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Spring can either be perfectly sunny and beautiful with progressively warmer temperatures until summer or full of unexpected weather surprises. As we’ve seen recently, heavy snows and blizzards can happen anytime during the spring months. And you never know when one of those massive spring blizzards is going to roll in. This makes it hard for your lawn and landscaping to create strong and established growth patterns, no matter how much you stay on top of your Denver sprinkler system repair and maintenance efforts. You need to find ways to get your lawn to bounce back as fast as possible. Here are a few simple tips to help you give your landscaping the assistance it needs.

Pick up Debris

The first thing you should do after any heavy snowfall or blizzard is to walk around your yard and look for debris and fallen branches. The heavy snow that blankets your trees and lawn can easily cause even the healthiest branches to break or crack. Once this happens, you’ll need to remove the damaged growth as soon as possible.

If the branches are small and on the ground, you should be able to pick them up on your own. Simply drag them to a staging area where you can break them down and place them into a sturdy trash bag for your waste removal company. But if the branches are large or still attached to the tree, your best option is to call a tree trimming company. They’ll be able to safely remove those damaged branches in no time.

Inspect Your Sprinkler System

If you made sure to retract the sprinkler heads prior to the blizzard, the system should still be safe and in good working order. But accidents can still happen. Head out to your lawn and inspect your sprinkler system for damage. Make sure the sprinkler heads are still firmly and completely retracted. Then, turn the system on when the weather warms up and make sure everything is in good working order.

If the spray patterns look off or you notice one or two heads not behaving as they should, schedule an inspection as soon as you can. The sooner you get your system inspected, the sooner you’ll be able to rely on your sprinklers once again to keep your yard hydrated and healthy. 

Check on Your Trees and Shrubs

The most vulnerable part of your yard isn’t the flowers growing in your garden bed. Those can be replaced or replanted easily. Instead, it’s your trees and shrubs. Those tall shade-giving plants catch the brunt of the storm. The heavy snow and ice collects on their branches and puts tons of strain on the trunk. Even if the branches don’t crack or break, they can still be damaged.

After the storm, inspect your trees and shrubs for any signs of damage. If you notice broken or cracked branches, make a plan to get them removed quickly. And if you see signs of potential damage, inspect it regularly. Keep an eye on the damaged area and call your tree service if you notice any changes. Letting damage sit can be okay if it’s not extensive, but if it gets worse, you risk introducing the tree to pests, disease, mold, and other fungal growth that can infect the rest of your yard.

Keep Weight off the Grass

Frozen ground may seem safe to use normally, but it’s not always a good idea. Though heavy weight won’t crush the roots when the ground is cold or frozen, it can cause the blades and new growth to break under the weight. If this happens over a large enough spot, you’ll start to see underperforming growth once the weather improves. 

Make sure to remove any lawn furniture or heavy items off the lawn while it recovers. This way, your grass will be able to rebound quickly without having to deal with new or excessive damage during the heart of the growing season.

Plan on Fertilizing After the Thaw

Fertilizer is a great tool for your lawn if you use it appropriately and adding some after a blizzard can help your grass recover faster. Once the ground thaws and you’re ready to start watering like normal, add a small amount of fertilizer to your lawn. If you’re not sure what kind to use, consult with your landscaping team or ask for advice at your local gardening supply store. 

Using too much at once or using the wrong type of fertilizer can put strain on your grass and essentially give the roots and blades a chemical burn. Once the burn happens, the only way to let your grass recover is to let it heal on its own or spread new seed in the damaged spot. It can take months before your grass will be back to normal.

Let the Grass Get Taller at First

After the storm, your grass will start growing again. And you’ll likely feel tempted to trim it down like normal. Don’t. Instead, let the grass get a bit taller than you ordinarily would. By giving your grass the opportunity to grow taller before you cut it, you’ll give your lawn the signals it needs to produce continual growth during the warmer months. After a few weeks of letting your grass get taller than normal, you’ll be able to start trimming it back to your preferred height without concern.

Be Mindful of Your Pavement

Snow and ice buildup can make paved walkways dangerous slipping hazards. For most people, the temptation to use ice melt is great. It powers through the buildup and eliminates the slipping hazards. But it can damage your lawn and landscaping. Pay attention to your lawn as you clear your walkways. Use a landscaping-safe ice melt or let the sun do the job for you.

Keep These Tips in Mind

If you’re worried about your lawn and landscaping after the last blizzard, implement these tips as soon as you can. And if you need help or notice damage to your sprinkler system, contact our team to get it repaired fast.

