September 2022

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Protecting Your Pipes for Winter. 3 Things to Consider Doing Now

Posted on September 28, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

With fall upon us and winter right around the corner, do you know how to protect pipes from freezing? It’s not too early to take some simple steps to protect your irrigation system and prevent costly repairs. Here are three things to consider now, before the cool weather arrives.

#1: Shut it Down

The first step to winterizing your sprinkler system and how to keep pipes from freezing is to shut off the system. Start by turning off the main water valve that leads to the irrigation system, usually near the water meter. Next, turn off the timer so it won’t signal to turn on the water to the sprinklers.

#2: Drain the System

In South Carolina, winter watering usually isn’t necessary. We get enough rain to compensate for the lack of irrigation during the cold months. Because of this, you can safely drain your sprinkler system to protect it from the cold without worrying about the health of your lawn. Blowing all remaining water out of the pipes is the best way to prevent freezing, as even a quarter inch of water can freeze and cause the line to crack.

#3: Protect the Exposed Parts

Any above-ground or exposed components require protection in the winter. You can wrap the main shut-off, backflow preventer, and some exposed pipes in insulation to keep them from freezing and cracking. Insulation pouches are also available for purchase that slide over the backflow preventer.

If you’re unsure how to protect pipes from freezing or approach some of the steps above, fear not. We’ve got you covered. Reach out to W.P. Law for all the irrigation system winterization help you need this fall.

How Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Can Help Save You Money and Add Value to Your Home

Posted on September 21, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Has the thought of outdoor lighting energy costs kept you from adding lights to your landscaping? We’ve got some good news. You can save money while enhancing your yard and outdoor living space and adding value to your home with energy-efficient light bulbs.

How Energy-Efficient Bulbs Save You Money

There are several energy-efficient bulbs, including halogen and LED, with LED being the most efficient. The efficiency of light bulbs comes down to factors such as brightness (lumens), wattage, and life span. The bulbs that last the longest also use the least energy. They emit the lowest heat, have brightness equal to their incandescent counterpart, and require the lowest number of kilowatts to provide light. When bulbs use less energy, you save money on your utility bills. When they last longer, some between 10,000 and 50,000 hours, you also save money buying fewer bulbs.

How Landscape Lighting Adds Value to Your Home

Outdoor and landscape lighting can add value to your home in ways you might not have considered, including:

Adds curb appeal by highlighting the beautiful areas of your yard and garden and showing the size and lushness of your landscaping.
Shows off your home’s architecture with lighting that accentuates its features and creates focal points.
Increases safety and security by deterring break-ins, theft, and trespassing.
Creates an inviting ambiance for your lawn and patio, increasing your home’s usable living space.

If the energy costs of outdoor lighting energy usage have been the thing keeping you from investing in this value-adding feature, it’s time to reconsider. Contact the experienced team at W.P. Law to learn more about how energy-efficient bulbs let you have the lighting you envision without breaking the bank.

Nothing Welcomes Customers Like an Eye-Catching Entrance. 4 Ways an Outdoor Fountain Will Enhance Your Company’s Presence

Posted on September 14, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Everyone loves water fountains. They draw people in like magnets, which is just one of the reasons it’s time to consider adding one outside your business. We’ve got four more great reasons an outdoor fountain will enhance your company’s presence.

Reason #1: They Reduce Stress

Running water calms and reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and stress. In addition, studies show that fountains often boost serotonin levels and increase energy and overall sense of well-being.

Reason #2: Cut Down on Noise Pollution

Along with stress reduction, fountains decrease noise pollution. The running water provides ambient noise and helps drown out unwanted noise from surrounding traffic, construction, and other businesses.

Reason #3: Draw in Customers

An eye-catching entrance and attractive curb appeal draw people to a business, and nothing boosts the outdoor look and feel of your building, like outdoor water fountains. From diners to shoppers, potential employees to guests, you’ll get more traffic into your facility with a fountain out front that pulls people in.

Reason #4: Stand Out from the Crowd

These days, every business tends to look like every other business. Everyone is looking for a leg up, and water fountains could be just what you need. But, that extra touch that sets you apart from the rest can mean the difference between a customer choosing you and the guy next door.

If you’re ready to enhance your company’s presence with an outdoor water fountain, look no further than the local experts in designing, constructing, and installing commercial water fountains. Contact W.P. Law to find out more.

Fall is On the Way, and Your Yard Needs Attention. 6 Lawn Care Tips to Get Ready for the Fall Season

Posted on September 7, 2022September 8, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Is your yard ready for cooler weather? Winterization is essential for your grass and gardens to keep them healthy year-round. We’ve got the fall lawn care tips you’ve been looking for to prepare for winter. Here are the six that should go on your to-do list now.

#1: Keep it Short

A short mow late in the season before fall is beneficial and allows water and nutrients down into the soil. Leaving the clippings can also help mulch and fertilize the grass before the winter.

#2: Get Out the Rake

Get out the rake when the fall leaves are off the trees and on your lawn. Accumulated leaves block sunlight and remain wet for long periods of time. These conditions can lead to fungus and other disease and insect problems in your lawn.

#3: Treat for Pests

Treating your lawn for pests is part of a good fall lawn care plan. Some pesky bugs can live through a frost or freeze, so you want to ensure your grass is pest-free before winter hibernation.

#4: Don’t Stop Watering

Winter is not a time for sprinklers but fall sure is. Don’t stop watering just because summer’s over. You can cut back, but keeping your grass hydrated is critical for a healthy lawn come spring.

#5: Be Sure to Aerate

Aeration helps your grass get the nutrients, water, and oxygen it needs, and fall is the perfect time for it. In addition, it loosens the soil while supporting healthy growth.

#6: Time to Fertilize

Even though the grass blades are dormant in the winter, the roots continue to grow. Fertilizing with additional potassium in the fall gives them the nutrients and protection they need to survive the cold and return healthy and lush in the spring.

Fall is just around the corner, and your yard needs essential lawn care before it gets cold. Contact the lawn care experts at W.P. Law now for all the fall lawn care tips to protect your grass.

Month: September 2022