Portable vs. Built in Sprinkler Systems

There is a lot to consider when debating the best way to care for your lawn. The size of your lawn, the amount of time you have to care for the lawn and what you hope to achieve are all factors to be considered when choosing a sprinkler system for your home.

Sprinkler heads can be portable or built into the ground. Here are some tips to help you choose the sprinkler system that will work best for your lawn.

Portable sprinkler heads that attach to the end of a hose are much cheaper than built-in sprinklers. They can cover a smaller amount of property, and need to be monitored for the correct amount of water and appropriate timing to use. Be sure to not walk away and leave the hose running for too long. It is very easy to drown out your lawn.

Nothing beats the convenience of built-in sprinkler heads. If they're installed correctly, you shouldn't notice them until they've popped up to begin watering your lawn or garden. The addition of a timer makes this type of sprinkler extra convenient and you won't even have to turn them on. Be carefree all summer long, knowing your lawn is being hydrated.

Of course, portable sprinkler heads can be put where you want, when you want. Built-in heads are permanent. When built-in ones are installed, make sure a professional helps you place them for total coverage.

Since portable sprinkler heads get picked up when you're finished, it's unlikely to become damaged. Built-in sprinkler heads, however, can break from lawn mowers and other obstacles and will need to be replaced. Be sure to have a professional install them out of the way of obstacles.

There are benefits to both types of sprinkler systems. Built-in sprinkler heads are best for a larger yard. They are measured before installation and get full coverage for your whole lawn. Portable sprinkler heads would be best for a small lawn or garden on your own time.

When to Run Your Sprinklers

When you turn your sprinkler system on in the heat of the day, evaporation loss is inevitable. By watering your yard or garden during the peak afternoon sun hours, you can lose up to 70% of your water to evaporation.

In order to conserve more water, set your sprinkling system to turn on during the coldest hours of the day. The hours just before sunrise are the coldest; generally between 2 and 4am.

For maximum efficiency program your system to water your lawn at least 2 hours before sunrise. This schedule ensures that your soil will absorb the most water and that you will conserve the most amount of water, with minimal loss due to evaporation.

Keep in mind that the average lawn needs about 1 inch of water per day to maintain health. To be sure that you are not over watering, leave a pan within range of your sprinkler and then measure the depth of the water after watering.

Depending on your location, temperature, and yearly rainfall situation, there will be times when watering your lawn with sprinklers are a necessity. With the way that people are looking to conserve water, it is now more important than ever to know when to water your lawn efficiently and effectively. Knowing and understanding all aspects of watering your lawn such as heat, evaporation, wind, and water restrictions, will make a big impact on how you water your lawn.

Recap:

Water your lawn early in the morning. Having your sprinklers turn on early in the morning is the best time to water your lawn. In fact, your lawn should be watered before 5 AM when the sun begins cresting over the horizon. This will help limit the evaporation that happens when the sun is shining down on the lawn, plus help combat lawn disease that occurs when there is standing water from night watering.

Water a Day before Mowing

If you have a certain day of the week you mow the lawn, you can lessen the amount of brown patches by watering your lawn the day before you actually mow. The water and nutrients will help the lawn recover quicker after being mowed.

Benefits of Outdoor Home Lighting & Sprinkler Systems

Benefits for Home Lighting

Landscape lighting is one of the most practical and effective ways to prevent crime in or around your home or office. In fact, statistics show that a well-lit property cannot prevent malicious activity or guarantee personal safety, but crimes are less likely to occur because lighting is an excellent deterrent. A landscape lighting system is a deterrent because it exposes the criminal, making them feel vulnerable and insecure. Criminals most likely look for areas with little to no lighting, for obvious reasons. Homeowners on the other hand, can benefit from a landscape lighting system that can brighten an otherwise overlooked and dark surrounding.

Benefits of Sprinkler Systems

· Water is essential for keeping a healthy, vibrant and colorful landscape.

· Key necessity for keeping your yard and landscape alive.

· Professionally installed system allows free time – no having to drag hoses across property, forgetting to turn off hoses, no worries of under or over watering the lawn.

· Adds value to your property by enhancing curb appeal

· Provides a tax deferrable home improvement

· Professionally installed systems are turned on every spring and winterized every fall with mid-season checkups

Ponds & Water Gardens Tips & Tidbits

· A rewarding home improvement

· Aesthetic for the lawn

· Whatever your vision – experienced landscape designers can bring it to life

· Not simple to self install – recommend hiring a professional

· Filtration is key – nobody wants algae contaminated water

· Regular maintenance is required to keep the pond clean and healthy

· Without proper maintenance, waste from wildlife and the breakdown of plant material will contaminate every living thing in your water feature

Educate Yourself – System Flexibility, Evaluation & Installation Documentation

Choosing the right product to enhance your landscape is a tough decision, after all, your lights and landscape should last a lifetime. Every day more and more homeowners are realizing the benefits of landscape lighting; make sure you are educated so you can make the right decision on what system is right for your landscape and lifestyle.

System Flexibility – Your landscape continuously changes year after year. Make sure your contractor has accounted for future expansion to add fixtures on the system. This means having available room on your transformer installed today to allow growth for tomorrow. You need flexibility in the placement of your fixtures to be able to move 5, 10 or even 25 feet. This again is where the wiring method is important. The Power Management Hub System is the only method to allow you the freedom of movement up to 25 feet.

System Evaluation – Make sure your contractor tests the complete system for the following:
1.Amp probe tests the wire runs from the transformer to the fixture, assuring that they do not exceed 80% of the wire rating.
2.Volt meter test all lamps to assure they receive between 11.3 to 12.3 volts.
3.Amp probe the transformer to assure it does not exceed 80% of the rating.

Installation Documentation – Make sure your contractor educates you on the following:
1.The Manufacturer’s Warranty
2.Equal and proper voltage to all lamps
3.Proper fusing
4.Glare control with lenses or glare shields
5.Proper levels of light
6.Benefits of using high quality, long lasting lamps
7.Consumer Buyer Protection Plan (Exclusive to Unique Lighting Systems)

Following these guidelines will help to ensure your landscape lighting will last you a lifetime.

Questions for your contractor

Installing lighting in your home is an exciting time. Choosing the right contractor, however, can be a little stressful. There are some important questions to keep in mind, and guidelines to follow when adding lighting to your home. Don’t be afraid to ask for answers. Always make sure your contractor is well qualified and informative. Here are some questions you should keep in mind:

-Is your company certified in lighting?
-Do you provide a maintenance program?
-What is your warranty along with the manufacturer’s warranty?
-What type of documentation do you provide?
-How much flexibility does the system have for more lights?
-What wiring methods do you use?
-What materials do you use and why?
-Will you do a demo?
-Do you use an amp probe to test the system? (On the primary or secondary side?)
-What is the correct voltage to a halogen lamp? (Min. 10.8, best range from 11.3 to 12.5)
-What is the amount of fixtures on a wire run? (No more than 5)
-How many watts can be put on a 12/2 wire? (Maximum 192)

Once you feel comfortable with the responses and contractor you’re all set to enjoy your newly illuminated home! For more info log on to www.gregtanzersprinklers.com