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You rely on your home’s Denver sprinkler system to keep your lawn in good condition. But sometimes, all that water can do more harm than good. When this happens, your lawn will show signs of root rot and won’t be able to grow to its full potential. Though it can be an issue with your sprinkler system that’s causing the excess water buildup in your soil, that’s not usually the case. Often, it’s due to bad drainage on your property. Without proper drainage, your yard can’t get rid of excess water easily. Luckily, bad drainage is easy to spot if you just know what to look for. Here are some of the most common warning signs. 

Pooling Water Around Downspouts

Your home’s gutters are designed to funnel excess water from the roof away from your home. When they’re working properly, all that water should flow away from your home’s foundation and toward a designated drainage area. But if you have drainage issues, you’ll notice puddles and pools of water collecting around the base of your gutter system’s downspouts. That water can lead to fungus growth and root rot around your landscaping as well as increase the risk of foundation problems around your house. You’ll need to call your roofer to get the gutters fixed to deal with this type of drainage issue.

Soggy Patches in the Grass

Poor drainage doesn’t always show up in obvious places. Sometimes, it surprises you when you’re walking across the lawn in the form of a soggy and slushy spot in the grass. Take a walk around your yard and pay attention to the way the grass feels under your feet. If it’s sturdy and doesn’t leave your shoes soaked between watering sessions, you’re likely in good shape. But if you notice a squelching sound with every step or end up stepping into a puddle in the middle of the yard, you have a drainage issue. The best thing you can do is contact your local landscaping pro and get them to take a look at your lawn. They may be able to add drains around your yard to reduce the amount of buildup you see.

Your Foundation is Becoming More Visible

Your home’s foundation is one of the most important structural elements of the house. Under normal conditions, it’s partially underground and often gets covered up by your landscaping. But if you have drainage issues in your yard, the soil around your foundation can start to wear or erode away. When this happens, you’ll notice the foundation itself becoming more visible on the outside of your home. Over time, your foundation can start to absorb water and weaken. When this happens, you’ll see an increase in cracks along the exterior, elevated moisture levels indoors, and possibly even mold growth inside. 

Consistently Wet Walkways

You know what your walkways look like immediately after the sprinkler system kicks on. They’re likely wet, especially along the edges that border your lawn. After a few hours, the water they absorb should dry. If you notice that parts of your walkways take an extremely long time to dry or are almost always damp, you likely have bad drainage in your yard. Even if your lawn is in otherwise good condition, you’ll want to get this fixed as soon as possible. Letting your walkways stay wet encourages the concrete or pavement to break down quickly. This results in costly repairs and could force you to redo your driveway or sidewalks far sooner than you otherwise should need to.

Warped Floors

Believe it or not, poor drainage in your yard doesn’t just impact the health of your landscaping. It can also creep into other areas of your home. Over time, this excess moisture can cause the floors inside your home to bow or warp. While it’s not necessarily a safety issue, it can make your home feel like a funhouse. If it’s addressed quickly enough, you may be able to save the floors themselves. But if you leave it to sit too long, that warp could end up being permanent. This could force you to have to replace your flooring, costing you hundreds of dollars that you otherwise shouldn’t have to spend. 

Topsoil Moves After Rainfall

When your yard has proper drainage, rainfall soaks into the soil and hydrates your landscaping. This helps you save money on your watering bill, but it also helps keep your garden beds in good shape. When you have poor drainage in your yard, you’ll likely notice piles of soil, mulch, and dirt collecting on your walkways or even on your lawn. That’s because it floats away on the water that doesn’t soak into the ground. Soil erosion can be a serious problem if you let it continue for too long. Over time, the roots of your plants will get exposed and will become more susceptible to the weather, pests, and plant diseases. Getting your drainage issues fixed will help preserve the life of your garden beds as well as the lawn itself.

The Best Thing You Can Do Is Check

When it comes to monitoring your yard’s drainage, preventative maintenance is key. Check your yard a few days after every major rain storm and be mindful of the way your walkways look every day. If you notice any of these signs, take the next step and get the damage repaired as quickly as you can. The sooner you get your bad drainage fixed, the healthier your plants will be.If you think your drainage issue is due to a flaw in your home’s sprinkler system, don’t ignore it. Contact the team at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service as soon as possible. We’ll inspect your system for any signs of leaks and loose connections that could be contributing to the water buildup in your yard.