No matter how new or old your sprinkler system is, you expect it to work reliably every time you turn it on. Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained system will develop issues that cause them to stop working unexpectedly. The sooner you can identify the possible cause of the problem, the easier it will be for you to get your Denver sprinkler system up and running. You just need to familiarize yourself with the most common causes of a non-functioning system. Here’s what you need to know.

Check the Controller

Your sprinkler system’s controller tells it when to turn on and when to turn off every day. Though it’s a sophisticated piece of equipment, issues can pop up. The most common problem is due to a lack of power at the controller. If your sprinkler system won’t turn on, check your controller first. Make sure the system is receiving power. If it’s not, check the circuit breaker for the controller and switch it back if the breaker tripped. If it’s receiving power and nothing is happening, check with your repair expert and let them make sure the controller is still in good working order.

Review the Programming

Most modern sprinkler systems allow you to program watering sessions to better suit your yard’s needs. This means you’re able to water your yard consistently whether you’re home or not. However, sometimes that programming can get swapped around or forgotten about. This means you might think that your sprinkler system isn’t running when you think it should because the system is telling it not to turn on. Check the current programming settings with your controller and make sure the system is set to water your yard at the time. If it is and the sprinklers aren’t working, you’ll need to call your repair technician. However, if the programming is telling the system to stay off, try adjusting the settings and see if the system turns on. In most cases, this will be enough to fix your sprinkler system.

The Sensors Are Broken

Just as modern sprinklers include the option to program watering sessions, they also feature rain and snow sensors. These sensors tell the system not to turn on when there’s an active rain or snowstorm. Unfortunately, identifying sensor issues can be tricky. Start by checking the controller and the programming settings you have in place. If there are no visible issues with those components, it could easily be the sensor. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your repair technician as soon as possible. They’ll be able to inspect the sensors and see if there’s underlying damage that’s keeping them from turning on in the first place. 

Low Water Pressure

The spray pattern of your sprinkler system depends entirely on the water pressure in the pipes. The stronger it is, the more area each sprinkler head will be able to cover at once. The weaker it is, the less spray your sprinkler heads will put out. If you notice subpar spray patterns or don’t see water coming out of the heads at all, check the water pressure on your property. Head to your nearest outdoor water spigot and turn it on. If there’s a steady flow of water, the issue with your sprinklers is due to another problem. However, if the water pressure seems low at the spigot, your best bet is to call a plumber. They’ll be able to inspect the water lines on your property and see if any blockages might contribute to the water pressure being low. Once they identify the source of the problem, they’ll be able to fix it quickly. This should restore your sprinkler system to its original condition.

Clogged Sprinkler Heads

It’s easy to think that you have serious damage when water doesn’t come out of each sprinkler head on your property. While you may have underlying issues that contribute to water not reaching certain locations, it’s more likely to be a problem with the sprinkler head itself. Take a look at the dry sprinkler head and inspect the water outlets across the entire unit. It’s normal for those outlets to get clogged with dirt, debris, and lawn clippings over time. If it looks dirty, clean the nozzle with a stiff-bristled brush and water. This should be enough to dislodge the dirt and restore water flow across your yard.

Issues With the Valve

Water valves are the easiest way to control whether your sprinkler system receives the water it needs to run through its cycle or if it stays dry. If there’s an active leak in the system or you’re preparing for winter, turning the valve off will keep your sprinklers in good shape. However, it’s incredibly easy to get sidetracked and forget that you turned the valve off in the first place. If your system isn’t running when it should, check the water valve. If it’s closed, open it back up and see if that fixes the problem. If it’s open and you’re still not seeing water coming out of your sprinklers, schedule a repair appointment.

Leaking Pipes

Every sprinkler system receives water from underground pipes. This is what allows the system to keep your entire lawn properly hydrated without forcing you to drag a hose around. When those pipes are in good condition, your system gets the water it needs. However, if they have even a small leak, it can seem like your sprinklers aren’t working correctly or at all. If you’ve been able to rule out all the other possible problems with your system, call your repair technician and let them assess the condition of your pipes. If there’s a leak, they’ll be able to fix the problem and restore your system.

Get Your System Inspected

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as you’d like or you can’t get the system to turn on at all, don’t wait. Contact our team and schedule an inspection as soon as possible. We’ll help you figure out what’s causing the problem and find the right solution so you can water your lawn with ease.

