Colorful by Design
Our Economy vs Your Landscape$
by Tom Lanier on 12/11/11
While many folks are getting hammered by this economy there are some practical things that they can do to help cut their costs. To be quite honest, most sprinkler systems run more often and longer than is truly necessary and so they are pouring money down the drain.
Water conservation has been developed into quite a precise science now. The factors that are considered involve soil type, air temperature, wind, and plant types. A concept that is so very important that needs to be stressed implicitly here is that when we run the sprinkler system we aren’t watering the grass; we’re not watering the plants, trees, or flowers. We are putting water into the shallow water storage under these organisms to allow them to draw from it as needed. If we can replace our old thinking with this new philosophy it will transform the way we approach watering. We’ll realize that the daily watering of the lawn and flower beds is not necessary because if there’s enough water in the storage down below, the roots can draw on it for days or weeks depending on the current conditions. Have you ever placed a string in a container of water and watched the water draw up until it’s saturated? Roots do the exact same thing.
Part of what is at the root of water waste began with the introduction of automatic sprinkler systems. It’s called “set it and forget it”. Another contributor is “out of sight---out of mind”. It’s one of the players in our convenience-based culture now and I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. It’s actually a fantastic thing when coupled with a little bit of monitoring.
Once you get the feel for what your landscape can get away with, you can simply make the simple adjustment(s) once a week or less to stay on track. It’s just a conscious awareness and it will pay you nice dividends. Can’t go there? Let a new device called Solar Sync do the thinking and adjusting for you. It can be viewed at http://hunterindustries.com/Products/Sensors/solarsync.html. You can see how it adjusts the timer settings automatically based on your current weather conditions. Also, I can help you get started with an analysis of your system. For consultation, repairs, and installations I can be reached at 878.5449.
Article originally published in the Orcutt Pioneer newspaper Oct. 26, 2011. You can visit them online at www.orcuttpioneer.com.
A Properly Installed Sprinkler System is an Asset
by Tom Lanier on 03/25/10
Too many times I have seen folks spend thousands of dollars on a new or refurbished landscape and yet won't want to spend a dime on their irrigation system to ensure that their new flora is well watered. It doesn't take long for them to see the results of that short-sighted decision. Often times, by then they have shot their wad and can't afford to fix the problem.
Don't make this mistake. Your irrigation system is part of the foundation of a well designed landscape. It will be efficient, water conservative, versatile, future-minded, and servicable.
It's more important to spend the money on a good soil prep and irrigation system and save up for the plants and trees than to cut corners and skip the first steps. If you don't follow this bit of advice Impatience will bite you for many years to follow right where it hurts . . . in the wallet.
Call Tom today for a consultation at 805.878.5449