If we find any damage, we’ll help you make sure the problem gets fixed once and for all. Remember, you should be able to rely on your sprinkler system to keep your lawn lush without worrying about puddles and mud throughout your yard. 

 

As a homeowner, you have to deal with utility bills every month. While most people know their average electric bill off the top of their head, they typically don’t think about how much they pay for water every month. For most families, this amount comes to about $70 each month. But when you’re in the middle of the growing season, that number can be significantly higher. The best thing you can do is try to lower your water bill whenever possible. Here are a few simple tips from you Denver sprinkler pros to help you save water without hurting your landscaping.

Invest in a Sprinkler System

If you don’t already have a sprinkler system, the best thing you can do for your home is to get a system installed. Sprinklers distribute enough water to keep your lawn happy and healthy without wasting a drop. The spray covers a larger area than you can by hand-watering and only turns on when it can do the most good for your plants. Even better, modern sprinkler systems have built-in rain sensors that keep the system from running when the soil is already wet. The less it has to run, the more water you’ll save.
 

Watch for Puddles

Even the most well-maintained sprinkler system can develop a leak. And when it does, you’re going to be wasting water every day. The longer that leak goes on, the more money you’ll shell out on your water bill. Take a look at your lawn and check for puddles or soft spots between watering. If you notice anything that looks out of place, call your sprinkler repair team and get them to inspect your system as soon as possible. 

Don’t Overwater

If your sprinkler system is watering your lawn and landscaping, it should be giving your plants all the water they need to grow well. This means you won’t need to water them after the system cuts off unless they’re outside the spray pattern. Overwatering isn’t just bad for your utility bill—it’s bad for your plants, too. Frequent overwatering can cause the roots of your plants to develop root rot and mold. This can eventually cause those plants to underproduce new growth or die outright.
 

Collect Rainwater

In Colorado, you’re legally allowed to collect up to 110 gallons of rainwater to use in your garden or on your landscaping. Use this to your advantage! Set up rainwater collection barrels around your downspouts and collect the runoff that hits your roof. The more water you collect, the less you’ll have to pay for to keep your flower beds and landscaping looking pristine. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t ever feel like you can rely on your rain barrels alone. There’s no guarantee that Colorado springs and summers will get tons of rain in the first place. Keep your sprinkler system tuned up and ready to go just in case.
 

Plant the Right Plants

It should come as no surprise that some plants need more water than others. In most cases, these plants will be ones meant to grow in wetter and more humid climates. Instead of filling your landscape with those extra-thirsty plants, consider choosing drought-tolerant or native plants. These will be able to thrive even during dry periods and will require far less water than other plants. If you’re not sure which plants to incorporate and which to avoid, contact your landscaping pro and ask for advice.

Invest in Mulch

We've mentioned mulch quite a bit in the past and for good reason: it helps set your garden beds up for successful growing seasons quickly and easily. But that’s not all it does. It also helps keep the soil moist so you can skip watering more frequently without causing your plants to fail. Even better, it insulates the roots from extreme weather, keeping the soil cooked in summer. This helps you reduce the amount of water you need to use by reducing the amount of moisture evaporating as the soil heats up. All you need is a thin layer spread evenly over your garden bed.
 

Decrease the Size of Your Lawn

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, you may not have this option. But if you’re able to do whatever you feel like to your home’s exterior, it may be best to decrease the size of your lawn. Grass needs a lot of water to grow in Colorado. Depending on the size of your lawn, this could cost you hundreds of gallons each year. By decreasing the size of your lawn even by just a few cubic feet, you can dramatically decrease the amount of water you need to keep your grass hydrated. You can get creative with it. Add gravel to create a unique hardscape design, plant native Colorado grasses to create a decorative border, or even plant trees to add privacy and value to your home. The only limit is your imagination.
 

Let Your Grass Get a Bit Taller

The shorter you mow your lawn, the more the sun can dry out the soil. When this happens, you’ll find yourself needing to water more often, increasing your home’s overall water consumption. Instead of cutting your grass as short as you possibly can to reduce the amount of time you spend mowing each month, let it grow a little taller. This will let the grass blades shade the soil, keeping it from drying out quickly. While you may have to mow a little more frequently, you’ll end up spending far less on your water bill month after month.
 

Try These Tips for Yourself

Saving money is always a priority and cutting down your home’s water consumption is one of the best ways to do it. Even better, you’ll reduce your home’s environmental impact over time. These tips are just a starting point, but they should be enough to help you lower your bills and keep your landscaping looking great during the growing season. Just make sure to get your sprinkler system tuned up and ready to go for the upcoming growing season now.

