Smart Irrigation Techniques

Because of its reliance on the existing water table, the landscaping industry is increasingly vulnerable to drought and other competing demands for potable water.

In response, The Irrigation Association (IA), located in Falls Church, Virginia, has developed Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. Available on its website, this document educates landscapers on principles designed to enhance water efficiency. Because July is typically the month when the most water is consumed for irrigation, the IA has designated it Smart Irrigation Month.

“As the weather gets warmer, people start thinking about their lawns,” says Josh Miller, IA’s communications manager.

Here are some recommendations from the organization and others to help you provide smarter—and more economical—irrigation to your customers:

Better landscape design
As homeowners increasingly seek value, sell your services as a knowledgeable contractor. Your insight into the local environment can guide customers to use a mix of decorative stone and native plants that require less irrigation, and drive the installation of a system that requires less maintenance. According to the IA, something as standard as picking the right pipe can mean the difference between a system that lasts and one that suffers from ongoing problems.

Another avenue to showcase your expertise is through “hydro-zoning”—the practice of grouping plants with similar watering needs. With this method, you can easily vary your irrigation levels from group to group.

Decreasing peak water demand
The IA estimates that as much as 30 percent of water can be saved from evaporation by simply scheduling irrigation during the late afternoon, evening and just before sunrise. Moisture sensors and computer-controlled systems responsive to local weather data also save water by avoiding unnecessary irrigation when there is already enough water in the soil or when rain is in the forecast.

Initial schedules should be set using a combination of your knowledge of the area, the plants selected and the way the overhead canopy of trees affects sunlight coverage.

“Properly installed SMART controllers can save from 15 to 40 percent of water,” says Timothy Malooly, president of Plymouth, Minnesota based Irrigation Consultants & Control, Inc. and member of the IA board. “Investing in a SMART controller enables automatic schedule adjustments based on changing weather. Results include more accurate irrigation cycles; less time involved manually adjusting irrigation schedules and lower water costs.”

For instance, rather than having one 15-minute application, replacing it with three five-minute applications might allow more time for the roots to absorb water.

Routine surveys can also help identify weaknesses in the system, such as water that lands on non-irrigable surfaces, such as pavement and patios. “There is no substitute for the trained eye when applying maintenance to a properly installed irrigation system,” Malooly says.

In addition to visual observations, weekly water readings can help calculate the amount of water your system uses and, over time, show if the system is still efficient. Water meter readings can also represent significant savings by capturing underground leaks before they become apparent in increased water bills.

Improving community support
Demonstrate to your customers a commitment to professionalism by becoming certified. IA offers a Certified Contractor program, and IA contractors can maintain their certification with ongoing classes. “It shows an investment in solid irrigation systems,” says Josh Miller, IA’s communications manager. “The customer wants to do it right the first time and not with someone not up to date who might make mistakes.”