Does Your Home Need a Sprinkler System?

A sprinkler system can help keep your lawn in good condition by providing it with the right amount of hydration, and by doing so on a regular, automatic basis (instead of relying on you to remember). There are some, though, that can benefit from the installation of an irrigation system like sprinklers a great deal. If you fall under one of the following categories, you could probably use a sprinkler system on your property.

You live in a drought-prone area. If rain is something that comes along every once in a while, and you commonly go days at a time without seeing a single drop, your lawn could absolutely benefit from regular watering sessions via a sprinkler system.

You have incredibly thirsty plants. Some shrubs and flowers require a lot more water than others. If you have plants that are constantly sucking down all of the water you’re giving them, they’re probably a lot more thirsty a lot more often than some of your other plants, and regular waterings could do them a lot of good.

You’re interested in doing less work. That’s the beauty of automation, right? With an automatic sprinkler system, you have one less thing on your plate to worry about -- the watering of your lawn and plants. When a sprinkler system is installed on your property, you can utilize that time for other things and still end up with a beautiful looking landscape.

Call Advanced Irrigation to learn more about how Anoka sprinkler systems can help you! (612) 599-8675.

Keep An Eye On Your Irrigation System

Some irrigation systems in Minneapolis have copper control wires that can be quite valuable if cashed in. For thieves looking to make a quick buck, this makes your irrigation system an attractive target. In Lee County, GA, the sheriff has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of irrigation wire thieves.

"Metal thieves strip the control wires off the top of the irrigation system. The wire is heavy duty copper that the thieves prize, but the damage costs thousands more to repair than the metal will bring the crooks. Plantation Security says they want to help the Sheriffs get the information to break the cases."

Keep a close eye on your irrigation system, and report any suspected damage to your local police department.

Cover Your Sprinklers For Winter

When freezing temperatures hit your sprinklers in St. Paul, serious damage can be done to exposed faucets and pipes. As James Lucas, a writer for the Huntsville Item states, you should prioritize "Putting your garden to bed," including your sprinkler system.

"In our garden I began by covering all water faucets and wrapping exposed pipes. I'll include this obvious step in putting the garden to bed, because in my case I've had frozen sprinkler valves the past two winters - a very costly mistake. This year I spared no expense and wrapped and covered anything that could possibly be damaged by freezing temperatures."

Don't get caught with frozen sprinkler valves, yourself -- do your best to cover up any exposed pipes and faucets to keep things from freezing up and getting damaged. And, of course, if you have any problems with your irrigation system, give Advanced Irrigation a call at 612-599-8675.

Lawn Care FAQs

Here are some of the more common lawn care questions we get asked:

How high should my grass be mowed?

At least three inches or the highest setting on your mower. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height every time you mow.

How should I water my lawn?

Sprinkler systems are usually the best option. Your grass will receive deep, frequent waterings with automatic systems.

What’s the best way to remove weeds?

Either use a post-emergent herbicide or pull out the weeds by hand.

Can I level a bumpy lawn?

Yes. Fill in the low spots with 1/4-inch layer of topsoil or sand. You might find you have to fill gradually in low spots to avoid smothering the grass.

Should I use my clippings for mulch or bag them?

In most cases, mulch, as it returns nutrients and organic matter to the lawn. It will also help the lawn to retain water.

Advanced Irrigation knows Minneapolis lawn care. Enlist their services today by visiting www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com. 

Sprinklers FAQ – Part 2

Here are some more of the common questions we get about sprinklers:

Why is my rotary sprinkler not rotating?

If the sprinkler is no longer rotating or water flow has decreased, it could be the filter is clogged, so try cleaning it out. If this doesn’t solve the issue, then the internal assembly probably needs replaced.

What are irrigation zones? Do they matter?

Irrigation zones are planned before the system is installed. Each zone is divided by the amount of water needed for proper hydration. For example, zones in sunny areas might need water while zones in shaded areas can probably use less. These zone help determine water efficiency, meaning less waste.

