything else mentioned in this article, is contingent on a wide variety of factors)

Larger Gainesville Landscape Installation Prices:

This would include everything in the basic install noted above, but about twice as many materials and size of the design. Also, it may include a hardscape patio or firepit as an additional feature in the backyard.  This is typical for a full landscape re-design (front and back) of a normal to a large-sized yard. 

Price Range: $10,000-$25,000

Gainesville Landscape Lighting Pricing:

Our landscape lighting systems are first-class quality from the design to the fixtures. The 2 main problems with outdoor lighting in Florida are the fixtures allowing moisture into the electronics and burning out or the system not being maintained properly to keep adjusting for growing the maturing landscape. We solve these two issues with quality fixtures that have a lifetime warranty and with on-going service to adjust and aim the landscape lights with the landscape as it grows. We recommend choosing our premium LED system over the cheaper lighting systems because of the savings on electricity, bulb replacement, and their lifetime warranty. It may cost a little more up front over a home depot system, but will save you money for years down the road in headaches and frustration. We also offer Wi-Fi transormers that are controlled by your smartphone or tablet as well. 

Price Range: $200-300 per lighting fixture (including the transformer, fixture, LED bulb, and installation) with a minimum of 10 light fixtures. 

Gainesville Patio Pavers, Walkways, and Firepit Pricing

Patios, Paver Walkways, and Custom firepits extend your living space outdoors at a fraction of the cost. They give you the freedom to entertain guests and spend quality time together somewhere other than around the television. These can be done on a relatively low budget using crushed concrete or gravel as a surface, or they can be done intricately with pavers and travertine.

Price range: $11-17 per sq. ft., plus any retaining walls or firepit additions.

Gainesville Landscape Maintenance Service Pricing

Landscape maintenance services can vary wildly on pricing - depending upon a myriad of factors. Size of lawn, the frequency of service (weekly, biweekly, monthly), annual schedule (how many scheduled visits per year), service inclusions (mowing only, shrub trimming, weed removal in mulch beds), and whether that company is insured properly for your protection. The pricing scale can range all the way from your neighbor's teenager just cutting the grass to a professional lawn service providing a thorough and detailed service that leaves your landscape immaculate and follows up with scheduled lawn pest treatments and fertilization to keep your lawn looking the best in the neighborhood. The Master's lawn maintenance service includes our lawn health program with it to protect your lawn from unwanted pests. 

Price Range: $195-$350 per month

Gainesville Lawn Health and Fertilization Pricing

Lawn spraying programs are offered most often by chemical companies like ChemLawn (now rebranded as TruGreen) and other Pest Control companies. These companies are great at keeping pests out of your lawn using chemicals - but we have found they typically are not very knowledgeable about lawn health. The Master's handles everything in the Gainesville lawn - the design, preparation, installation, irrigation, mowing, aeration, fertilization, and pest control. We leave the termites and house pests to the experts in their field, and we stick to what we're experts about - and that's lawns. Our program includes weed control, pest prevention, disease treatment, fertilization, and soil amendments - all in one organic-based program to improve the health of your lawn. 

Price range - $42-95 per month

Although all of these numbers and prices are very general, I do hope this article helps you to have a better feel for pricing on Gainesville lawn and landscape projects and what to expect when you start going through the process. If we can be of help in this process, please call us at (352) 378-5296 and we look forward to working with you.

3 Tips for Protecting your Sprinkler System During Frost

Along with your other to-do list to prepare for the colder weather, you must take the time to go through the winterization process of your Gainesville irrigation system.

Winterizing your sprinkler system is necessary to avoid damage to the backflow preventer and your landscape plants when nearing a freeze warning:

1. Adjust the Irrigation Schedule:

• Modify your irrigation schedule to avoid running the system during frost periods.
• Unlike the practice of citrus growers who run water throughout the night to protect their plants, running sprinklers during a frost can lead to frozen moisture on plant leaves, causing more harm than good.

