It looks to be beautiful weather for the 74th Annual Sturgis© Motorcycle Rally™ compared to the heat in years past. Although it seems we’ve had rain often in the forecast this season, we are still well below average in that department. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure your watering systems are performing correctly and most efficiently so that you are getting maximum coverage and doing your best to conserve water.
Maintenance before issues occur. To keep the system working at its best, flush the lines once a year and check your irrigation water cycles each spring as the conditions may change from year to year. Frequently inspect your system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads or over-spray and keep a box of replacement parts on hand to quickly make repairs.
There are many different types of ways to make sure your entire area is covered and adequately watered. In our Black Hills region, the potential to have a large yard and even acreage is normal. Our yards aren’t shaped or sloped the same as “cookie cutter” neighborhoods in other regions so we sometimes have to get a little more creative in how we irrigate our property.
Drip irrigation is most efficient at water conservation because the water is delivered directly to the plant. It is also the most effective way to water mature shrubs that may have grown so tall that they block sprinkler heads. New drip systems are also designed to rarely clog and have built-in emitters spaced 12 to 18 inches apart, delivering water to the entire bed. Be sure to install a water pressure reducer and filter to ensure the best flow. For vegetable gardens or plants with special watering needs, a smaller version of the irrigation tubing is available. This can be looped around the plants to provide maximum water.
Use technology to your advantage. You can better manage your water usage with a smart controller that uses weather data to calculate how much water a plant loses each day and delivers enough water to replace the loss the next day. Remember, however, that smart controllers are only as good as the information you provide, so be sure to accurately enter the type of plants, soil conditions, slopes and other factors.
Check the water output to your fixed sprinkler heads. If you have the type that delivers water in quarter, half and full circles and they aren’t doing the job you need them to do, replace them with adjustable heads to better meet your needs. One improvement may be to replace with MP rotators. These heads put out larger drops of water, which reduces evaporation and gets the water where you need it. These rotators are more effective than sprays and mists that evaporate before they reach the ground, or are carried away by the wind.
Adjust watering times as needed. Once you’ve adjusted, replaced and improved your watering sprinklers and lines, you may need to readjust your watering schedule for a longer period — about 30 percent longer — to ensure the area gets enough water. Rotators and certain drips may put out water at a slower rate, so you may run the sprinklers longer. This may seem counter-productive to water conservation but remember the flow is less so you will actually use less water.
Ensuring your landscaping and gardens are getting the water it needs in the most efficient way is easy with some planning and maintenance. Now is a great time to find a home in our premier Sunset Creek development. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact Jim Peterson at (605) 574-4444 or June Johnson at (605) 786-7356 at Integrity Realty Team, or email us to discuss how we can help you with all your real estate needs.
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