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Important Tips For Planning A Drip Irrigation System

Micro-irrigation has quickly become a popular mode of irrigation, given the fact that it is economical and far more efficacious than traditional methodologies that entail classic irrigation techniques. Usually, micro-irrigation, or drip irrigation, is a channel of plastic tubes that are equipped with low volume drippers and sprinklers that are designed to spread throughout your garden and distribute water evenly. This mode of irrigation happens to be a fraction of the price of conventional irrigation methods and boasts of ease of installation. The plants in your garden can be watered with just the turning on of the water and letting it flow for about an hour or so. Some systems even have a battery-operated controller switch that enables you to take advantage of a watering system that is completely automatic.

 

General Advantages

Apart from being cost-effective, drip irrigations aid in the management of time and energy as well. While using this system, the water used for this purpose is distributed more uniformly and with minimal wastage. You would also have the ability to regulate the flow and amount of water that would have to be distributed through your garden. This also helps the roots of the plants to absorb the maximum amount of water and evade the overflowing of water on the soil surface. In turn, drip irrigation conserves water by circumventing runoff and evaporation of water.

 

Plan A Sketch

If this is the first time you are implementing drip irrigation in your garden, it is advised that you start with a smaller area first to learn the basics of the technique and then expand into the entirety of the garden. You could choose a portion of the land and install a simple one-zone system first. The purpose of testing this method out is to deduce the most resourceful watering device for the requirements of the types of plants you have in your garden. This would be a crucial determinant of the rate of water flow that would be supplying to the entire field. Have this trial method set up for a few weeks and maintain the watering at regular timings so that you can arrive at an approximate estimate.
To construct a sketch, you would have to know the measurements of your land. The initial drip-rate would be decided by the type of plants that would be supplied by the system. While setting the system up, make sure that you reach the roots of all the plants in the designated area. Additionally, do not worry if the system does not look perfect at the very first try. A few adjustments here and there would be beneficial for you to understand your garden’s needs and you would ultimately be able to come up with the most efficient model for the drip irrigation.

 

Plan for the Future

While setting up your drip irrigation system, you must be accommodating of the future of your plants’ growth. With passing time, they will be requiring a higher amount of water. Consequently, you would have to build a system that would capacitate such an amount in the future. Sometimes, your pressure tank would have to be upsized to slow down the pace of pump cycling.

 

Installations of drip irrigation systems are best done through the assistance of a team of professionals. If you are planning to set up such a system in your garden, you could consider rendering the services of Pro Green Irrigation to cater to all your requirements in this area.

The 3 Types of Irrigation Systems for Your Lawn and Garden

Waking up to a beautiful garden in your backyard is a lovely feeling. No matter how tired you are but seeing some colorful flowers and a fruit popping out from the blocks of green leaves is a sight that can energize you in no time. And if you take it to the other side, a dull and dry garden with withering plants can be an eyesore.

So which one do you like better? If you say yes to the first one then get ready, it is time to have a look at some irrigation systems for your lawn and garden. The key to a healthy and lush green garden is proper irrigation and maintenance. Without it, every morning you will be treated to a cemetery of plants.

But with so many options in the market, how do you decide on the best one for your lawns or gardens? Add to that the number of features each system provides, the research can get a little tiring. Some are manual, some are automatic, some save water but require regular maintenance, or how about one that wastes a lot of water but requires almost no maintenance at all?

Where do you find the balance?

Here are some important tips that will make it easier for you to decide on the best irrigation system for your lawn and gardens –

Manual Watering

This is one of the simplest, easy to use and cheapest irrigation systems that you can opt for. It’s the old-fashion water cans and hoses. Completely manual but very effective in the right hands. You don’t have to install anything, all you need is a tap or a water source and you are ready to go. If you have a small garden or a small patch of lawn then this type of irrigation is more than capable of handling the task.

They are best used with container plants and flowers. The main con with manual watering is to know when to stop. This can lead to overwatering and water wastage. So as long as you have a small area to cover and can manually monitor the irrigation, manual methods can work without any problems.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems are commonly used in lawns and large gardens. The working principle is simple here – there is a pressurized supply and a spray heads are attached to the end. A stream of sprayed water covers a large portion of the land quickly. This is the simpler part, it gets complex when you have a look at the number of options and styles of lawn sprinkler systems.

