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A good sprinkler system is a must for Denver residents looking to keep their lawns and landscaping looking great throughout the summer. And if you’re like most Coloradoans, the thought of getting your hands dirty and installing it yourself is both exciting and daunting. You could install the system yourself, but it’s far better to work with an experienced Denver sprinkler service. Here’s why you should skip the DIY and leave things to the pros. 

Saves You Money (and Time)
When it comes to sprinkler systems, you get what you pay for. But when you’re shopping at your local hardware store for supplies, you’ll pay a premium for the same materials a professional already has on hand. 

What’s worse is you’ll also have to spend the time to size, prepare, and install the system on your own. If you’re handy, this will only take you a weekend, but if you’re new to DIY home improvements, it could take you several weeks. And no one will be paying you for that time spent. 

Proper Layout and Pipe Size
Your sprinkler system needs to have the right size pipes, sprinkler heads, filters, and wires in order to work properly. Without those components, the system won’t deliver the right amount of water to your plants. That said, even properly sized components won’t work correctly if the layout of your sprinkler system doesn’t work for your yard and landscaping. 

Professional installation guarantees that the layout works for your plants. Pros will assess the size of your yard, the placement of your beds, and the condition of the soil to determine what layout works best. The end result is a system that works flawlessly and distributes the most water where it needs to go. 

Saves Your Back
Every sprinkler system needs to be trenched before it can irrigate your yard. This is how water lines are installed beneath the top layer of soil. You could do this yourself, in theory, but it’s intensely physical and can put a lot of strain on your back, especially if you’re working to remove hazards like stones, stumps, tree roots, and old sprinkler components. A professional will get the job done quickly and safely.

Keeps Components Under Warranty
Most high-end components come with a manufacturer’s warranty protecting you from unexpected repair costs due to a fault with the products themselves. But there’s a catch—the components need to be installed by a licensed professional. 

If you install the components yourself, you’ll end up voiding the warranty. Even if an issue was the result of a manufacturing defect, the company won’t have to honor it if you performed the installation yourself. 

Gives You Access to Expert Advice
How many times have you bought a new appliance or electronic and promptly had hundreds of questions on how to use the item correctly? When you install sprinklers on your own, the only place you’ll be able to find information is the internet. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there!

When you hire a professional, you get access to their knowledge, their advice, and their ability to troubleshoot problems. They’ll install the system so that it works immediately, but they’ll also show you how to use the system to care for your yard. If you have questions or concerns later on, they’ll help you find the answers as quickly as possible. 

Ensures Proper Filtration
Even city water has contaminants and debris that can damage your sprinkler system. That’s why professionally installed systems include a thorough filtration device that keeps the water pure and reduces wear and tear on the components. 

Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all filtration system. The one that your yard needs might not be the one that you pick up at the hardware store. Working with a professional ensures that your sprinklers have the right type of filtration system for the yard. They’ll 

Electronics Need a Pro’s Touch
It should come as no surprise that electronics are incredibly complicated. If they’re installed incorrectly, they might not work at all. Worse, they could spark and lead to a fire in your garage or near your house. If you’re a licensed electrician, installing the electrical components of a sprinkler system will be a breeze. 

But if you’re like most homeowners, handling the installation yourself puts you at risk for damage to the house, your yard, and your health. Even a small short in the system can give you a mild shock or skin burn!

Professional installation technicians are licensed to work with the electrical components. During installation, they’ll make sure the system is up to code and will make sure the safety mechanisms and grounds are in place to prevent damage whenever possible. 

They Can Handle the Replacements
Sometimes, the sprinkler system in your yard just needs a little TLC. It doesn’t need to be redone, but some components might need to be replaced. Finding those exact replacements in a store, especially if it’s an older system, can be almost impossible. 

Professional technicians have access to a wider supply network and can often find components long after they’ve been phased out in favor of newer units. If they can’t, they’ll know if it’s possible to retrofit a part or be able to provide you with a firm estimate for updating those damaged components. Over the course of your sprinkler system’s life, this will save you money.

Replacement parts cost less than new systems, but they also cost less when ordered from your installation expert. Since pros order components in large numbers, suppliers often give them discounts on each piece. Reputable pros pass some of those savings on to you.

Book an Appointment Today
Summer will be in full swing before you know it. The sooner you take care of your sprinkler system, the better off your yard will be. Save yourself the stress and hassle of installing a sprinkler system on your own. Contact us to make an appointment and see the difference a professional installation can make in the health and appearance of your home’s landscaping. 
 