When your sprinklers are working the way they’re supposed to, they send a steady supply of water to your plants and lawn without issue. Once the timer sends the signal, the system turns on and runs through the cycle automatically, only missing cycles if there’s a significant rainstorm that makes watering unnecessary. Since they’re entirely automatic, it’s easy to stop paying attention to the way the system is working at any given time or the issues it might be causing with your home’s exterior. Remember, water damage is a serious issue and the sooner you deal with it, the better off your property will be. Here are a few key things your Denver sprinkler repair team wants you to watch for around your property.

Pooling Around Your Foundation

Your home’s foundation is designed to be able to handle the occasional rainstorm without a problem. It’s even built to move with changing soil conditions without cracking and getting damaged. However, it’s not built to withstand constant exposure to water. Walk around your home’s exterior and keep an eye on the foundation line. Look for puddles collecting along the side of your house after running your sprinkler system. 

Even if those puddles fade after an hour or two, you’ll want to get your system inspected by a professional. Small puddles soaking into the ground around your home still increase the amount of moisture exposure your foundation faces. Over time, it can cause the foundation to crack and warp. Once this happens, you’ll be in for some costly repairs and may have to deal with additional damage throughout your home.

Cracks in the Siding

Your home’s siding isn’t just a decorative touch that adds personality and flair to your building. It also helps protect the insulation, wiring, and integrity of the house itself. When it’s damaged, the rest of your house is at risk for serious water damage, insect infestations, and even mold growth. Unfortunately, water repeatedly hitting the side of your house can cause the siding to warp and lift away from the supports on the exterior of your house. 

Look at your siding at least once a month and check for any cracks and warping in the materials. If you see any, get them repaired quickly and have your sprinklers inspected to make sure the issue won’t repeat itself. Your repair technician will be able to make the necessary repairs to adjust the spray pattern of your sprinklers.

Warping Paint

Exterior paint is designed to withstand regular exposure to moisture and the elements, but repeat exposure caused by sprinkler systems constantly hitting the side of your home can cause the paint to bubble up. Once it does, the moisture barrier formed by the paint will be compromised. This puts your siding at risk of extensive water damage if the problem continues. Once the moisture builds up in the siding, it can end up encouraging mold and mildew growth inside your walls. Adjusting the sprinkler heads to avoid hitting the house will keep the damage at bay.

Excess Moisture Buildup in the Basement

Sometimes, the spray from your sprinkler heads can soak into the ground very quickly. That doesn’t mean it’s not doing damage to your home. Get in the habit of inspecting your basement or crawlspace every few weeks. Pay attention to the humidity levels inside and make sure there’s no sign of water soaking through the foundation and into your home. If you notice anything out of place or feel that the space is overly humid, don’t wait. Get the damage checked out by an experienced contractor and take care of your sprinkler heads’ positioning.

Discoloration in Your Foundation

All water has some trace minerals in it. Those minerals are actually beneficial both for your health and your home’s soil composition. However, those same minerals can also make it really easy to notice water damage caused by your sprinkler system after the water has dried completely. Between watering sessions, walk around your home’s exterior and look for visible discoloration along the base of your home. You’ll likely see a buildup of white specks left behind as the water dried. If you see this, take action quickly. The sooner you get your sprinkler system adjusted, the safer your home’s foundation will be.

Musty Smell Indoors

Severe water damage will eventually soak into the walls of your home even if the source of the water damage comes from outside your house. Though you might not see visible water damage inside your house, you will likely be able to smell it. Give your home a smell test every week and pay attention to any inexplicably changing odors. If you suddenly start smelling damp, musty, or earthy smells inside your house, you likely have water damage soaking in from the exterior. Keep in mind that this could be due to a problem with your plumbing, so it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your trusted plumber.

Water Pooling on the Main Level

If water keeps hitting the side of your house and you continue to ignore the issues at hand, you may end up seeing water pooling inside your home along the base of your walls. Ignoring this damage isn’t an option. The longer it sits, the more damage your home will become. As soon as you notice inexplicable moisture on your floor, get your sprinkler system and your plumbing system inspected. This way, you’ll be able to fix the issue before the problem spreads and threatens the safety of your house and your furnishings.

Don’t Let Your Sprinklers Hurt Your Home

Watch for these tell-tale signs that your sprinkler system is damaging your house so you can stay on top of repairs and keep your home in good condition. If you spot even a single one, don’t ignore the damage. Contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service as soon as possible to schedule an inspection with our dedicated team. We’ll make sure your sprinkler system is calibrated correctly so the only things the sprinkler heads will water will be the plants you love. 