Oscillating, stationary, impact sprinklers, automated ones, traveling sprinklers are just some of the types of the sprinklers that are available in the market. Sprinklers are best paired with flat and large patches of low-level lawns and gardens. If not monitored regularly, they can waste a lot of water.

Built-in Irrigation System

If you have a big lawn and want the absolute best for it then have a look at permanent systems. These are expensive, require regular maintenance but the results speak for themselves. Trenches are dug and in-ground pipes are laid which are connected to an automated water source and detection systems. All of the monitoring, time controls and water flow can be programmed. It is almost an auto-pilot system.

Some of the advanced ones can also take the weather info into account and create a specific watering schedule accordingly. It saves a lot of time and also takes out the guessing factor. If you have the resources to put one into place then you cannot go wrong with it.

Professional Installation

No matter what system you choose, it is always best to contact a professional to install it. A bad installation will cost a lot of water and time wastage. So save yourself from the hassles or irrigation system installations and contact Pro Green Irrigation today.

How to begin planning your sprinkler irrigation system

We like to begin with a conversation and a pen and paper.  The best way to plan out a sprinkler irrigation system for any lawn or garden is to start with the basic layout and note any obstacles or features that will have to be taken into consideration when planning out the placement of each individual sprinkler.

Measure your garden

The team of qualified sprinkler irrigation system installation experts will begin the process by taking accurate measurements of your yard. Once this is made they can begin to accurately plot where they recommend each sprinkler system to go before they even consider breaking ground.

Check the water pressure

This is a vitally important step in making sure that the right sprinkler irrigation system is used and that each sprinkler will be able to cover the area that it is supposed to.  A team of sprinkler irrigation system installation experts will do this for you as they have a very detailed knowledge of what their sprinkler systems need in terms of water pressure to perform well.

Decide where to put the sprinkler heads

Now that you know the size of the yard and the water pressure you are dealing with, we can then move onto working out the best places for each of the sprinkler heads.  This is a process that is worth taking some time over.  You should do everything that you can to avoid dry spots.  The goal is to have the sprinkler irrigation system provide 100% coverage of your lawn using a minimal amount of sprinkler heads.  It takes experience to be able to plot this out with accuracy, you can be confident in the skills of your qualified sprinkler irrigation system installation specialists to get this done right the first time.  What makes this complicated is they the areas that a sprinkler will cover are circles, whereas most yards are square.

Why is it so important that the sprinkler irrigation system is installed so precisely

The watering of your yard and plants is one of the most important aspects of making them look as best as possible.  The plants and grass will simply not survive without an adequate and regular supply of water.

The heat and dryness of the summer months can be the death of many plants that are not supplied with a regular supply of water.  This is something that can be done manually, however it is time consuming and tedious work.  If you take the time to invest in your garden by installing a sprinkler irrigation system, you will see a much healthier lawn in no time.

By having a team of professionals install the sprinkler irrigation system into your Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto or Vaughan yard you will be sure that it is done correctly and efficiently.  Having an efficient sprinkler irrigation system is very important as you want to keep your hydro bill as low as possible.  To make sure that you are choosing the right team for the job, you should ask about their experience and past successes with lawns that are of a similar type to your own.  It is worth taking the time to find the best sprinkler irrigation system installation team in the Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto and Vaughan.  Your sprinkler irrigation system should be able to last a great many years and the biggest factor in making sure it remains functional is correct installation.

Once your system has been installed you should make sure that you know all that you need to about proper maintenance of your sprinkler irrigation system.  Feel free to ask the installation team all about what you should be doing year round to make sure that your sprinkler irrigation system stays in perfect condition.

What you should, and should not do to keep your Toronto lawn healthy and well watered

Making sure that you have a professionally installed sprinkler irrigation system in your garden or lawn is very important if you want to keep the grass and plant healthy all year round. You do also need to maintain and operate the sprinkler irrigation system properly if you want the best possible results. Here are some of the most important do’s and don’ts of how to use your sprinkler irrigation system correctly.