You love your home and your landscaping. But it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Unfortunately, with some landscape lighting systems, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Luckily, there’s a simple upgrade you can take care of that will decrease your expenses and improve your landscape design immediately: replacing old lights with new LED bulbs. 

But why would you go to the trouble to install new lights when your existing system works just fine? Your trusted landscaping and Denver sprinkler repair pros are here to help. We’ve put together a few compelling reasons that make LED bulbs a must-have addition to any outdoor lighting system.

Cooler Operation
Most outdoor landscaping lights heat up quickly anytime you turn them on. This is fine in most cases, but when the light fixture is close to plants or in areas with dried overgrowth, it becomes a major safety hazard. Some bulbs get hot enough to burn dust and spark small fires in dried plant materials. Other cooler bulbs may not spark fires, but they can produce enough heat to damage your plants.

LED bulbs produce virtually no heat. This means they’re safe for any light fixture in your yard, even ones close to plants or in areas that are at high-risk for fires. This helps guarantee that your landscaping looks great and lets the lighting do what it’s meant to: illuminating your yard and highlighting your favorite landscaping features.

Easier to Position
With traditional light bulbs, the light comes out in a 360-degree pattern. This means you need sturdy and properly angled lampshades to position the light where it needs to go. Unfortunately, this also makes the light dim and impacts the visual appeal of your yard. 

LED bulbs emit light directionally. This means you can position them precisely where they need to go and know that nearly 100 percent of the bulb’s light goes where you want it to. Your fixtures serve largely as decorative touches with the right LED bulb.

Recyclable and Eco-Friendly
When a halogen, fluorescent, or incandescent bulb burns out, you’re forced to throw it away. They can’t be recycled and, in many cases, must be disposed of properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of contaminating the environment. Why? Because many of these bulbs contain harsh chemicals and toxins. When they’re not properly dealt with, those chemicals leach into the soil and water supply.

When you upgrade to LED bulbs, you’re making a more responsible choice. They’re completely recyclable as long as you find a facility that accepts them. If you can’t recycle them, tossing them in the trash is fine. The bulbs contain no chemicals or toxins at all—the only hazard you’ll face is possible broken glass.

Work in Extreme Conditions
If you’ve ever turned an outdoor light on and had to wait for the light to get brighter, you’re not alone. This is a common problem especially with compact fluorescent bulbs. And when the temps drop, like they can during spring and early summer nights, those bulbs take time to reach full capacity. Worse, experiencing extreme temperatures can shorten their lifespan. 

LED bulbs work flawlessly no matter how hot or cold it gets outside. As soon as you turn the lights on, they reach 100 percent capacity. There’s no waiting for them to warm up. Instead, you get to enjoy your outdoor lighting immediately. 

Saves You on Your Energy Bill
The average homeowner pays more than $1,200 for electricity each year. When you have landscape lighting installed, that only increases your home’s energy usage. And the more electricity you consume, the more money you’ll owe the utility company every month. Traditional bulbs are designed to light up, but don’t do it efficiently. If you have a large yard and use landscape lighting to accent most of your home’s exterior, that can put a huge strain on your budget.

Upgrading to LED bulbs in your outdoor fixtures helps you save money month after month. They use a fraction of the electricity of halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs. Though they use less energy, they still emit the same amount or more light per bulb. 

Longer Burn Time 
All bulbs burn out eventually. Traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs can have their lifespans shortened by extreme weather and changing conditions. With your landscape lighting, you need the lights to work consistently. If bulbs keep going out, replacing them is not only annoying—it’s time consuming and costly.

Installing new LED bulbs instead will help cut down the amount of time you spend on landscape lighting maintenance. Most LEDs last for years. And while they do cost more than their less-efficient counterparts, you’ll still save money in the long-run. Since you’re buying fewer light bulbs and paying less for electricity each month, you’ll cut your costs by hundreds over the life of the system.

They Provide Clearer Light
Many homeowners use landscape lighting for more than highlighting their favorite plants and features. They use it to illuminate walkways and make possible hazards visible. Though traditional light bulbs help, they’re not ideal. The light they emit is often yellow and warm. With some hazards, the color makes it harder to see details. 

Most LED bulbs, especially those designed for outdoor systems, put out daylight-like light. This means it’s clear and illuminates dim areas so you see their actual colors. This means your walkways will be easier to navigate even for people with poor night vision.

Let The Pros Find the Right System for Your Home
No matter what size yard you have, your lighting system needs to be properly designed to fit the space. And that means you’ll need to work with an experienced professional. Doing things on your own is a great way to devalue your property and increase your frustration with your landscaping. 