You work hard to keep your lawn looking new at all times. That’s why you go to the trouble to get your sprinkler system repaired by an experienced Denver sprinkler repair technician rather than trying to fix it on your own. While you know how to deal with the symptoms of under and overwatering that can threaten the health of your lawn, what can you do to keep pests and unwanted critters from damaging your turf? There are few things that are worse than seeing parts of your carefully cultivated lawn torn up by animals. Here are a few things you can do to keep those critters away.

Spread Seeds Often

The more established your lawn is, the harder it will be for animals to tear it up. Unfortunately, bare patches can happen all the time and they can happen without warning. Those bare patches are weak spots that animals can easily tear up with even the slightest bit of determination. The easiest way to deal with those weak spots is to spread grass seed often. 

Pick up a bag of seed that matches the types of grass you have in your lawn and spot treat bare patches or underperforming patches as needed. Follow the directions on the back of the seed bag for best results. This method takes time, but it’s one of the most effective ways of keeping unwanted critters from tunneling into your lawn.

Lay Traps for Unwanted Critters

If you’re noticing a lot of churned-up turfs and can’t keep up with seed spreading to mitigate the damage, you’ll need to be more proactive. Add traps specifically for the critters wreaking havoc on your lawn. You’re free to do this on your own, but most homeowners find more success by working with an experienced wildlife removal expert.

They’ll be able to identify the exact pests and lay the correct traps for your property. Once they catch the unwanted critters, the wildlife removal expert will be able to relocate them to an area far away from residential properties. The pests will end up being safer once relocated and your lawn will be able to recover completely over the next growing season.

Invest in Natural Repellants

There are many different natural pest repellant products on the market and many of them are incredibly effective at deterring unwanted critters. Once you have an idea of the types of animals that are in your yard, look for repellants that will help keep them away. Head to your local garden center or hardware store and ask for advice. 

Look for products that deter rather than hurt or poison the critters. Items like a synthetic fox or coyote urine can send a signal that predators are nearby and can encourage the pests to seek refuge elsewhere. Even better, the products won’t hurt your pets or your kids if you let them play on the grass.

Fence Your Lawn

The most common digging pests in the Denver metro area are also some of the easiest to deter. You just need to build a substantial barrier that they won’t be able to climb over. If you haven’t already, consider adding a sturdy fence around your backyard. You won’t be able to use this in your front yard without making your house attract unwanted attention on your block. 

Most homeowners see great results with vinyl fencing as animals can’t easily climb it or burrow beneath it. However, some find that chain link fencing is all you need. It all depends on the type of pests on your property.

Get Rid of Insects

The reason you have animals digging up your grass isn’t that they’re trying to destroy your picture-perfect lawn. Instead, they’re searching for food. Most of those digging critters eat insects as a major part of their diet. Getting rid of insects in your lawn can go a long way toward getting rid of unwanted digging. 

Start by spreading diatomaceous earth on your lawn. This is a natural insecticide that’s harmless to both animals and humans. It should get rid of most insects on the surface of your grass in a matter of days. You can also apply nematodes to the soil to further reduce the number of insects and grubs in your lawn. 

If this isn’t enough, call a pest control specialist and let them treat your lawn for insects. They’ll be able to pinpoint the exact types of insects in your lawn and target their treatments to get rid of them quickly. Once the food supply dries up, critters will be less tempted to stick around and will move onto other properties in search of food.

Get Rid of Temptation

Walk around your yard and see if there are features that are particularly tempting to critters and insects. Look for things like mulch piles, low-lying shrubs that can serve as shelter for critters, and even food waste from backyard barbeques and cookouts. Remove those hazards and monitor for additional activity on your lawn. 

If you notice the activity stopping or reducing, keep it up. Stay on top of your cleaning efforts and keep your landscaping carefully manicured. However, if getting rid of the things that commonly attract critters isn’t enough to get rid of them, call your pest control expert again. They may be able to identify additional hazards and issues that you can get rid of to keep the critters from coming back. 

Keeping Your Lawn in Good Shape Is Possible

If you want your lawn to look pristine and free from dug-up piles of dirt, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you keep unwanted pests and critters from doing damage both now and in the future. Once you get rid of those pests, take the time to schedule a sprinkler system inspection with Water Solutions Sprinkler Service. Those same pests that dig up your lawn can do serious damage to your sprinkler system if left unaddressed. We’ll inspect your lines, sprinkler heads, and connections to make sure everything is in good shape. 