Things that you should do:

Install and maintain a sprinkler irrigation system. If you plan to water your garden or lawn with a hose you will waste a great deal of water and time. With the simple installation of the right sprinkler irrigation system for your needs you will be able to get the healthy lawn that you have always wanted.

Use a programmable sprinkler irrigation system. These are great for making sure that you don’t over or under water your lawn. They can be timed so that they will only use the perfect amount of water to keep your garden healthy.

Think carefully about the type of sprinkler irrigation system you need for your Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto or Vaughan home. For example, if you want to irrigate your flowerbeds you will need to look at the spray irrigation method that provides a controlled amount of water directly to the plants.

Make sure that there is a rain shutoff device in your sprinkler irrigation system. This will be able to sense when there is moisture already in the soil so that your sprinkler irrigation system does not water the lawn after or during rain.

Clean out all of the water in the pipes before the first freeze. If you allow the water in the pipes to freeze you will be running the risk of the pipes bursting. This can be costly to repair so it is very important that you take the time to do this.

You should make sure that the water pressure in your Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto or Vaughan sprinkler irrigation system is not set too high. If your sprinkler irrigation system is under too much pressure, you run the risk of damaging it.

Keep an eye on the weather and make adjustments to how often your sprinkler irrigation system is active.

Keep a few spare parts handy, just in case you need to swap out a valve or any other component over time.

Things that you should avoid:

Make sure that your Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto or Vaughan sprinkler irrigation system is only watering the area that you actually need to be watered. You do not want to be watering your driveway or other paved area. This can waste a huge amount of water that will not only cost you money but could also potentially help weeds to grow through gaps in the paving stones.

Make sure that the sprinkler system is never used when it is raining. Not only is that a waste of water and money, you can run the risk of overwatering your lawn or garden. This can cause plants to die, so be very mindful of this.

Keep an eye on where the water drains to. If you notice any heading towards your house or towards drains, then it maybe time to rethink the alignment and layout of your Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto or Vaughan sprinkler system.

There is no need to water your lawn everyday. You should look to keeping the plants watered but not to over water them.

You should not start the sprinkler irrigation system installation process until you know where all of the underground utility pipes are. You should wait until you know where they are before you begin to dig. The last thing that you want to do is damage any of these underground systems. You may also be affecting your neighbours if you do not follow this important step. Having a team to make sure that you do not fall foul of this is a huge advantage and will allow you to sit back and relax as your sprinkler irrigation system is installed.

With these simple tips on installation, maintenance and operation you will be able to grow the plants and lawn that you have always imagined. Sprinkler irrigation systems take a great deal of effort out of keeping a beautiful yard and save you a lot of time in the process. By having a team of qualified professionals install your sprinkler irrigation system you can be certain that the placement of the sprinklers and the materials used will be perfect for the unique needs of your garden.

The Top 5 Benefits of Having an Irrigation System Installed

Plants and grass all need water to grow and thrive.  If you want your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto yard to look incredible then having an irrigation system installed should be at the top of your list.  Many homeowners understand that an irrigation system will help the yard look nice but there are many other benefits that you can enjoy after having a sprinkler system installed.

1) It can be an automated sprinkler system

Automated sprinkler systems are an excellent option for any yard or garden.  As they are automated you will not have to worry about giving your plants or grass too much water or too little.  You will also save on water as you will not be using more than you need to keep your yard looking amazing.  This will help with not only the appearance of your yard but also your monthly utility bill.  You don’t need to be home for this to work either. Gone are the days that you would come from a vacation or business trip to find all of your plants wilted and deprived of water.

2) Irrigation systems will increase the value of your home

You will see a noticeable increase in the value of your home after you have a sprinkler system installed.  This is achieved through having a more vibrant and healthy array of plants on display as well as the fact that the irrigation system is installed at all.  Also, if you are looking to sell and have an automated sprinkler system installed, it can free up your time to work on other projects and fixes in your home that can add value as the yard will take care of itself for the most part.

