What is Irrigation?
When it comes to irrigation, the word can be a little confusing. While irrigation has been used for centuries for sustainable agricultural practices, today we have perfected the use of irrigation for not only farming but lawn care and landscaping.
Why Does Irrigation Matter?
Irrigation is the difference between a healthy landscape and a barren wasteland. While the sun is just as pivotal to plant health as irrigation, we can only do so much to control mother nature. However, over the years technology has evolved so that regardless of local weather patterns, water can be evenly distributed amongst the greenery. This is beneficial not just for property value and curb appeal, but for the environment itself. A healthy lawn and landscape mean a healthy ecosystem.
What Can Happen When Irrigation Is Ignored?
Regardless of location, plants are consistently exposed to the sun, but not to water. It can go weeks without raining, meaning plants dry out scarily fast if not maintained by irrigation. Furthermore, the opposite can happen- nonstop downpours for a week straight, resulting in nothing but moisture in the soil. So much so, that the vegetation ends up over-watered and unable to absorb enough nutrients it needs to survive. Irrigation creates a balance between these two extremes by controlling the amount of water that reaches the vegetation at any given point in time.
For times where it does not rain enough, water can be pumped through pipes and is streamlined to the plants to make up for what the rain could not fulfill, and for times where it rains too much, the pipes can keep the water filtered so it does not soak the surrounding soil. This way, the plants can take what water they need and not have to worry about nutrients.
What are Irrigation Best Practices?
Setting up your irrigation system takes time and effort, as well as many precautions. Thankfully, there are tips to make the process easier. There are three main steps:
1. Conceptualize your Irrigation System:
You oversee your irrigation system, meaning you are the one design it to meet whatever needs you have. However, this comes with its own set of conditions. You should refrain from wasting water or power, as not only will that cost you more money, but it’ll also potentially result in hazardous issues in the future.
2. Implement an Irrigation Plan:
After designing comes to the actual installation. This is extremely important, so do not cut corners here. Construct it exactly as your design is.
3. Upkeep Your Irrigation System:
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Once your irrigation system is complete, you may feel like your job is done. However, there is still much to do. You cannot just leave the machinery to operate itself. Managing how and when to use your system properly is not hard, but it does require engagement. For example, do not leave your sprinklers running 24/7.
That wastes water and overwaters the grass. Instead, wait until you see signs of your yard needing water before giving it any. It’s also recommended that after you first set everything up, run them once and then walk through your yard to ensure water got everywhere.
Where Do I find Irrigation Services?
Digging deeper into irrigation (no pun intended) can be a daunting task, especially for those responsible for commercial properties or HOA maintenance. Therefore, hiring a professional irrigation technician, and recruiting the help of other landscape professionals, can help you get the most out of your property. Down To Earth employees licensed and certified irrigation technicians across the state of Florida.