August 2018 - W.P. Law Incorporated

3 Ways to Keep Your Water Feature Mosquito Free

Posted on August 30, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Water features add a lot of appeal to any landscape, but they also tend to attract mosquitos. Mosquitos are drawn to water because they need it to reproduce. However, there are at least three ways to keep your water feature mosquito free.

1. Install a Fountain

Mosquitos don’t like water that moves. They prefer still water because that’s where they can lay eggs and reproduce. So the very best thing you can do to eliminate mosquitos is to install a nozzle in your water feature.

2. Use Vinegar

Pouring vinegar into your water feature is another way of eliminating mosquitos. The vinegar alters the pH balance of the water so that it’s not conducive for mosquito reproduction. It will also ensure that any mosquito eggs that have already been laid don’t hatch, as well as killing off any existing mosquito larvae. You would need to add 15 gallons of vinegar for every 100 gallons of water in the feature. For best results, repeat this every month, since the vinegar may evaporate over time.

3. Stock With Fish

If your water feature contains fish, the mosquito population will be kept in control naturally. Fish such as Koi and Shubunkins feed on mosquitos and other insects. Some varieties of fish can eat up to 100 larvae every day.

Each of these three methods will keep your water feature mosquito free. Of the three, the nozzle is the one with the least maintenance, and it also adds an attractive element to your water feature, contact us today!

3 Ways To Troubleshoot Sprinkler Head Issues

Posted on August 23, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

If you have an irrigation system installed on your property, you know how critical it is to have it working properly. When sprinkler head issues arise, they need to be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent water waste, crop damage and more. Here are three ways to troubleshoot sprinkler head issues.

1. Uneven Spray

Watch your sprinkler head when it’s in action. Is the spray consistent, or does it sputter, or produce an uneven spray? If it’s the latter, the problem might be as simple as a clogged sprinkler head. Lawn cuttings, dust and dirt can get kicked up while you’re mowing, or during heavy rainfall. It lands on your sprinkler head and clogs the holes where the water comes out. You can remove the nozzle and clean any debris that may have accumulated.

2. Yellow grass

If you have yellow grass in an area around a sprinkler head, you probably have a leak. Overwatering almost always leads to yellowing. To check, walk around the area and see if the ground feels spongy. You can also watch the area while the sprinkler system is running and see if you notice water bubbling to the surface. If you notice either of these problems chances are you have a leak and you will need to dig down to the pipe to locate and repair it.

Take care of this as soon as possible, because even one leaking sprinkler head can drive up your water bills.

3. Dead Grass

If you have an area of dried or brown grass, then that area is not receiving adequate water. Typically this means that a sprinkler head is not rotating or a zone valve is not opening. Simply watch the system while it is operating and see if you have a head that is not rotating. If that is the case, then simply replace it. If you have an area where several sprinklers are not popping up and working, then you most likely have an issue with a valve or a programming error on your controller.

These are three easy ways to troubleshoot common sprinkler head issues. For more assistance with your sprinkler system, contact us today.

The Modern Way to Conserve Water with Agricultural Irrigation

Posted on August 16, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

In many regions of the country, water is becoming an increasingly precious resource; and sustainable, profitable agriculture depends more and more upon the effective management and conservation of resources.

Fortunately, modern irrigation technology has provided a number of ways in which the consumption of water can be minimized

Drip (Micro) Irrigation Systems

In a drip irrigation system the water is delivered close to the roots of the plants minimizing losses due to runoff and evaporation that typically occur when a traditional sprinkler or spray system is used.

Drip irrigation also allows for water to be delivered during the cooler hours of the day, further reducing evaporation losses. Water can also be directed to the correct root depth to inhibit take up by weeds.

It’s estimate that a well-designed and monitored drip system can reduce water consumption by as much as 70-80%.

Proper Scheduling

Effective scheduling depends knowing the water requirements of the crop you are growing and having the ability to accurately measure the amount of moisture in the soil.

Proper scheduling can not only save you money in pumping costs, but can also reduce the potential for certain diseases and save you money on your spray bill.

Smart Irrigation Systems

The most advanced irrigation systems now include sensors which can monitor the levels of moisture in the soil and make any necessary adjustments to the amount of water being delivered.

These systems therefore precisely optimize the amount of water being used, eliminating waste while also ensuring adequate hydration.

A number of smartphone apps are also now available which allow farmers to control and adjust their irrigation systems remotely.

Contact Us

W P Law Inc has been helping farmers get the best possible return on their investment in all kinds of irrigation systems since 1970.

If you’d like to find out more, you’re welcome to stop by one of our four South Carolina facilities any time, click here to drop us an e-mail or call 800-476-4515 toll free and we’ll be glad to talk with you.

What a Soil Test Can Reveal About Your Lawn

Posted on August 9, 2018September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

The quality of your soil is crucial for a healthy lawn and landscape. Here’s what a soil test can tell you:

Composition

Most soil has at least some clay, silt, and sand in it. A soil composition test can tell you how much of each is present in your soil, relative to the amount of soil. If your soil has too much of one or more of these ingredients, it can affect how your soil drains and in turn your plant’s health.

Nutrient Content

For optimal growth, your soil should have a number of nutrients, including but not limited to:

Nitrogen
Potassium
Phosphorous
Magnesium
Calcium
Iron
Copper
Zinc

Each type of plant or grass requires different levels of certain nutrients. A soil test can tell you what nutrients are present in your soil and in what amounts, so you can add or reduce as necessary depending on what you plan to plant in the area.

Contaminants

A soil test can also tell you if there are any contaminants in your soil, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and barium. If your lawn or plants have been doing poorly despite your best efforts, a soil test can let you know if contaminants are the culprit.

Good growth requires good soil, and the first step to getting good soil is to know what’s in it. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for more information on getting a soil test that gives you the information you need to get started.

Month: August 2018