Irrigation Maintenance & Repair that doesn’t break the bank

Many times, property owners install an irrigation system, and then fail to keep up with the required maintenance because they’ve gotten too busy with their business. Or, sometimes they feel that the cost of maintenance is too expensive. But without the proper maintenance, an irrigation system can become damaged, require a major repair, or even need to be replaced. That would likely cost far more than having routine maintenance throughout the year.

By regularly taking care of your system, you’ll ensure that it’s operational for years to come. Regular preventative maintenance inspections may also prevent major damage to your system, as well as save you a substantial amount of money. One of the best ways to take care of your properties lawn and plants is to take care of your irrigation system.

View your irrigation system as an investment in your business made to help keep your entire property looking lush, healthy, sharp and most of all, welcoming. As with any investment, the best way to maximize your return is to nurture it and keep it well-maintained.

Turf Irrigation

Management of irrigation for turf areas requires knowledge about a variety of topics some of which include operation of irrigation equipment, water and soil relationships, water needs for different types of turf, soils, and on different projects types, seasonal effects on turf and behavior of various types of turf sprays with regard to grades and other elements in the landscape. Turf represents a valuable investment and provides a welcome oasis within our desert environment. The use of weather and sensor based systems are extremely affective for conserving water and assuring that turf receives the proper amount without over-watering.

WHEN MANAGING IRRIGATION FOR TURF AREAS – DO:

• Observe all landscape areas for potential irrigation issues.
• Repair or replace heads, pipe, and/or fittings that are causing ponding or dry areas. Replace with new to match the rest of the system.
• Analyze coverage patterns of sprinkler heads and use the proper tools to adjust spray patterns if heads allow adjustment.
• Use original landscape plan and as-built drawing to help evaluate the options and best corrective measures. Record changes for future reference.
• Adjust watering schedule on an as needed basis (winter grass needs less water than summer grass, rainy seasons etc.).
• Use a soil probe to determine actual soil monitor soil moisture and monitor soil moisture on a regular and scheduled basis. Multiple areas of larger sites should be probed to obtain the best readings and averages.
• Document areas which do not drain from excessive water applications or ponding within 24 hours. These soils need corrective measures to improve percolation to prevent disease.
• Avoid run off on slopes by using proper irrigation schedules, multiple start times or cycle-soak features if available.

WHEN MANAGING IRRIGATION FOR TURF AREAS – DO NOT:

• Add a head unless an evaluation shows a system deficiency and the system will support the demand of additional heads.
• Allow root zone to become water logged (areas that do not drain within 24 hours may have poor drainage and need additional attention).
• Increase time on the clock to correct dry areas.
• Ignore discoloration, dry areas, or weeds in the turf areas.
• Ignore signs of non-percolation such as ponding or flooding which can lead to disease in turf.

Need to make an appointment with ALM? It’s easy.

If you would like to make a maintenance or repair appointment for your commercial irrigation system, please contact us at (480) 821-4966 or customerservice@alminc.net.

The book used for training our employees in Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) is Sustainable Landscape Management by Janet L. Waibel landscape architect and certified arborist. Also, all landscapers receive ALCA SLM training.