Stop pouring water and money down the drain
Thanks to the arid Texas weather, it’s often necessary to install an irrigation system that keeps your landscape looking good. However, this system may cost a fortune to operate. Here are five easy tips to help you keep irrigation expenses down this summer.
1. Run the Sprinkler in the Morning
Early in the day, the temperature is cool and wind is usually at a minimum, which means that less water will be lost from evaporation. Watering your plants at night can cause diseases to form on leaves and roots. Most often this is a problem in a humid climate like Texas.
2. Check for Leaks
If water appears to be running onto your sidewalks after your sprinkler has been turned off, there may be a leaky valve in your system. This can cause a great increase in irrigation bills because water is constantly running. Many times this is caused by sand that has become stuck inside your unit. To save money, clean or replace the part that’s leaking.
3. Reprogram the System
Most irrigation systems have ways to control the amount of water that’s sprayed from sprinklers. Also, there may be ways to time when the sprinklers begin and how long they will remain on. It’s recommended to program the systems to run in a few shorter cycles instead of one long steady period of time. This will allow the water to soak into the ground. Most drought-hardy plants that are common in Texas landscapes don’t require much water in the first place.
4. Change to a Newer Sprinkler Head
Over the last few decades, sprinklers have become very water efficient. If you own an older model, it may have poorly designed features. Newer products are better equipped to spray larger distances without using as much water. This will help you eliminate dry spots in the yard as well.
5. Use Fertilizer and Remove Weeds
When you keep grass well nourished with fertilizer, it will quickly recover from the stresses of drought. This means that it won’t be necessary to water as often. Also, you should remove weeds from the yard as well. Weeds steal water from other plants. Keeping them out of the garden will help deliver water to the plants that really need it.
The above tips will help you avoid high irrigation bills this summer. As always, don’t forget check your city’s watering restrictions. If you need professional help maintaining your system, contact the irrigation experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services. We’re family-owned and have served the Bryan and College Station areas for years.