2. Protect the Backflow Preventer:

• Insulate your backflow preventer from low temperatures by using material to protect the exposed pipe, plastic, and metal.
• The photo above shows a backflow, but the insulation does not cover the metal or plastic housing on the device. These materials are available at all home improvement stores.
• In case of a last-minute need, wrap a heavy blanket around the backflow preventer to provide insulation. This DIY approach can help prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures.

3. Post-Freeze Inspection and Scheduling:

• After the frost has passed, inspect your irrigation system for any potential issues or damage.This is great to do seasonally anyway, but even more so after a frost.
• Once you've ensured the system is in good condition, resume your normal irrigation schedule. Regular maintenance ensures the continued efficiency of your system.

By following these tips, you can protect your irrigation system from the adverse effects of frost, ensuring it remains in optimal condition to keep your landscape thriving. If you have any concerns or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. Stay proactive, stay informed, and safeguard your irrigation investment during freezing weather.

The Master's is committed to helping it's clients protect their irrigation and landscape through the weather changes we see in North Florida. If we can answer questions for you, or if a technician is needed to service your sprinkler system, don't hesitate to contact us by calling us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296.

1 - Turn off the shut-off valve - On most residential backflow devices, there are two shut-off valves. These are typically covered in blue rubber and are located before and after the actual backflow device. You need to shut the one off before the device (#2 on the picture above) to keep more water from entering it. This is the lower of the two shut off valves. Turning it a half turn will turn the water flow to the backflow device off

2- Release the water pressure - Now that you have shut off the water valve, you must release the water that is in the device so that it doesn't expand when it freezes and crack the device. The way to do this is with a flat head screwdriver, loosen the two bleeder valves (#3 and #4 above) that are usually located just under the plastic top of the backflow. Sometimes, they may even have rubber inserts you have to remove before you can see the flathead screw. When opening these, be aware that the water will spew out for a few seconds and your hands will get wet.

NOTE: If the water doesn't stop spitting out after a couple minutes, you haven't fully turned off the water in step 1.

3- Leave the smaller bleeder valves open - This will allow the water to expand and freeze without being hindered and causing damage.

4- Insulate your Backflow - At almost all home improvements stores, they carry pipe insulation. All you need is that and duct tape and you can wrap the pipe as shown in the picture above. You'll also want heavy duty scissors to cut the insulation around the bleeder and shut-off valves for easy acccess.

5- Turn Your water back on - Don't forget after the freezing temperatures have passed to go back out and close the bleeder valves, turn on the shut-off valves, and water your landscape. They've been without water unless it rained while you've had it off.

If you need help with protecting your Gainesville sprinkler system from freezing temperatures, feel free to call us at (352) 378-5296 so we can schedule an appointment to get you prepared for the next upcoming freeze.

Grass requires plenty of water to keep it green and growing. Long periods without rain, like we've been in recently in North Florida, can mean that you end up with a dying yard. Here are ten ways to make sure your lawn is ready for the drought.

1. Irrigate deeply and less often – Set your irrigation to use plenty of water at once. Watering longer will allow you to space out your waterings. This will encourage your grass roots to  reach down for the water instead of just accessing what is available near the surface.
2. Avoid fertilizers – Don’t apply fertilizers to your lawn before or during a season of drought. This is actually harmful to your lawn rather than helpful because it increases the need for water.
3. Raise the mower height – By raising the cutting height on your mower, you will be encouraging root growth in your grasses. This will help the grass stay greener longer during a drought season. This is ESPECIALLY true for St. Augustine grass.
4. Increase potassium – Prior to a drought season, change your fertilizer to one that contains a higher level of potassium. Potassium may encourage root growth in your grasses. The key term here is prior, and that is months prior; not just before the drought.
5. Change grass types – Zoysia turf grasses are stronger against drought than St. Augustine. If drought is a frequent problem, you may want to consider increasing these types of grasses in your lawn. St. Augustine grass is not very drought tolerant at all, although it is easily the most popular grass in our area.

As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to help keep your lawn greener, longer, during a drought period. Just remember, that if you can water, watering longer and less often will be better for your grass than small amounts every day. Please let us know if you have any other questions or would like any help with your irrigation system.