Latest News from Water Solutions

In today’s world, landscaping extends beyond grass seed, plants and well manicured lawns. In fact, homeowners are creating social gathering spaces via backyard patios, outdoor grilling stations and even full kitchens constructed to move the living room and social gathering spaces of the home outside. One such gathering spot, installed with a little more ease, is a fire pit.
 
Providing year round enjoyment, a properly installed fire pit offers a variety of different functions when utilized. Obviously, the unit can provide heat during cool Denver nights while also providing an option for campsite snacks while enjoying the amenities of home.
 
The type of unit installed will equate to how functional the fire pit can be depending on the wishes of the homeowner. First, a decision must be made in regards to the actual heat source. Both gas and natural (wood) options are available and each provides quality characteristics depending on desired settings and use.

WOOD POSITIVES

Wood burning fire pits provide a more natural setting. The fire provides warmth but can also be used for cooking any type of food or snack. S'mores are always a favorite but hot dogs and solo roasted marshmallows aren’t far behind. Natural fire also serves as an insect repellent. Some wood pit options may be transported.

WOOD NEGATIVES

Smell. Sitting around a fire will almost always lead to a smoky smell embedding itself into both your clothes and hair. Ash accumulation is also a negative as the pit must be cleared regularly to prevent build up. Constant care must be administered in order to maintain the flame and ensure constant heat production. Following enjoyment, proper steps to extinguish the fire must be followed.

GAS POSITIVES

Propane or natural gas fire pits offer a consistent and steady flame immediately after being lit. The heat source is measureable based on BTU (British Thermal Unit) production and units can be designed and installed to emit the most effective heat for the area. Immediate heat and flame at the push of a button and no need for kindling, paper or waiting for the flame to catch, unlike a natural pit.

GAS NEGATIVES

Fire pits using gas for flame production are limited to the amount fuel available. Instead of being able to simply add wood to the fire, if the fuel runs out the flame will immediately extinguish. For this reason, storing and having an additional fuel tank on hand is recommended. Unlike natural wood fires, using gas flames for fireside snacks is not recommended.
 
Whatever type of fire pit you choose, make sure to read up on outdoor fire pit safety When determined to find the right option for your fire pit and social common ground needs, the professional staff at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service will be happy to help you decide on the best option for your Denver area lawn. Experts in available options and installation a decision can easily be reached based on individual needs and budget. Contact us today at 720-435-1495 or visit our website at watersolutionsco.com to get more information about the best fire pit options available for your home.

Ah, summer is nearly here. The sun is shining brightly, temperatures are warmer, and for many of you, you have just completed your spring landscaping and yardwork. These are time and budget consuming projects! While you hope that nothing happens to your front yard masterpiece, it is in the great outdoors—meaning pests and animals can be attracted to it. You don’t want all your hard work and valuable dollars to go to waste! It is important to protect your yard and landscaping from unwanted pests and animals. Learn some of the best ways to keep your lawn safe from animals, go-to information on how insects and pests can hurt plants, shrubs and trees and general landscaping tips for this season.

Keeping Your Lawn Safe from Animals

Burrowing animals are some of the most common animals that negatively impact lawns in Colorado. According to the Colorado State University Extension’s Burrowing Animals, there are four main types of animals that can be pesky in lawns! They explain there are voles (field mice), pocket gophers, prairie dogs and Wyoming ground squirrels. To help keep your lawn safe, they advise to use repellents, traps and poison grain baits to keep animals away from your lawn and landscaping. If you have a garden, you can always put barriers around the foods you are growing to keep animals from eating them.

Insects and Pests That Can Hurt Plants and Trees

It is important to monitor your trees, plants and shrubs to make sure insects and pests are not hurting them. One insect common to the area are aphids. One of the top ways they spread is thriving on dying trees and plants and feeding off its fluids. Mites are also insects that feed off ailing plants and the lilac borer that thrives off ailing trunks of trees. Therefore, you should make sure your plants and trees have enough water and nutrients. Last, the elm leaf beetle is another common Denver insect that eats between the veins of a leaf, so you will know there is an issue just by looking at the leaves.

