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Reasons Why You Should Choose a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Imagine a landscape that is a gorgeous shade of green for the entire season, even with no rain in the forecast. Imagine an irrigation system you control with your smartphone for your residential or commercial property. Imagine that you no longer have to manually water your lawn or garden while having a more efficient and effective way to keep your plants healthy. You can have all of these things when you invest in a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation system.

This blog will explore benefits of irrigation and 4 reasons to choose Burkholder and Sir Sprinkler for your irrigation needs.

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3 Benefits of Sprinkler Systems

Irrigation systems offer many benefits to homeowners, including of course a nearly hands-free lush green landscape. Below are 3 top benefits of sprinkler irrigation systems.

1. Conserves Water

Irrigation systems use water more efficiently than other methods of watering. As a result, you can save money on your water bill and reduce your environmental impact.

2. Improve Your Plants’ Health

Inarguably, plants need appropriate watering to thrive, and irrigation systems can ensure that they get the water they need. A drip irrigation system can also ensure plants are hydrated by delivering water directly to the roots. This system helps your plants have stronger root systems, healthier foliage, and vibrant blooms.

3. Save Time & Effort

With an irrigation system, you avoid having to spend hours manually watering your lawn or garden. Instead, you can program the system to water your plants at specific times, so you can sit back and relax while the system does the work.

plants in a black mulched bed with  Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System | Burkholder Landscape

4 Reasons to Choose a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Sir Sprinkler is a state-of-the-art irrigation system company that uses advanced technology to deliver water directly to your plants’ roots. The irrigation systems feature a network of underground pipes and sprinkler heads to fit the needs of your lawn. Here are some of the major benefits of Sir Sprinkler systems.

1. Customizable Design

Each lawn and garden are unique, so we offer a customizable design tailored to your needs. For example, we can configure Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems to deliver water where the water is most needed. Plus, we can adjust the design as your landscaping changes.

We check each landscape to determine the specific watering needs, such as properly watering newly installed plants, and consider water pressure, filters, and more. We then design a system with the necessary features and zones to accommodate those needs. As a result, our systems provide consistent watering to keep landscapes lush and green.

In addition, our intelligently placed sprinkler heads provide full coverage for all plants in your landscape, from the yard to the shrubs to the trees. Consistent, full-coverage watering that minimizes overwatering makes a Sir Sprinkler irrigation system ideal for many homeowners.

2. Top Quality Parts

Irrigation systems are an investment in your landscape. Sir Sprinkler uses top-rated lawn sprinkler brands to get the best value for your investment. For example, Rachio

Sprinklers in front yard landscaping - Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System by Burkholder Landscape

specializes in intelligent sprinkler systems and controllers and has an easy to use mobile app.

Rain Bird is known for valves and sprinkler heads made with the highest-grade materials and water-efficient technology. Quality parts are the foundation of a long-lasting system that meets your watering needs.

3. Smart Technology

We equip our Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems with smart technology that makes managing your irrigation system from anywhere easy. You can use your smartphone or tablet to adjust the watering schedule, track water usage, and receive alerts if there are any issues with the system. This gives you greater control and peace of mind, whether at home or away.

Rain sensors, for example, can be geo-sensitive and linked to local weather information that will automatically “opt out” of water on a day if rain is likely. Smart technology, like rain sensors, minimizes the risk of overwatering, which keeps lawns green and saves water simultaneously.

4. Continued Support & Service

When you invest in a Sir Sprinkler irrigation system, you also receive continued support and service. Routine adjustments and regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure your landscape gets the proper irrigation and your irrigation system runs efficiently. In addition, we offer spring startups, fall winterization, backflow testing, and system upgrades to improve the durability and effectiveness of your irrigation system. Also, we provide repair services for our systems and service several other brands, including Toro, Hunter, Orbit, and K-Rain.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for a Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System

Sprinkler season is well underway here at Burkholder, so leave the design, installation, and maintenance to us! Our certified technicians have years of experience working with irrigation systems in the Main Line area. In addition, we offer various irrigation and landscape services to keep your landscape vibrant and healthy. To learn more about the Sir Sprinkler Irrigation System or the benefits of sprinkler and irrigation companies, contact Burkholder Brothers for a consultation.