3) You can help prevent weeds and disease in your plants

No one enjoys weeding a garden.  With some of the more targeted sprinkler irrigation system options you can have water delivered to the roots of the plants that you want to grow and be strong.  The helps to stop the weed seeds from germinating.  Also, by limiting the water that is sprayed onto the leaves you can reduce the chance of any blight or leaf diseases.

4) Maintain soil nutrient balance

Over watering your yard can cause the soil to lose some of the nutrients that all plants need.  With an automated or controlled distribution of water through a sprinkler irrigation system you do not need to worry about this as the amount of water that is distributed is carefully controlled and maintained.

Another problem with overwatering is that soil can become too heavy and compacted.  This is not good at all for plants and should be avoided at all costs.  With one of the many sprinkler system installation options you can prevent this from happening.

5) You are in complete control

The advantage of a modern sprinkler irrigation system installation is that you can determine not only how much water is distributed throughout your garden, but also where it is sprayed, sprinkled or dripped.  This allows you to manage complex plant arrangements and provide each of your flower beds or vegetable patches with exactly the right amount of water they need at any given time.

The first step to learning more exactly how you and your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto garden will benefit from an irrigation system is to contact a sprinkler and irrigation installation specialist to get their opinion on what is best for you, and your garden.  By having a sprinkler irrigation system installed you will fall in love with your garden all over again.

The Many Types of Irrigation Systems Available in Toronto Area

There are many different types of sprinkler systems to choose from in the Toronto area.  To decide which sprinkler system is right for your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto lawn, you will need to assess the options and make a decision based on your personal preference and the size and shape of your yard.

Pop up irrigation systems

This type of irrigation system is becoming very popular in Toronto.  Pop up sprinkler systems are buried underground and are effectively concealed when not in use.  A lot of homeowners are choosing this option as their irrigation system for this reason alone.  Having a perfectly irrigated garden without any visible sprinkler system is a huge selling point on this type of sprinkler system installation.  Pop up sprinkler systems are most commonly used for large areas of grass but can also be incorporated into the irrigation of flower beds and other plants.

Drip style irrigation systems

Primarily used for watering at the base of plants and flowers, drip irrigation systems in Toronto are capable of delivering a measured amount of water in a very targeted fashion.  As this type of irrigation system releases water slowly, homeowners in Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill and Toronto have a great deal of control over how much water is used.  You will also see drip irrigation systems in Toronto placed in the borders of flower beds, vegetable gardens and even greenhouses.

Spray and micro jet irrigation systems

Another popular irrigation system choice is the spray or micro jet option.  These are typically used to cover larger areas and provide a method of watering plants that is similar to rain.  This is a highly effective way to keep your lawn irrigated along with keeping all of your plants healthy.  As spray irrigation systems are so common in the Toronto area, you can find replacement parts and options to customize quite easily.

Soaker hose irrigation systems

Perhaps one of the most simplistic irrigation options, the soaker hose system is essentially a hose that has holes along its length so that water can leak out at a controlled rate.  This leaky pipe irrigation system is very easy to set up but has its limitations.  It only has a limited range and is only really good for plants and flowers.  If you have a large lawn area in your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto home, then this type of irrigations system will not be suitable.

Drip line hose irrigation systems

Very similar to a soaker hose irrigation system, this is a slightly more controlled method of releasing the water.  Instead of simply having the water leak out of holes along the length of the hose, drip line hose irrigation systems have regular outlets for the water that help to maintain pressure throughout the hose.  Unfortunately, this method of irrigating your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto yard still has the same limitations and is not practical for larger yards.

Mini sprinkler systems

This is a great option when you are hoping to cover an area of about 8-12 meters in diameter. Quite similar to the micro spray irrigation systems, this method is quite well suited to many yard types and can provide the Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto homeowner with exactly what they are looking for.  Installation of this type of sprinkler system is quick and easy.

The first step to learning more about the type of irrigation system that will suit your Aurora, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill or Toronto garden best is to contact a sprinkler and irrigation installation specialist to get their opinion on what is best for you, and your garden.