At Water Solutions, we’re here to help. Our dedicated team knows what works and what doesn’t for Denver-area yards and gardens. We’ll help you find the right lighting design, fixtures, and installation to transform your property into a show-stopping masterpiece. Contact us online or give us a call at (720) 435-1495 to schedule an estimate.
 

Summer will be here before you know it. And for Denver residents, this means bracing for those long hot days. Your garden and landscaping will need extra water to make up for the rain we don’t get and that increased demand can take a major toll on your water bill. No one likes shelling out hundreds of dollars each summer just to cover one of their basic utilities, but there are things you can do to keep costs as low as possible. Your trusted Denver sprinkler installation team shares a few water-saving tips to keep your bills low and affordable in spite of the heat.

Water Early in the Morning and Late in the Evening
Summer heat makes water evaporate off plants and out of the soil quickly. And when the sun is shining, the evaporation happens even faster. This means you’ll need to run your sprinklers for longer if you water during the warmest part of the day. Instead, set your timers for early morning or late evening watering sessions. This way, the soil and the air will be nice and cool. This allows the water to soak into the roots and the soil rather than evaporating in the sunlight in a matter of minutes. As an added bonus, it reduces the risk of scorching on your plants so your landscaping will look even better for months to come.

Take Shorter Showers
The average person uses about 17.2 gallons of water every time they shower. With a large family, that can put a lot of strain on your water bill. Instead of using the shower as a chance to relax, start taking shorter showers. Shaving off just a minute or two per person per shower can save you tons on your water bill month after month. If you want to make the most of your water usage, stick a bucket beneath the spray while you wait for the water to warm up. After you shower, you can use this water for everything from watering houseplants to mopping the floors!

Keep a Pitcher of Water in the Fridge
No one likes drinking warm water in the middle of the summer. And, sure, the tap will eventually cool down after you run it for a minute or so. But letting that water run is like watching cash go straight down the drain. Instead of waiting for the tap to cool down before filling your drinking glass, keep a pitcher of water in the fridge and refill it every time you use it up. This way, you’ll always have cold water to help you beat the heat.

Let the Laundry Pile Up
Laundry day is a major chore and it might seem easier when you take care of small loads throughout the week. But doing so wastes a ton of water. Instead, let the laundry pile up until you’re ready to run a full load. Your machine can handle the job and you’ll use less water (and electricity) each week. Over the course of the year, this can result in a hefty savings and will slash your water bill month after month. 

Start Mowing the Right Way
Grass grows quickly and the shorter you cut it, the longer you can go between mowing sessions, right? The truth is, while it may save you time on lawn maintenance, it makes your lawn use far more water than it should. The shorter the grass is, the more soil is exposed to the sun and heat. This means any moisture in the turf evaporates more quickly. Leaving your lawn just a bit on the longer side may mean you’ll be mowing every week. But it also means you’ll be able to water your lawn less. Longer grass shades the soil and helps keep it moist. This can help cut down on your water usage all summer long.

Schedule a Sprinkler System Inspection
Before summer is in full swing, schedule a sprinkler system inspection with your maintenance service. During the inspection, they’ll check the entire sprinkler system, looking for leaks and damage in the lines and sprinkler heads. Remember, even small leaks can waste gallons of water each week and the sooner they’re fixed, the better off your water bill will be. 

The inspection is also the perfect opportunity to check the timers and computer system for accuracy. The more accurate your system is, the easier it will be to maximize your watering routine. With the right system in place, you won’t even have to think about your landscaping. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard and all its new growth with the knowledge that your system is using the least amount of water necessary. 

Forget Washing Your Car in the Driveway
Washing a car is a classic weekend activity. But when you do it yourself in your driveway, all those gallons you use to get rid of dust and grime are included in your utility bill. If you have more than one car or wash them once a week like clockwork, that can increase your bill by hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer. Instead, head to a nearby carwash. Carwashes are affordable, thorough, and leave your car sparkling like-new. 

Not only will you have a pristinely clean car, but you also won’t have to worry about increasing your water bill. As an added bonus, you’ll keep your landscaping in better condition. Soaps and cleaning agents can damage your lawn and landscaping quickly. The less it’s exposed to harsh chemicals, the better your lawn will look and the more money you’ll save on landscaping services.

 High water bills can take the fun out of summer. But if you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your water usage under control and lower your bills month after month. The best place to start is to schedule an inspection with Water Solutions Sprinkler Service as soon as possible. The sooner you fix minor issues, the better off your lawn and your landscaping will be for the summer months ahead.
 