For homeowners, landscaping can make or break the way your home looks. This is true whether you plant exotic flowers in garden beds or build a design with native plants and grasses. No matter what types of plants you choose, you’ll always have to keep them properly watered. Unless you enjoy spending hours hand-watering your entire yard and lawn, you’ll want to think about working with a Denver sprinkler installation team to make watering simple. Before you start thinking about your options, ask yourself these important questions. 
 

What do you want to achieve with the sprinkler system?

Sprinklers are a great option for yards of any size, but they’re not always the best system for every type of landscaping. Think about what you’re hoping to do with a new sprinkler system. Are you looking to make watering your lawn something you never have to think about or do you want the system to water your garden beds? Remember, most flower beds do best with different types of irrigation systems. But your lawn can and will benefit from the type of watering an automatic sprinkler system provides.

If you’re looking for a way to irrigate your flower and garden beds, you can always combine different methods for those beds. Keep in mind that trying to use a system like a drip irrigation for your lawn is NEVER a good idea. The constant soaking of the soil can lead to root rot in your turf, putting your entire lawn at risk. If you have existing drip irrigation lines close to your lawn, let your sprinkler installation team know. They may want to remove those lines before installing your new sprinkler system.
 

Do you have someone who can install it for you?

Installing a sprinkler system isn’t something the average DIYer or even an experienced handyman can do. It takes a lot of experience and knowledge to know where to install the system, run the water lines, and make sure everything is up to par. Installing it on your own is a great way to accidentally destroy your lawn and landscaping.

Get estimates from multiple companies and take the time to get to know the contractors you’re thinking of working with. The best companies are fully licensed and insured and always stand by their work. Remember, the last thing you want is for a company to install the system incorrectly and refuse to pay for the damage they caused.
 

What’s the warranty like on the system?

Different manufacturers offer different warranties on their sprinkler systems. This means that you’ll want to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of each system you’re considering for your home. Ask your sprinkler installation pro to explain each warranty. As a general rule, you want a warranty that also covers the cost of parts and labor. Without those, you’ll still have a high price to pay for any repairs, even if they’re caused by faults in the sprinkler system itself.

You can also ask about the manufacturers they trust and recommend most. Remember, your installation and repair team has worked with different brands in the past. They know which companies honor the warranty easily and which ones can be tough to work with. When in doubt, listen to their recommendations.
 

What do the designs look like?

Installing a sprinkler system takes time and planning. Without a firm design in place, you may not get sprinkler heads placed where they’ll do the most good. This can end up causing part of your yard to consistently stay underwatered while other parts get more water than they need.

Before you agree to the installation, don’t hesitate to ask about the designs. Reputable contractors will happily walk you through the system and explain why they’re planning to install the system that specific way. They should also have a plan for your control panel.

Remember, if your control panel isn’t easy to access, it will be hard for you to set up your automatic sprinkler system or change the programming as needed. If you’re hesitant about anything, from the placement to the design itself, say so before you start the installation. Your contractor may be able to make adjustments or can explain why the layout is the best choice for your yard.
 

Does it have a rain sensor?

We may not get a lot of rain in Denver, but it’s enough to make watering your lawn unnecessary at times. If you run your sprinklers as normal after a heavy storm, you’ll end up making the lawn soggy at best. Before you commit to a particular system, make sure it has a rain sensor.

The rain sensor monitors moisture levels in the soil. After heavy rains, it sends a signal to your control panel to cancel the scheduled watering time for that day. Once the soil dries out, it will resume the watering cycle as normal. Without the rain sensor, it’s up to you to manually adjust your programming. 
 

Is an automatic system the best choice for you?

Ultimately, people want different things in their yards and landscaping. The same holds for their irrigation systems. Think about what you want out of your system and make your decision accordingly. Keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong answer and installing an automatic sprinkler system is an investment. However, it adds value to your property and makes caring for your landscaping far easier and more pleasant.

If you’re not sure it’s the right time, don’t rush to a decision. Weigh your options, think about your budget, and wait to install the system until you’re ready. The last thing you should have to deal with is feeling like you installed something you won’t use.

If you’re ready to learn more about an automatic sprinkler system or know it’s time to make the upgrade at your home, don’t put it off. Contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service and let our team help you find the right system for your yard.

