Month: April 2018

Sprinkler systems are a great way to keep your yard and landscaped areas lush and vibrant throughout the spring and summer seasons. Yet as with any outdoor system, sprinklers will need some routine maintenance and repair to keep them functioning optimally.

One repair concern you may find yourself needing to address is low pressure on your sprinkler system. The good news is, low pressure in a sprinkler system can be the result of some simple issues that aren’t too difficult to fix. If you have low pressure in your sprinkler system check out these two simple fixes.

Check Your Backflow Preventer Valves

Backflow preventers are a safety feature on irrigation systems that prevents contaminants from entering into the water supply. A backflow preventer is designed with two pipes connected perpendicularly and valves that will open and close each of the pipes. Since backflow preventers use pressure to keep out contaminants, if one of these valves is not fully open or is clogged the pressure in your system may be reduced.

Check Your System for Grass, Dirt, or Debris

Sometimes the problem with the pressure in your system is as simple as overgrown grass or weeds, or dirt and debris making its way into the irrigation lines. Weeds and grass can overgrow around the sprinkler heads causing the blades and roots to get into the sprinkler head resulting in clogs in the system. It is also possible to get dirt and debris into the line underground. As lines get older or sometimes damaged by tree roots there are be small cracks or holes in the line that can fill up with dirt causing the flow and pressure to lessen. To rectify this problem, you can flush out the lines, but if there are major cracks in the lines where the debris is coming in, they should be repaired or replaced.

Don’t get discouraged by low-pressure problems, contact the experienced irrigation professionals at W.P. Law Incorporated to determine your sprinkler system pressure problems and get your system back up and running as efficiently as possible.

One of the best parts of being an avid gardener is finding that perfect perennial or adding to existing vegetable beds. In many cases, that means either watering by hand or adding to an existing system. Drip irrigation systems allow people with a green thumb to simply turn a spigot and appropriately hydrate plants. They also provide excellent flexibility to grow with your gardens.

These are some tips for adding on to an existing drip irrigation system that will help improve plant health and increase your leisure time.

Consider Watering Zones

Running water from one source means that your system may suffer pressure loss at it grows. One of the keys to a productive drip irrigation system is separating the system by zones. This can be accomplished by strategically installing control valves. When control valves are in the off position, water pressure will be heightened in the areas in play. Control valves can be manual or automated, depending on your needs. Many homeowners prefer automation because they account for human forgetfulness.

Consider Mini Sprinklers

Drip irrigation systems do not have to be cookie cutter. Sometimes hard to reach areas call for water to be projected a short distance. Consider additional conveniences such as mini sprinklers to maximize the benefit of your drip irrigation system. The alternative is regular watering by hand.

Consider Shade And Full-Sun Areas

When developing a plan for your drip irrigation system, consider that specific plants and areas will have varying hydration needs. Avoid over-watering shaded areas and under-watering full-sun plants. This may be accomplished by the number of emitters on a particular line or control valve automation. A healthy garden is one that gets what it needs, and no more.

We hope these drip irrigation tips prove helpful. If you would like to install a drip irrigation system or update an existing one, contact the professionals at W.P. Law for a consultation.

It’s disappointing to discover that animal pests have invaded your garden and that you don’t have the quality of vegetables that you expected. Whether it’s gophers, moles, birds, or another type of pest, you can expect to see critters taking advantage of your garden.

Not all animals are bad for your garden. For example, bees help pollenate your garden, ladybugs help control aphids and many other harmless insects feed on other bugs that could be harmful to your garden.

If you have specific pests invading your lawn, you may need a more tailored approach:

Protecting Young Plants

Plants are most venerable when they are freshly planted, and young. The best way to protect this portion of your garden is a physical barrier. This will discourage animals like deer and rabbits from feasting on younger plants before they have the chance to strengthen and flourish.

Gophers and Moles

Not only do these burrowing animals ruin your vegetables, they can wreak havoc on your lawn. One solution is to use an electronic rodent repeller. After you dig a small hole in the ground and place the device, it emits a noise that frightens these pests and keeps them away from your garden.

Birds

Placing screening over your vegetable garden is the best way to prevent birds out. To start, place stakes approximately three feet apart and around the outer perimeter of your plants. Next, stretch a long string from one corner to the other and around the plants’ perimeter to attach it to the stakes. Lastly, place the netting over the string and pull it tight and secure to the ground.

Chemicals and Fertilizers

Some pests are so persistent that you may need to apply chemicals or fertilizers that could potentially deter them. If you go this route, be sure to keep the supplies away from your own pets.

W.P. Law is here to help you make the most of gardening season. Feel free to contact us with any questions.