What should I when starting my system up after the winter?

Have your irrigation system contractor go through their startup procedure, so they can make sure everything is in working order.

Does sprinkler system installation damage yards?

Installing a system requires pipe pulling, and many contractors have equipment and machines that install the pipe with minimal damage. Upon completion, the sprinkler lines are barely visible and will disappear as your lawn grows.

Do I need to winterize my system?

Yes. A winterized system will not be damaged during the cold months, while one that is not winterized can have frozen or damaged pipes or sprinkler heads.

How long does it take to install an irrigation system?

Many can be installed in one day, but depending on the size of the system and amenities, it might take longer.

Still have questions about sprinklers? Minneapolis sprinklers contractor Advanced Irrigation can help you at www.Advanced-Irrigation-Minneapolis.com. 

Sprinklers FAQ – Part 1

Here are some of the commonly asked questions we get regarding sprinklers:

How long should I water my lawn and garden?

This depends on your sprinkler system and its precipitation rate. A typical spray sprinklers run will water shrubs for 10 minutes, circle rotors for a half hour and full circle rotors for a full hour. Contact your local sprinkler installer to have your program set up.

What does a sprinkler system consist of?

The system efficiently waters your yard with sprinkler heads (spray or rotary) placed in a geometric pattern. It’s separated into zones to make the best use of water pressure and because your lawn’s watering needs vary by location. The final piece is a controller or timer dictates to the system when it operates.

My sprinklers won’t turn off.

Try unplugging the controller. If this does the trick, follow the manufacturer’s directions to reprogram the controller. Should the system not turn off, then turn off the water to the sprinklers and contact your sprinkler system company.

Do sprinklers conserve water?

Yes. One of the best reasons for getting an automatic irrigation system is they excel at water conservation. A system installed and maintained properly ensures total hydration coverage; and the correct water distribution, timing and calibration. The best time to water your plants is in the morning, as there is ample time for water to penetrate the ground, calmer wind and peak water pressure.

What do you think about rain sensors?

Rain sensors are one of the best ways to save water, as well as extend your system’s life. Plus, they allow your sprinklers to take a break when rain falls, so investigate adding one to your irrigation system.

Have sprinkler questions? Minneapolis sprinklers company Advanced Irrigation can help. Contact us by visiting www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com. 

Stay Green This Summer: Irrigation Systems Explained – Drip Sprinklers

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 past few weeks, Advanced Irrigation Inc., the full service lawn care, sprinkler systems and irrigation systems experts for the Twin Cities MN communities, explained in this blog the different types of systems and how they might best benefit you.

It’s a common sight across America’s farmlands: crops lined up, with tubing adjacent. Each crop thirsts for sustenance, depending on the pipes to quench them. Drip irrigation systems are popular with the agricultural sector as they are among the most efficient irrigation method, wasting less water. While your front yard might not be full of crops, you can still utilize drip sprinklers for your flower beds or small gardens.

How Drip Sprinklers Work

Drip sprinklers apply water directly to the soil, down to the root. This is unlike conventional sprinkler systems, which spray water all over the lawn. Water is less likely to be wasted, as the slow drips won’t be caught by the wind. A drip sprinkle irrigation system consists of several sprinklers connected to the same hose. These rise out of the ground to spray your lawn, giving it the needed humidity.

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 foible could turn into a water leak, and in turn an increased water bill. Professionals will avert these costly errors.

Drip Sprinklers’ Advantages

As noted previously, drip sprinkler irrigation systems are one of the most efficient irrigation methods, with a 90% success rate. Like with any sprinkler system, you won’t have to spend hours every summer day watering your lawn. These systems are perfect for small flowers, since the flower bed will not be eroded.

Contact Advanced Irrigation today at 612.599.8675 or visit www.AdvancedIrrigationMN.com to learn more about drip sprinklers and what they can do for your Twin Cities MN property.