Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Gear-Driven Rotors


Summertime is approaching, and the hot sun can have damaging effects on your lawn. We are often too busy to give our yards the proper care and watering they deserve, so we rely on our sprinkler systems. Is your lawn irrigation system right for your property? Over the next few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts of the Twin Cities MN communities, will explain in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s the sound that everyone associates with sprinklers: “Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.” Rotor-type sprinklers (also known as gear-driven rotors, impact rotors, rotary sprinkler heads and rainbirds) are what people think about when think of sprinkler systems. Whenever a local newscast is doing a story about droughts or something related to irrigation systems, rotor sprinklers are the ones you’ll see, all thanks to that sound.

How Rotor Sprinklers Work
Sprinklers fall into two main types: spray-type and rotor-type. As explained in the last blog entry, spray sprinklers used a fixed water stream (think shower head), while rotor-type sprinkler systems use one or multiple rotating streams to water the ground. As is the case with spray systems, there are two types of rotor sprinkler heads available: pop-ups (which are preferred due to the aesthetic advantages) and shrub-style.

Installation Process
The time it will take to install any sprinkler system depends on the size of the project. You should hire a professional irrigation system contractor for any sprinkler system installation since digging and pipe work are involved. One mistake could turn into a water leak, which could turn into an increased water bill. Professionals will avert these expensive foibles.

Gear-Driven Rotors’ Advantages
Gear-driven rotors can shoot out a stream of water to distances up to 50 feet, making them the perfect choice for those with large yards or lawns. This system also comes with a variety of nozzles that allow the water to be sent out in different patterns.
Contact Advanced Irrigation today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com to learn more about gear-driven rotors and what they can do for your Twin Cities MN property.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Spray Heads

Summertime is approaching, and the hot sun can have damaging effects on your lawn. We are often too busy to give our yards the proper care and watering they deserve, so we rely on our sprinkler systems. Is your lawn irrigation system right for your property? Over the next few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts of the Twin Cities MN communities, will explain in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s 6 a.m. The sun is just rising over the horizon, and you’re in your car driving to work. You’re about ready to get on the highway and all of a sudden, they pop out of the ground, and everything green is sprinkled with water. Your car might even be a slight victim of this H2O assault.

Spray head sprinkler systems are one of the most popular systems for keeping yards lush and green. They’re viewed often as the de facto choice for homeowners who want to ensure their vivid, green grass doesn’t turn into a dry, brown mess.

How Spray Heads Work
Spray head systems bodies, like other sprinkler and/or irrigation systems, come in two styles: pop-up and shrub. Pop-up spray heads pop out of the ground whenever the system is operating, then drop back down once the spraying is complete. Shrub spray heads sprays water over the plants, as these heads are mounted above ground level on a vertical pipe.

Installation Process
The installation timeframe depends on the size of the project. Since a sprinkler system installation involves digging and pipe work, we recommend you use a professional irrigation system contractor instead of doing the work yourself. Any mistake could result in water leaks, which means a higher water bill. A professional will be able to avert these missteps.

Generally, the installation of a spray head system involves building a manifold, a group of control valves, followed by pipe laying and connecting the spray heads.

Spray Heads Advantages
Spray heads are perfect for precise irrigation control over small areas. Most spray heads have a spraying range of 5-15 feet, and water pressure varies between 20-30 PSI.

Pop-up spray heads are arguably the heads of choice for many homeowners. They don’t detract from the landscape, as they are virtually invisible once the job is done. Shrub spray heads are perfect for areas with many tall, dense shrubs, but being above ground and noticeable can cause second thoughts about its utilization. Plus, they can be damaged by lawn care equipment and should not be used in areas next to a sidewalk, path, driveway, etc.

Irrigation professionals like Advanced Irrigation will go over the pros and cons of both during an initial consultation. Call us today at 612.599.8675 or get a Free Estimate at www.AdvancedIrrigationMn.com.