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Burkholder Offers 4 Reasons You Will Want an Irrigation System This Year

Spring rains help bring vibrant green color to your landscape, and yards and fields are lush everywhere you look. However, when summer arrives with less rain and intense heat, many yards begin to wither, and we see a lot of brown grass. At this time of year, when families want to spend time outside having barbecues or playing outdoor games, having a soft, green, manicured lawn is very desirable. So what distinguishes the lush green yard and the dry crunchy brown yard next door? Probably a professionally installed sprinkler and irrigation system.

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Advantages of Installing a Custom Irrigation System

Irrigation and sprinkler systems can improve the look of your landscape and the health of your plants. However, these systems also bring many other advantages. Depending on your wants and needs, you can take advantage of new technological advancements to make yard work more convenient. Gone are the days of doing all your yard work by hand, watering everything manually with a garden hose. Instead, technology is here to give you a helping hand to save time and water while providing what your landscape needs to look beautiful. In addition, a custom irrigation system can make a difference in keeping your lawn in top condition.

1. Convenience

Some people try to manually water their lawns or set up individual sprinkler heads to move around the yard. However, both methods require time, which is often in short supply. Sometimes this method results in forgetting that you have the sprinkler on and remembering two hours later when one area of your lawn is marshy. Even if you are an expert at setting timers and going out to move the sprinkler system, what happens when you want to go on vacation? You could come home to a dry, scorched landscape. With an irrigation system, you can set timers to water your lawn at the optimal times of the day and deliver the right amount of water to each yard zone or individual plant.

Irrigation systems have come a long way in the last few years with smart technology. People can use smartphones to operate and control their sprinkler systems. You can now control your system from wherever you have your phone or smart speaker.

Sprinkler Irrigation System in flower bed | Burkholder Landscape

2. Results

Due to improved health, lawns with sprinkler systems look better than lawns without them. Burkholder’s Sir Sprinkler experts know how much water is optimal for various landscapes. We can ensure that each area of your yard gets the irrigation needed with zones and timers. In addition, drip systems will target specific plants or trees to get consistent water. With drip irrigation systems, adjacent areas receive little water, reducing the opportunity for weeds to flourish, saving you time, and preventing competition for nutrients and water.

Lawn and yard care is all about how much attention you give. Today you can accomplish the best results without physical, back-breaking labor by getting the right irrigation system and accompanying technology. A professional can provide you with the necessary information and install the right system for your lawn. Anyone can have a beautiful property as long as you invest in the right products.

Sprinkler irrigation system spraying on front lawn | Burkholder Landscape

3. Customization

Smart technology used in sprinkler systems can monitor weather forecasts and set the irrigation system timer to water your lawn accordingly, providing different amounts of water or water pressure. For example, some plants need a steady water supply in low quantities, so a drip watering system can provide water to those plants without overwatering them.

Today’s systems provide many different ways to customize your experience, from user-programmed to completely automated. For example, you can use voice commands to tell your sprinklers to turn on while watching TV or cooking dinner. With a few swipes on your smartphone while at work, you can change when your sprinklers turn on and off.

4. Conservation

When you have a heavy rainstorm, much of the water delivered to your lawn runs off, taking nutrients with it. A lawn sprinkler system installed by professionals allows you to water for short periods more often, which helps the water to remain in the area you want to irrigate. As a result, your system will conserve water, which will lower your water bill and help you save money in the long run while being environmentally friendly. In addition, rain sensor devices are available, which will prevent your sprinkler from running when the additional water is unnecessary.

If you are looking for the best way to be green and environmentally sound, you can gain more efficiency with a smart irrigation system. Smart sprinklers will be able to send the exact amount of water needed. In addition, the system will monitor the weather and account for any amount of incoming rain and dry spells. This can drastically increase your water conservation and the quality and condition of your lawn.

Call Burkholder for Professional Irrigation System Design and Installation

Summer is the time of year that many homeowners should look to getting sprinkler systems because those people can see the consequences of under-watering. Burkholder offers a free consultation and will design an irrigation and sprinkler system that is right for your landscape. The benefits of less time spent on your lawn and a lower water bill are great reasons to consider working with us. For more information about irrigation systems and our services, contact Burkholder today.