As the weather starts to change, it’s normal for your home’s landscaping to start looking a bit tired and underwhelming. The plants start to drop their leaves and won’t produce new growth until the following spring. Worse, your carefully maintained lawn will start to look brown and boring until the weather warms back up. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring landscape during the cooler months. You just have to be willing to think outside of the box and make a few adjustments to your normal landscaping routine. Here are a few simple ways from your trusted Denver sprinkler service to keep your landscaping looking as great as it can even when you have months to wait for the next growing season.

Get Raking A.S.A.P.

Letting leaves decompose on your lawn and in your garden beds is one of the best things you can do for the soil. As the leaves break down, they deposit minerals and nutrients that enrich the ground and make it more fertile and better able to support the growth of a diverse group of plants when the weather warms up. However, some homeowners’ associations won’t let you leave the leaves alone. Worse, they can make your yard look cluttered and unkempt. 

The best way to get your yard looking pristine is to start raking leaves as soon as they start falling. By staying on top of the raking, you’ll keep your yard looking great, avoid possible HOA fines, and can repurpose the leaves in your fall decorations. Pick up some jack o’lantern leaf bags at your closest hardware store and fill them with the leaf waste before Halloween. They’ll make your yard look spooky, cost very little, and can be tossed away once the holiday is over.

Spread Mulch

Mulch is one of the best ways to prevent erosion and keep your landscaping looking great throughout the year. But most importantly, it adds a pop of color to your garden beds even when the growing season is long over. All you have to do is choose the right type of mulch for your yard and your landscaping. 

Most local tree care companies have mulch at incredibly low costs and some even offer it for free if you’re willing to come to collect it from their facility. Pick up enough to spread a complete layer across your garden beds and around the trees and shrubs on your property. If you can, choose a mulch that’s bright in color and will add a nice pop to your landscaping. Bring it home and spread it evenly throughout your beds and around the base of the trees and shrubs. As it sits, it will break down and deposit nutrients into your soil to make your beds more fertile come spring.

Focus on Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting and landscape lighting can make a huge difference in the way your yard looks at any given time. If you don’t already have landscape lighting in place, work with your trusted landscaper to install a system on your property. This will allow you to draw the eye away from parts of the yard you don’t want to draw attention to and makes your yard look far more interesting when there aren’t active blooms and growth to distract the eye.

If you already have light fixtures in place, give your lighting a little TLC. Clean away cobwebs and dirt from lights that are in good shape. Replace any burned-out light bulbs with modern LED bulbs to save on energy costs. During the holidays, you can even swap the bulbs out for colorful options to make your yard festive without investing in additional decorations. If you notice any fixtures that aren’t working or aren’t doing what you want them to, contact your trusted landscaper and let them take a look. They should be able to make the necessary repairs and upgrades to make your yard look its best even in low light conditions.

Add Color With Decorations

It should come as no surprise that even the most beautiful landscapes in the greater Denver area look bland during the colder months. Even if you have new growth coming up, it will be short-lived and will turn brown in a matter of days. That doesn’t mean you have to accept a boring yard. You can do something about it. 

Add color with decorations throughout your home’s exterior. During early fall, decorate with bright pumpkins and gourds to add flair and fun to your yard and home’s exterior. If you have trees, consider hiring a professional to install holiday lights for the season. This will create eye-catching displays that your neighbors will enjoy and appreciate every night. You can also decorate the exterior of your house with colorful wreaths or decorative holiday flags and banners to add more color to your yard.

Plant Ornamental Grasses

One of the easiest ways to make your cold-weather landscaping look great year-round is to incorporate ornamental grasses into your design. These grasses grow actively during warmer weather and enter hibernation once the temperatures drop. Though they won’t produce green growth during the winter, they can still add texture and unique colors to your landscaping even when it’s too cold for other plants to thrive. Add them to your garden beds, create decorative trim around established trees and shrubs. Once they’re in place, they’ll require minimal maintenance and upkeep to preserve their impact and keep them healthy. 

Keep Your Yard Looking Great During the Fall

If you’re struggling to figure out how to keep your yard looking awesome during the fall and winter months, don’t panic. You’re not alone. These tips should help you create a dynamic and beautiful landscape design no matter how cold the weather gets. Just make sure to schedule a professional sprinkler system blowout with your trusted Denver sprinkler repair and maintenance team. Not sure if your system needs a blowout? Reach out to Water Solutions Sprinkler Service today and discuss your property’s needs now. The sooner you do, the sooner we’ll be able to make sure your system stays in good condition for years to come.