Landscaping Tips

To keep your landscaping and lawn in quality shape, getting enough water is key. Too much water will hurt them while too little water will dry them out. Installing a sprinkler system from a local sprinkler company will help combat watering issues and give you more time back in your day. It is also important to periodically prune your trees and plants to encourage growth. If there are any weeds growing in your lawn or landscaping, make sure to pull them and use weed killer to make sure they do not pop up again.
 
Do you already have a sprinkler system? Make sure you know the steps for checking of sprinkler systems this summer. If you don’t, Water Solutions Sprinkler Service will help. Not only can we help you with sprinkler installation or repair, but offer premier landscaping services as well. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Are you looking for that one final piece that will make your backyard perfect? One of the top additions you can make is Denver outdoor lighting! While you can have a standard flood or security light, that does not set a mood in the area. There are a variety of types of premier lighting available to make your backyard the perfect space once the sun goes down that can serve a dual purpose for safety and security as well. From the types of lighting and quality design ideas to keeping the grass in your backyard green, use some of these tips to enhance your space.

Types of Lighting

If you have pathways in your backyard that you would like to safely navigate through at night, consider lighting along your paths. These can be installed in the ground along the path or nearby next to rock or plant beds to keep the areas lit. You can also highlight trees and shrubs by adding accent lighting that lights up these areas at night. If you have a deck or patio, add hanging lights along the area. You can strategically place them so they do not look overbearing and provide the perfect touch for a night on your deck. If you have a smaller space but would like upscale lighting for practical use, consider adding wall lighting. You can find a variety of styles from hanging lights to lanterns. When purchasing your lighting, know that the type of bulb you buy will determine the type of lighting that it puts out. If you are looking for a light and soft feel, look for bulbs with a lower wattage for softer lights. For a complete guide on types of outdoor lighting you can visit the DIY Network website.

Backyard Design Ideas

When you are trying to design your backyard, landscaping plays a huge part. No matter what the size of your yard is, you can strategically place trees and bushed in places followed by accent lighting that draws attention to those areas at night. If you are looking to create a lounge area, one of the best ideas is to add a deck or patio. Another go-to option is to add a firepit. You can create a space and purchase outdoor furniture to match. You can invest in waterproof furniture for your deck, allowing you to have couches, loveseats, chairs, ottomans, etc. For a firepit, you can invest in seating to go around it and add an upscale feel.

Keeping Your Grass Green

As you work on your backyard designs, you will want to make sure your grass stays healthy. To do this, make sure you are using a sprinkler system. By installing a system for your landscaping, you can ensure that your yard is getting the right amount of water at the right times. This will keep your grass lively and green.
 
For help making your backyard look its best, Water Solution is your local sprinkler service. For more help, read our guide Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips and Maintaining Your Sprinklers in Denver. To get started to see how we can help you make your backyard and front yard the best it can be, contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service today.

As summer approaches, this is an excellent time to tackle the maintenance of your irrigation system - before the heat of the summer is bearing down on your lawn. Bear in mind that the problems with irrigation do not become obvious during the cooler periods of the year. However, once the temperature becomes hot, your irrigation system will have to provide that lifeline that your plants need. For that reason, it is important now to make any necessary adjustments to the heads and zones for the appropriate watering times. Below is a checklist of several maintenance routines that you should adopt for your Denver Sprinkler Systems.

Conducting an Inspection

First, you should do a thorough inspection of your irrigation system. This means that you should start with your backflow preventer on to your valves. You should also pay attention to soil erosion, soggy landscape, and standing water. If your irrigation system comes with a controller, be sure that all the programs are working properly. The battery in your controller must be replaced once per year for the correct backup power when it is needed.