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How to Properly Water New Plants

Every living thing in your landscape needs water to thrive. Therefore, proper watering is vital, whether you are hand-watering planters or using a sprinkler system to achieve a lush green lawn. We will help you understand how to properly water new plants. If you lack the time necessary for such care, we can also help you by installing a customized sprinkler system.

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Tips for Watering New Plants Properly

New plants may have different requirements than those that are established already. The Burkholder team has some tips for adequately watering new plants.

Check All Plants Weekly

Check newly planted trees and shrubs every few days for the first two weeks. Annuals and perennials should be checked more often. After those two weeks, check every 7 to 10 days. Dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3″ for small plants and 6-8″ for larger ones and trees; water generously if the soil feels dry.

Provide Slow, Deep Watering

Another tip to help you properly water new plants is deeper watering. Getting water deeper into the soil is better for your plants’ roots than a shallow, ground surface watering. Place the hose at the base of the plant at a heavy trickle. If you are unsure how long to water new plants, aim for 30-60 seconds for small plants – longer for larger plants while moving the hose to a few locations around the plant.

Sprinkler irrigation system watering flower bed | Properly Water New Plants | Burkholder Brothers Landscape

Avoid watering when the soil feels moist. The earth must be allowed to dry out between watering. If a plant is maintained in constantly moist soil, the plant’s health will deteriorate over time. A plant weakened by overwatering may die of oxygen deprivation or become susceptible to pests and disease. Lawn irrigation systems can help you provide a slow, deep watering close to your plants’ roots.

Adjust Watering as Plants Mature

As your landscape grows more mature, your watering practices may need to be adjusted.

  • You should water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting unless you get rainy weather, but after a month or so, decrease the frequency that you water plants to around 2-3 times a week.
  • In the following months, water less often. As mentioned above, whenever you water your plants, focus on providing water deeper into the ground. Just as for newly planted specimens, established plants and trees need to develop deep roots over time. These deep systems can help the trees survive periods of drought in the summer.

Even though you are less frequently watering, a deep watering provides enough water for the roots without causing issues from overwatering, such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves.

Hose watering plants | Properly Water New Plants | Burkholder Brothers Landscape

Water Early in the Morning

Generally, the ideal time to properly water new plants as well as more mature plants, is early morning. Morning watering maximizes your plants’ chance to absorb all of the water you provide. During the other times of the day, the weather is noticeably hotter. Watering during these times can result in water evaporating. Watering in the morning is especially important when the temperatures are scorching during the summer. The chances of water evaporating then are higher than in other seasons.

You can set a sprinkler irrigation system to activate during any time of the day. So if you want to have consistent watering in the morning, schedule your irrigation system timers accordingly.

Monitor Water Requirements Frequently

Monitoring water requirements frequently is more important than actually watering frequently. Monitor your plants’ water requirements for at least the first two to three years. Plantings close to buildings where heat may reflect, and plants under roof eaves require closer monitoring. During the hot summer months and early fall, disregard natural rainfall. Often, rain received during these periods produces mostly runoff and contributes little to increasing ground moisture.

The Value of Mulch in Helping Your Landscape Thrive

Using mulch, in general, is a good idea because the mulch aids in retaining water. In addition to that factor, mulching around trees and shrubs enables them to more efficiently take in water. Grass around trees and shrubs competes with them for water. Since a healthy grassy area has a dense root system, the trees and shrubs are prevented from developing roots for water intake in the top layers of soil. Having mulch in place of grass allows the trees and shrubs to take in water more easily, so they grow more quickly and with more vigor.

Maintain a 2-2 ½ mulch layer to help conserve ground moisture, prevent weeds, and retain moisture. Remember, excess amounts of mulch will result in poor air circulation and reduce plant vigor. The Burkholder team installs 3” at the time of planting. Install only 1-2” each year thereafter.

Why Use a Sprinkler System for Proper Watering of Plants?