 

 

In the greater Denver area, the weather can improve pretty quickly. This means you need to be ready for the warmer weather and the landscaping maintenance you’ll need to tackle long before the weather warms up in earnest. One of the easiest ways to stay on top of your landscaping and get your yard ready for the warmer weather is to rely on your sprinkler system. But what happens if your old system isn’t working as well as you’d like? Do you have to wait until summer to schedule a Denver sprinkler system installation? Not necessarily. Here are a few reasons why scheduling an installation appointment as soon as possible is your best choice.

New Sprinklers Are More Efficient

Believe it or not, sprinkler systems are the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to water your lawn, no matter what size your yard is. They spray a steady stream of water across the entire surface of your lawn, hydrating the roots and soil each time they turn on. But more importantly, they do this slowly enough that the grass is able to absorb the water and put it to use.

When you’re running an older system with less precise controls or are watering by hand because your existing sprinkler system doesn’t work anymore, you’ll end up using far more water over the course of the growing season. That extra water use doesn’t just hurt your water bill. It also hurts your grass.

Overwatering can contribute to mold and mildew growth in your lawn. Once this happens, your grass won’t be able to grow well and may even develop brown patches across the surface. That means you’ll end up having to pay even more money to repair the damage and reseed or re-sod your lawn.

By making the upgrade before the growing season starts, you’ll be ready for the warm weather long before it comes. That means your lawn will perform better and grow more effectively over the warmer months.

There’s More Availability for Appointments

When homeowners wait to schedule installation appointments until the warm weather is already here, they have to deal with tons of competition for those appointments. This is because more people are starting to think about their sprinkler systems and their lawns. The more people trying to schedule appointments at any given time, the harder it will be to find a time slot that works for your schedule.

You may end up having to wait several weeks before you can get your new sprinkler system installed. That’s time that your landscaping won’t be able to thrive.

By taking the time to schedule an appointment now rather than waiting until prime landscaping season, you’ll have your pick of appointments. Even better, your installation team will be able to get the job done sooner so your landscaping will be able to grow as beautifully as possible throughout the spring and summer.

You’ll Spare Yourself Frequent Repairs

As sprinkler systems age, they will start to break down. This isn’t because you have a bad or low-quality system or even because you didn’t stay on top of routine maintenance. It’s simply because the components aren’t designed to last forever. 

Once those components start to fail, you’ll have to schedule frequent maintenance appointments if you want the system to work during the warmer months. Though minor repairs are often affordable, larger repairs will cost you both time and money.

By replacing your aging system before those minor issues cause major damage, you’ll reduce the amount of downtime your system experiences. That means better watering through the main growing season and less time spent dragging the garden hose around the yard to water your grass.

Even better, you’ll likely be able to enjoy a full season with minimal or no repairs at all. That means you won’t have to worry about disrupting your busy schedule to meet with repair technicians.

The System Will Be Ready for the Growing Season

Installing a new sprinkler system isn’t as easy as you might think. Water lines need to be installed in the ground, electronics need wiring, and the layout needs to be perfected. This takes time, but it can also disrupt your lawn’s new growth if you wait too long to start the installation.

By scheduling your new system installation earlier in the season, you’ll give your lawn more time to recover from the installation itself. This means your grass will look better than your neighbors who wait to replace their system until spring is in full swing. 

Even better, you’ll have all that extra time to focus on adding new plants to your landscape design while others are waiting for their sprinkler systems to get installed in the first place. By midsummer, your yard will look pristine and theirs will still be playing catch-up. 

New Sprinklers Add Value to Your Home

Believe it or not, installing a new sprinkler system doesn’t just benefit your landscaping. It can also add serious value to your home.

If you choose to list the property over the next few years, you’ll be able to ask a higher price for the house with the new system in place. Even better, the system can be a major selling point for prospective buyers. 

Remember, buyers want a property that’s easy to maintain and an upgraded, modern sprinkler system with new controllers and new heads dramatically reduces the amount of time and effort they have to put into maintain the landscaping. Compared to other properties without those systems in place, yours will stand out from the crowd.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re wondering if a new sprinkler system is the right upgrade for your home and your budget, don’t wait. Contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service and schedule a consultation today. We’ll inspect your current system for wear and tear and let you know if upgrading is the best option.

If it is, we’ll take care of everything for you. Our experienced team will install your system the right way the first time so you can focus on enjoying your lawn, not scheduling ongoing repairs.