Spring is just around the corner and if you’re like most Denver homeowners, you’re starting to plan all those fun gatherings and parties already. And no one wants to host a party without making the most of their backyard! And with so many sunny and warm days, it’s no wonder! It’s one of the many reasons we love the Denver Metro Area! But after a long winter, your yard will need a little TLC before it’s ready for those upcoming gatherings and your trusted Denver sprinkler service wants to help. Here are a few tips to get your yard ready for everything spring can throw your way.

Schedule a Sprinkler Tune-Up
The first step towards getting your yard ready for warmer weather is to have your sprinkler system tuned up. During the tune up, the technician will make sure every sprinkler head works properly. They’ll also check the water lines and electrical components for wear and tear. If anything is wrong or needs repair, they’ll take care of it before the growing season starts in earnest. This way, your system will be ready to help your lawn grow lush and green the minute the temperatures rise. Remember, the key to keeping your lawn looking its best is regular and thorough watering. Without your sprinkler system, you won’t be able to keep it looking its best.

Fertilize the Lawn
For most homeowners, the soil in your backyard will need some refreshing before your lawn can grow well. After a long winter, many of the nutrients in the soil will still be low around your lawn. This means you’ll need to add a bit of fertilizer to the grass. Fertilizer helps give your sod and grass the nutrients it needs to grow quickly once the weather warms up. When done properly, it sets you up for a successful growing season without much maintenance. Keep in mind, you’ll want to be cautious when spreading fertilizer. Too much can change the pH balance of the soil and keep your grass from growing in the first place.

Give Your Lawn Mower and Equipment Some Attention
Once your grass starts growing, you’ll need to keep it trimmed properly to keep growth levels consistent throughout the spring and summer. But over time, your lawn mower and other gardening tools start to get coated in dust and grime, even if they’re not used. Stay on top of the wear and tear by cleaning and tuning up your equipment at the beginning of spring. This way, you’ll have everything you need to keep your yard party-ready at your fingertips.

Pay Attention to Your Outdoor Furniture
Guests need a place to relax and enjoy your parties and events. And for most of them, sitting on the grass just isn’t an option. You need to have quality outdoor furniture in place to keep guests comfortable during your gatherings. If you have pieces on hand, inspect the cushions for damage and set them in the sun for a few hours to air out. The sun’s UV rays helps kill mold and mildew and the open air helps get rid of any strange and lingering smells lurking in the upholstery and padding. Wipe down each piece of furniture to get rid of dust and dirt.

If you don’t have furniture, consider investing in a few pieces. For serious home entertainers, a good outdoor living set is well worth the investment. But if you’re only using it occasionally, adding a few lawn chairs will be more than enough to keep your guests happy. 

Watch for Weeds
Keeping your yard looking nice means keeping a weathered eye out for weeds and unwanted plants. Unfortunately, weeds have a way of popping up before anything else in the garden starts to grow or produce flowers. And once they do, the roots can threaten those carefully chosen plants. Every week or so, head out to your backyard and inspect the lawn and garden beds for signs of weeds. Diligence matters. The more weeds are allowed to grow, the more they’ll spread throughout your yard. If you notice any, pull them up or kill them with an all-natural method. The last thing you want to do is use toxic chemicals on your grass, especially if you have small children or pets in the house. 

Create Shaded Areas
Denver is, believe it or not, considered a high-elevation city. This means the sun’s rays have to go through less atmosphere before it hits the ground. For humans, this means an increased risk of sunburn after only a short time in the sun. But covering up isn’t always an option, especially during some of Denver’s warmer springtime days. Instead, create shaded areas where people can escape the sun without putting on a sweater. Use umbrellas on your deck. Hang canopies between the trees and consider investing in a permanent covering for your deck or patio. These shaded areas will even make your yard more comfortable during the full heat of the summer!

Decorate the Right Way
Decorating your yard for parties and events makes the entire space feel festive and colorful. But some decorations can damage your landscaping permanently. Be careful about the types of decorations you use. Look for ones that are easy to remove. Decorations on garden stakes are a great way to add color without damaging your plants. If you hang decorations on trees, make sure you leave room for the tree to breathe. Wrapping ropes tightly and using long nails can damage your trees and thus hurt your landscaping. 

Your backyard deserves to get used as often as possible. But if you’re not confident in the way it looks, you won’t want to host parties and gatherings outside. Use these tips to get your landscaping ready for your spring and summer festivities and get the most out of your outdoor living space. If you’re not sure where to start or need help getting things back in good shape after the last freeze, schedule a consultation with Water Solutions today.
 