Stress-free, hands-off irrigation of your lawn is possible with an automatic sprinkler system. Today’s sprinkler irrigation systems have zones so that you can program the proper water levels for each aspect of your landscape. So your plant beds can have long, deep watering cycles at the desired frequency, and your grass can get the right amount of water.

Grass watering requirements can vary according to rainfall, whereas much of rainfall is unable to be used by trees and shrubs due to runoff, as previously mentioned. Your irrigation system can be programmed to allow for rainfall’s impact on water levels. You can also be sure that your plants and trees remain healthy when you go on vacation if you have a sprinkler system.

Call Burkholder for Fine Main Line Landscaping and Sprinkler System Services

The team at Burkholder wants you to enjoy one of the best landscapes in your neighborhood, which requires someone to properly water new plants, established plants, and your grass. For more information and helpful ideas, contact us today for a landscaping design consultation.

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Lawn Watering For Different Grass Types

Keeping a lawn watered is vital and seems simple enough on the surface. But yard and grass care encompass many factors that, when understood, that can help ensure your lawns’ watering needs are met. One factor, grass type, can significantly impact when and how you should water your lawn. So to help keep your property beautiful and healthy, here are tips on lawn watering for different grass types.

What Are The Different Grass Types?

To ensure that your watering efforts are most effective, you will have to know what your grass type is. Grass types break down into two categories based on the temperatures each seed thrives in: cool-season and warm-season grasses. Most of the grass types in Pennsylvania are cool-season, but many homeowners (particularly in southeastern PA) have warm-season grass seeds in their lawn instead. If you are unsure which grass type you have, reach out to one of our landscape professionals.

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Tips on Lawn Watering For Different Grass Types

Once you know your lawn’s grass type, you can better understand how to water your lawn properly. We will share some valuable advice on how much water you should use based on grass type, how to tell when your yard needs water, and the best time of day to water.

How Much Water You Should Use

A common issue for homeowners is how much water to use when watering their lawns. Lawn watering for different grass types requires knowing how much water each grass type requires.

  • Cool-season grass: Cool-seasons grasses, for the most part, need moderate to high amounts of water, and their drought tolerances are mixed, with some being great (fescue) and others less so.
  • Warm-season grass: Warm-season grass types generally require less water than cool-season grasses while also being more drought-resistant on average.

The majority of yards need around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Watering can come from rainfall or homeowners manually watering lawns, and can occur in a single watering session or small spurts throughout the week.

Sprinkler irrigation system spraying front yard | lawn watering for different grass types | Burkholder Brothers
Irrigation system spraying flower bed | lawn watering for different grass types | Burkholder Brothers

When Your Lawn Needs Water

Another essential piece of knowledge about lawn watering for different grass types is knowing when your lawn needs water. Your lawn will show a few different signs of needing water. For example, if your grass appears to be gray or dull green, that means they lack sufficient water. You can also walk on your lawn, and if your footprints remain visible for a while due to the blades of grass springing back slowly, your yard probably needs more water.

The Best Time to Water Your Lawn

Many homeowners water their lawns during various times of the day, but certain times are better than others. Early mornings are the best times to water your lawn. The cooler temperature and calm winds allow grass roots to absorb the water before evaporation. If you have to water later in the day, try to wait until the heat of the day has dissipated. Also, if you had rain, you may be able to hold off on watering your lawn until a later date.

Contact Burkholder Brothers for Sprinkler Irrigation Design and Installation

Lawn watering for different grass types can be complicated for homeowners to manage themselves, especially without an irrigation system. To make sure your lawn is watered and your grass is lush and vibrant, contact Burkholder Brothers. Burkholder works with each homeowner to design and install Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems to meets all of their watering needs. Our sprinkler and irrigation company also provides sprinkler irrigation system maintenance to help you save time and money. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Importance of Proper Watering

Everyone knows that watering is vital for healthy plants and trees, but some may be unaware of the right amount needed. Some homeowners can easily fall into overwatering or underwatering their plants, which causes plant health care issues. Understanding the importance of proper watering is crucial to keeping plants healthy and looking great. Below we discuss why proper watering is essential, common plant problems from over and underwatering, and what you can do to ensure proper watering.