Surprise heavy snowfall and ice storms can take the Denver area by surprise well into the late spring months. When they do, your carefully cared for landscaping that’s just starting to grow and bloom will be at risk of serious damage. Luckily, taking care of your plants before an ice storm hits is easier than you might think. You just need to be willing to put in a little effort. Not sure where to start? Your trusted Denver sprinkler repair team is here to help. Here are a few easy ways to protect your landscaping and your sprinkler system from ice buildup.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

The best way to protect your landscaping from ice storms is to check the weather forecast on a regular basis. Try to do this once or twice a week at least. Watch the forecast on the news, read about projected temperatures and weather events in the newspaper, or use a weather app on your phone. It doesn’t matter how you get your information as long as you’re staying up to date on the weather condition. your area. If you notice extremely heavy snow, hail, or ice storms in the forecast, you’ll need to take action before the storm hits if you want to protect your landscaping as well as you can.

Invest in Sturdy Tarps for Garden Beds

One of the best ways to protect new growth and flowers in your garden beds is to invest in sturdy tarps that you can use to cover the fragile plants. You should be able to pick them up at your closest garden center or big-box retailer. Add supports to keep the weight of the tarps off the plants if possible. Then, spread and secure the tarps before severe weather rolls in. These tarps are light enough that you should be able to spread them and remove them on your own in a matter of minutes. If you can, store them in a dry area between storms and let them dry completely before you fold them back up for storage. This will extend the life of the tarps and keep mold and mildew growth at bay.

Wrap Young Trees

Older trees are well established in your yard. Their roots are deep enough to withstand high winds and their branches and leaves are better able to handle the weight of any ice that can accumulate on them. Younger trees, however, aren’t as well equipped to handle ice storms. The best thing you can do is wrap those young trees. Use burlap to wrap the trunk and protect the bulk of the tree from ice buildup. Most of the branches should be able to recover on their own if ice collects on them. 

Stay on Top of Tree Trimming and Pruning

Even a small coating of ice can add several pounds of additional weight to your trees’ limbs and branches. If the branches are too large or already have damage, they can break under the weight. The best way to protect your trees from further strain and damage during ice storms is to schedule routine tree trimming and pruning appointments with your trusted tree company. They’ll be able to get rid of any damaged growth and can make sure the trees are able to withstand the added weight of ice buildup without suffering too much damage by simply trimming away excess growth.

Don’t Walk on Frozen Grass

After an ice storm, you’ll likely notice a fine sheet of ice coating your grass. Though it might seem harmless enough, avoid walking on your lawn until the ice melts. Frozen grass and the roots beneath the blades can break under the weight of your foot when they’re frozen. Once this happens, the lawn may develop brown spots and patchy growth. By letting the ice thaw, you’ll keep your grass from breakage and damage.

Turn the Water Supply to Your Sprinklers Off

When you’re trying to keep your lawn and your landscaping watered on a regular basis, nothing beats your sprinkler system. But if you notice ice storms in the forecast or see freezing temperatures projected, don’t leave it on. Instead, turn the water supply off and make sure the sprinkler heads retract back into the ground. If they don’t, call your sprinkler repair team and let them inspect your system. They’ll be able to fix the issue so the rest of your system’s components will be protected from the upcoming weather.

Let Ice Melt Naturally

When there’s ice collecting on your landscaping, it’s tempting to try to melt it quickly. Some homeowners choose to spray their plants down with warm water while others try to melt the ice with heat guns or hair dryers. Doing so isn’t just a waste of water and electricity—it can also scorch your plants. Instead, try to let the ice melt on its own. It may take a few days, but letting the weather handle the task will cause less damage to your landscaping in the long run.

Call in the Pros to Deal With Damage

After any severe weather event, it’s normal to see some type of damage to your landscaping. If you have downed limbs or fallen trees, don’t try to pick up the debris on your own. Instead, make a note of where those limbs are on your property. IF they’re close to powerlines or are blocking the road, call your local Public Works department and let them help with the removal. If the trees are damaged within your property, call your tree service and let them trim back the damage and remove the fallen limbs. This way, you won’t have to worry about injuring yourself or your yard in the process.

Keep These Tips in Mind

If you’re worried about surprise ice storms damaging your landscaping, you’re not alone. Just make sure you follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to keep your landscaping in good shape year-round. If at any point you notice damage to your sprinkler system or just want an experienced landscaping team to give you a second opinion, don’t wait. Contact our team as soon as possible.