As Colorado starts to head into what’ll undoubtedly be another hot, dry summer, irrigation services are picking back up. As everyone turns the sprinklers back on for the year, professional irrigation services will make sure that your property is taken care of. From spring startups, to leak repairs, to new irrigation system installation, experienced irrigation technicians will be able to get the most out of your sprinklers while saving as much water as possible.
Irrigation Services for Businesses and Commercial Properties
Irrigation System Installation & Upgrades
Whether installing a new irrigation system or upgrading an existing system, taking advantage of new technologies will help conserve water and keep water usage bills to a minimum. Smart irrigation systems have several innovative features that help maximize water usage efficiency such as weather monitoring, rain sensors, and intuitive apps that allow you to control everything remotely. Some are even able to shut themselves off and send alerts if leaks or other issues are detected.
Irrigation System Inspections, Maintenance, & Repairs
Regular inspections and maintenance are the best way to keep your irrigation system running at peak efficiency all summer long. An irrigation “wet check” will ensure that all lines, outlets, and nozzles are clear and working correctly so that water is getting to the areas that need it. Routine inspections and maintenance will help identify problems before they get out of hand – leaks, clogged sprinkler heads, and roots are all common irrigation system repairs.
Irrigation System Controller Setup and Troubleshooting
Irrigation system controllers are essentially clocks that regulate when to turn the sprinklers on and how long they stay on. Whether running an open loop or closed loop system, proper setup will keep everything running smoothly. However, when problems arise, expert troubleshooting is needed to quickly get things back on track.
Open loop control systems are usually set manually via a clock, or a set amount of water is input to control how long the sprinklers run. Sometimes these can both be combined – i.e. setting a specific time to start the sprinklers, and setting the system to stop when a certain amount of water has been used. Open loop systems are relatively cheap and widely available, but they don’t accommodate any changes in the weather.
Closed loop control systems (i.e. smart systems) handle operation on their own. Various sensors measure parameters including soil moisture, relative humidity, temperature, and even the weather forecast. They send this data to the controller, allowing it to decide when to turn the water on – and for how long. Closed loop systems are more expensive than open loop systems, but the savings on your water bill will generally offset that cost in the long run.
Irrigation System Spring Startups & Winterization
Freezing temperatures and irrigation systems don’t mix. As soon as cold weather starts to set in, it’s time to prepare your sprinkler system for winter. Frozen water can easily damage pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and other components, which can be expensive to repair come springtime. It’s important to ensure that timers or controllers are shut off, that all water has been drained/blown out of the system, and that all above-ground components are properly insulated.
Once the weather has finally warmed up, a spring startup will get your irrigation system ready for another watering season. It’s important that you thoroughly inspect the system during the startup process to check for any damaged components or other issues. Systems should be restarted carefully to ensure that sudden water pressure changes don’t damage components either.
Water Audits & Zone Inspections
Water is the most important resource for your commercial landscape. With Colorado in the middle of historic drought conditions, it’s vital that water is applied evenly to all areas of your property and that water is conserved as much as possible. An irrigation audit will verify that everything is working properly and that each zone on your property is getting the water they need. Water audits typically consist of:
- Visual system inspection
- Evaluating the distribution & precipitation rate (aka a “catch can test”)
- Determining landscape’s watering needs
- Reviewing/refining irrigation schedule
Professional Irrigation Services for Your Denver Business or Commercial Property
Irrigation systems need to be in top-shape to maximize their effectiveness and efficiency. Professional irrigation services require year-round care, and your property deserves an experienced team that will bring out its true potential.
Our team of irrigation experts at GroundMasters Landscape Services offers the full range of landscaping and grounds management services, including irrigation management & maintenance, lawn care & maintenance, tree & shrub care, and landscape design & enhancements – along with storm cleanup and snow removal for when the weather takes a turn for the worst. To see what GroundMasters can do for your commercial property, give us a call today at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.