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What Is The Importance of Proper Watering?

Water is essential for transporting the nutrients plants pull from the soil throughout the rest of the plant (to the leaves, petals, and branches,). Plants also need water for two other critical processes: photosynthesis and transpiration. During photosynthesis, water creates carbohydrates and supplies energy to the plant, while in transpiration, water cools and maintains the plant’s temperature.

Common Plant Problems Due to Improper Watering

So now that you understand how and why water is vital to plants, you may be wondering about the right amount of water to give your plants. Determining how much water your plants need can be tricky because that depends on where you live, the weather, and the plant species in your landscape. One way you can determine how much water your plants need is by examining their appearance. Below are signs that indicate your plants have too much water or need more.

Flower beds with irrigation system next to pool | importance of proper watering | Burkholder Brothers

Signs of Overwatering

Plants that grow in soil that is too wet (overwatered) can suffer from a lack of oxygen or be prone to rot and diseases. Some signs to look out for that may indicate your plants are overwatered include the following:

  • Foul odor from the soil
  • Mildew, mold, or fungal growth on the plant or soil
  • Soft, mushy stem, and roots that are mushy, slimy, or black/brown/grey instead of white
  • Blisters on the undersides of leaves

Overwatering can be a common issue for homeowners as some may water their plants even after rainfall, or lack proper drainage.

Yellow leaves on plant | importance of proper watering | Burkholder Brothers

Signs of Underwatering

Underwatering is the opposite problem, and too little water can hinder growth and make plants more susceptible to pests or diseases. Here are some of the common symptoms of an underwatered plant:

  • Slow, stunted plant growth or a failure to flower
  • Brittle, crisp stem
  • Lower leaves yellowing and curling

An important note is that some plant problems can be a symptom of either overwatering or underwatering, depending on your plants’ other issues. Those symptoms include the following:

  • Dropping leaves
  • Wilting
  • Browning edges (light, brittle leaves indicate underwatering, while soft, limp ones indicate overwatering)
  • Pests

Many of these issues may require checking soil moisture or examining other areas of your landscape, so contact a landscape and irrigation professional to figure out whether your plants are over or underwatered.

How to Avoid Over & Underwatering

Over and underwatering plants is a common issue homeowners deal with, but the importance of proper watering is keeping landscapes vibrant, lush, and healthy. To avoid problems that over and underwatering can cause, get a smart irrigation system for your home. An irrigation system can be fitted with different technologies, such as rain sensors and drip irrigation, to give all of your plants the necessary water for optimal growth. Irrigation systems also save you time and water, especially if you have a large yard and many plants.

Contact Burkholder for Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems

If you want to keep your plants healthy through an irrigation system, contact Burkholder Brothers. We have years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining Sir Sprinkler irrigation systems for Main Line residents. Our sprinkler and irrigation company can consult with you to design an irrigation system that meets all of your plants’ needs. For more information on the importance of proper watering or our services, contact us today.

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Technological Advancements Make Sprinkler Irrigation Systems More Appealing than Ever

As one of the hottest months of the year, July is appropriately designated as Smart Irrigation Month. The Irrigation Association has set forth the time to raise awareness of the benefits: social, economic, and environmental, of efficient irrigation. In our area, August is usually just as hot. Summer’s scorching weather causes us to be concerned about the health of our lawns, and many options exist today in sprinkler irrigation technology that make sprinkler irrigation system installation even smarter.

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Sprinkler Irrigation System Advances

Irrigation systems have long offered a more efficient way to maintain the beauty of your landscape. As a property owner, you want your yard to be as beautiful and healthy as possible. With advances in home irrigation systems, maintaining the beauty and health of your lawn is easier than ever. Here are some of the newer sprinkler irrigation system offerings.

Advanced Controllers

Controllers are available to modify your watering schedule based on the amount of moisture in the ground or the weather forecast. Some controllers are even controllable by WiFi, so you have away-from-home access on your smartphone.

Smart Technology Advancements

If you are up to date with the latest technologies, you likely have some smart-home speakers like Alexa or Google. Some new controllers integrate perfectly with this technology to make your life easier. For example, you can issue voice commands through your phone or speaker, then let the controller handle your watering system.