The Sprinklers

You should ensure that your sprinklers are checked as frequently as possible, especially if above ground because they can be easily misdirected or damaged. Inspect the irrigation line, starting with the valve and then to the spray heads, looking for any leaks. If necessary, you may need to replace damaged spray heads, but in doing so, be sure to install the right spray heads. The sprinkler heads also have to be flushed with the soil surface and in an upright position. Clear away any other obstacles that may obstruct the sprinkler spray. Adjust the sparkler heads to prevent them from spraying on your driveway, wall, or sidewalk.

Drip Irrigation

If you are considering drip irrigation, then make sure to turn on your irrigation system about half an hour prior to its inspection. This allows sufficient timing for wetting patterns to be shown for the emitters. Check for any clogging or leaking in your emitters. In addition, you might have to move your emitters to the drip line of your plants for each season, even if you have to buy additional connectors and tubing.

The Valves

Your valves are central to your irrigation system because of the regulation that they provide to water distribution. If your valve is leaking, it will waste water and you will see a higher water bill. So, it is important that you inspect each of your valves to ensure proper operation. Be sure to do this before you even turn on your sprinkler system. In addition, check for the right water pressure before turning on the main water valve.

If you want to learn more about the steps for an early summer check of your sprinkler system, it is advised that you speak to the sprinkler system experts at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service in Parker, Colorado. You can contact us today for a consultation at 720-435-1495, we would be happy to help you out.

Landscaping experts often consider the type of wildlife that may be attracted to certain shrubs, plants and trees in the lawn of your home or business. Often, both business and homeowners do not consider such aspects when creating their personal landscapes. Instead, those individuals are often more focused on their feelings about the color scheme or mood set by the foliage they select for their Denver landscaping needs.

For this reason alone, only professional landscapers should be considered when determining what shrubbery should be used to best spruce up your home or office. However, sometimes those same owners elect to incorporate wildlife into their scene.

Especially when focused on eco-friendly landscaping. One of the more prominent wildlife often attracted to certain plants and trees include birds. A properly organized landscape will help to not only attract certain types but also provide subsistence for different species.

Instead of negatively affecting the surrounding areas by implementing certain shrubs possibly attracting unwanted wildlife, professionals can ensure only invited guest appear. By incorporating some of the following plants and shrubs into your lawn or garden many fascinating birds native to the area should begin to visit.

Finches

Small to medium size birds often reflecting a variety of colors and patterns. Finches do not migrate allowing the same birds to be attracted to your landscape year round. The New England Aster, Red Spike Mexican Hat, Saskatoon Serviceberry and Side-Oats Grama are common shrubs that are known to attract Finches into a lawn or garden.

Most are shrub like averaging only three feet in height.

Sparrows

Similar to Finches, Sparrows are of a similar size and color spectrum but consume seeds and occasionally small insects. These birds are attracted to a similar variety of plants including the above.

White sagebrush, a perennial shrub attracting Sparrows is a beautiful option requiring little water in order to survive. A definitive eco-friendly option for both water consumption and wildlife attractiveness.

Hummingbirds

Considered to be one of the most attractive birds, Hummingbirds are drawn to multiple types of shrubbery. Unlike those plants used for bringing in other types of species often hummingbirds are the only bird attracted to certain plant types.

The Bluebell of Scotland, Dotted Gayfeather and Scarlet Skyrocket are plants that can be incorporated into a landscape for the specific purpose of attracting the hummingbird. Both the Oswego Tea and Showy Milkweed will at times also bring in hummingbird visitors but other bird varieties are more prevalent. You can view more tips for attracting spring and summer hummingbirds from the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Wrens

Small birds reflecting a brown tint or color attracted to the Hummingbird’s above Oswego Tea and Showy Milkweed. Wrens can also be courted by American Plum, Chokecherry, Fragrant Sumac and the Nootka Rose

These plants are larger as some can reach up to 20 feet in height.

Whenever deciding to include specific plants for wildlife attractiveness, the professional staff at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service will be happy to help you decide on the best options for your Denver area lawn or garden focusing on individual needs. Contact us today at 720-435-1495 or visit our website at watersolutionsco.com to get more information about improving your home or business with a professional landscaping service.