Your home’s landscaping sets the tone for how your house looks throughout the year. While built-in features and professionally designed garden beds are a great way to improve property value, they’re not always enough to let you flex your green thumb. But instead of expanding them, many homeowners choose to install raised garden beds in their yards. When done correctly, raised beds help you maximize your gardening space and give you flexibility in the types of plants you incorporate into your garden. And your Denver sprinkler service wants to help. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when installing raised garden beds. 

Make Note of Where Sprinkler Heads Are
Before installing any type of garden bed, raised or otherwise, walk around your yard. Check the ground for sprinkler heads and drainage areas. Grab a piece of paper and make a note of where each head is located. Use this information to keep track of where you can install the garden beds. If you’re planning on building them close to a sprinkler head, make sure the structure won’t interfere with the sprinkler system’s spray. Otherwise, the rest of your yard may not get the water it needs to thrive. Worse, you could do damage to the sprinkler system itself.

Pick a Place with Adequate Light
All plants need adequate light, but some need more light than others. Take a look at the plants you’re wanting to use in the garden. Are they mostly full-sun or do they prefer shade? This information will help you find the best location for your garden beds. Remember, you can use the existing landscaping as a guide. Plants that need full sun can be placed near permanent landscaping with similar lighting needs. If the plants need full shade, consider installing the beds where the shade from your trees will cover the plants. Make use of what you have but always keep the plants needs in mind.

Choose the Right Size
How many plants are you going to install in your yard? Knowing this will help you decide on the right size for your garden bed. Remember, raised beds don’t have to be huge. You’ll want to have room to walk around them to tend the plants. Keep the beds small enough to be manageable but large enough to accommodate the roots of the plants you want to incorporate into your yard. Remember, installing more raised beds can be more effective than installing a single large bed. But ultimately, the best size for your needs is a matter of personal preference.

Cover the Grass with Landscape Cloth or Newspaper
Before you install any raised bed, you need to prepare the ground. Spread landscape cloth over the area where the bed will go. This helps reduce the risk of weeds and unwanted plant growth crowding the plants in the bed. If you don’t want to pay for landscape cloth, grab a few pieces of newspaper and spray them down with a hose. Then lay the damp pieces over the soil and grass. Newspaper will break down on its own, but it won’t do so until the rest of your plants are already established. Any weeds or unwanted plants growing beneath the bed will have died by the time the newspaper biodegrades. 

Get the Right Soil 
Every garden bed needs the right type of soil. Instead of using the dirt around your yard, invest in quality gardening soil. This dirt is specially formulated to keep garden bed plants happy and healthy. Spread the soil loosely. You want to avoid compacting the soil as it can suffocate the roots and keep new growth from forming. Once you spread the soil and plant the seedlings, mulch the dirt to keep it from eroding away in the wind. Any type of mulch will help improve the nutrients in the soil and protect your plants for weathering. 
Stake Out the Sides
Every raised bed needs to be as structurally sound as possible. Even when the sides are rigid, the weight of the soil can cause the walls of the bed to shift. Consider adding extra supports by placing stakes every few feet along the length of the bed. This will help keep the walls intact and reduces the risk of shifting once the bed is in place. 

Decide How You’ll Irrigate the Beds
When it comes to watering the plants in your raised garden beds, you’ll have a few choices. You can hand water with the hose or a watering can. This is the best choice if you want absolute control over how much water each plant gets. But it’s also incredibly time-consuming. You can install drip irrigation systems into each box. But this can get expensive and confusing if you’ve never installed an irrigation system before. Or you could let your sprinkler system water the boxes for you.

To make use of your sprinkler system, you’ll need to strategically place each garden bed. Look at where the sprinkler’s spray falls as it moves over your yard. You’ll want to place the beds in areas where the spray hits them fully. This ensures that each plant gets the water it needs to thrive. Remember, sprinkler systems deliver a rain-like spray so most plants in raised beds will be able to get the water they need without losing petals, leaves, or fruit. If you need extra heads installed, contact your sprinkler service to discuss your options. 

Raised garden beds are the perfect way to add functional gardening space to your existing landscape design. You just need to plan out where each bed will be installed. Take the time to plan your layout thoroughly and you’ll be able to see your garden thrive for years to come. If you’re worried about the condition of your sprinkler system or want an experienced opinion on how to improve your sprinkler system’s programming with the addition of new garden beds, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We’ll make sure your system can adequately water your plants throughout your yard.