Sprinkler Irrigation System | Burkholder Landscape

Weather-Based Smart Irrigation Controllers

Now, you can even go one step further, and your sprinkler system can monitor the weather and water accordingly. Your sprinkler irrigation system will receive weather information and forecasts from your smart-home base and be programmed to respond accordingly. This will save you valuable time as your lawn essentially waters itself.

Sensors

Smart sensors can allow you to be even more hands-off with your lawn care. Some of the options include freeze sensors, which can detect when temperatures are freezing. This feature is helpful because using sprinklers during that time can cause hazards or freezing sprinkler heads.

Rain sensors are devices that can prevent you from watering during or right after rainstorms. The sensors work with your irrigation system and override instructions when rain/excess moisture is present when you have a scheduled watering time. As a result, water usage can be reduced by 35%, saving water and money.

sprinkler irrigation system by Burkholder Landscape and Sir Sprinkler

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation has been around for some time. This type of watering allows homeowners to consistently water gardens and landscapes without watering potentially weedy areas or other parts of the yard covered by the other sprinkler heads. In addition, drip irrigation is customizable so that all of your plants can receive the correct water flow rate for their health, and drip irrigation uses a lower amount of water than simply watering a flower bed with a garden hose.

High-Efficiency Nozzles

High-efficiency nozzles allow consistency in water coverage without using as much water. The lower rate of water pressure reduces runoff and potential soil compaction. Sprinkler efficiency is a significant concern right now in terms of conserving your water supply and staying environmentally conscious. Paired with the latest in smart technology, your sprinkler irrigation system will be as efficient as possible.

Rotating Nozzles

Smart technology integration is a primary focus for a lot of different areas in the marketplace. For example, connecting rotating nozzles to your smart-technology-enabled system will allow you even more customization for your yard.

Your system monitors your yard and works out how much water your yard needs. The nozzles can change the distance and aim of the spray. These nozzles are engineered to spray further and more accurately than ever before. With a new sprinkler irrigation system, you can have a more efficient way to water appropriately so that your grass and plants thrive.

Call Burkholder for Professional Sprinkler Irrigation Design and Installation

Pennsylvania landscapes are as varied as the people who own them. As a result, each landscape requires a unique irrigation system setup, from the pipes and sprinklers to the tech needed. A Burkholder specialist consults with each homeowner to determine the needs of their particular landscape, then designs an irrigation system that efficiently handles all of those needs. In addition to professional installation, our sprinkler and irrigation company also provides maintenance of the lawn and the sprinkler irrigation system so that homeowners can save money and enjoy their perfectly watered and manicured yards. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Why Does Sir Sprinkler Use Rain Bird Sprinkler Systems?

Sir Sprinkler has provided irrigation systems and solutions to the Main Line area for years, particularly Rain Bird sprinkler systems. Rain Bird entered the irrigation industry early, forming in 1933. Since then, Rain Bird has created irrigation products that emphasize smart technology, water conservation, and high-quality materials. Those are a few of the reasons why we frequently recommend and use Rain Bird irrigation systems.

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What Is a Micro Irrigation System?

As homeowners look to better irrigate their landscapes while conserving water, micro irrigation systems have become popular choices. A micro irrigation system is a low-pressure, low-flow-rate form of irrigation designed to reduce overwatering in landscapes. Micro irrigation, also known as drip irrigation can help homeowners save water while still having a vibrant, lush landscape. Today we discuss how micro irrigation systems work, the benefits, and how drip irrigation can be added to your landscape.

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What is Irrigation System Winterization?

While the beginning of fall invites warm sweaters, colorful leaves, and pumpkins to proliferate, the season also brings cooler weather. As temperatures drop, our irrigation systems are at risk, but many steps can be taken to reduce and entirely prevent freeze damage. Damage prevention is particularly important in our area, where we can experience long frigid winters, as evidenced by the winter of 2017-2018. Professional irrigation system winterization will help eliminate the risk of bursting in the winter, and ensure that they will continue to well work in the spring, too. Below, we will take a more in-depth look at winterization, and explore the benefits to homeowners.

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