Irrigation

Drip Irrigation Systems

There are many benefits to using drip irrigation systems, including:

1. Water conservation: Drip systems are more efficient because they deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, reducing the amount lost to evaporation and overspray.
2. Reduced water use: Drip systems apply water at a slower rate, allowing it to be absorbed more effectively by the soil and reducing overall water usage for irrigation.
3. Improved plant health: A consistent supply of water to the root zone helps reduce stress on plants and promotes their growth.
4. Reduced risk of disease: Drip systems minimize moisture on plant foliage, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

By replacing a spray irrigation system with drip lines, you can save water, improve plant health, and reduce the risk of disease.

As a sustainable landscape business, we typically recommend drip irrigation for plants – it is the most efficient way to get the correct amount of water to the roots of your plants without water waste. For lawns, sprayer rotators are still an efficient solutions. A traditional sprayer is an old technology that served it’s purpose for decades but the time as come to move over to spray rotators. They are a significantly better option for lawns. Sprayers of all types get blocked by plants near the heads and often do not distribute the water to the roots, it lands on the leaves and other areas. The best type of sprinkler will be a combination of either drip or Spray Rotator or both depending on the needs of your plants and the size and layout of your landscaping. 

We Design Efficient Irrigation SystemS

There are several steps we can take to make your irrigation system more water-efficient:

1. Check for leaks: You should regularly inspect your irrigation system for leaks or broken components, and fix them promptly to avoid water waste. Consider joining our annual irrigation maintenance plan to stay on top of potential issues.
2. Use drought-tolerant plants: We can help you choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions and are able to survive dry periods. Drought-tolerant plants will require less irrigation, reducing water usage. Native plants are a key component of sustainable landscaping.
3. Use a soil moisture sensor: A soil moisture sensor can help you determine when your plants need water and when they are sufficiently hydrated, avoiding over-watering. We can help you source and install a sensor to help with this.
4. Use a smart irrigation controller: A smart irrigation controller can optimize your irrigation schedule based on factors like weather, plant type, and soil moisture levels, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. Rachio is a popular brand for smart controllers, as they have moisture sensors throughout the Seattle area and eliminate the need for step 3.
5. Use a drip irrigation system: Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water waste and evaporation. They are especially useful for plants that require frequent watering, such as vegetables or herbs.
6. Use spray rotators: Spray rotators use about 30% less water for your lawn, helping to conserve resources.

By installing these systems, you can make your irrigation system more water-efficient and use water responsibly in your landscaping. This helps to conserve resources, protect the environment, and keep your plants healthy. Call Seattle Sustainable Landscapes to get started with your irrigation project.

Seasonal Maintence of Irrigation

Winterization of Sprinkler System

Winterizing a sprinkler system is an important task that will help protect your system from damage caused by freezing temperatures. Typically, these are scheduled in the Pacific Northwest after the rain starts consistently falling and the plants no longer need supplement support. Or at the latest before the frost comes. In Seattle in 2022 that only left us about a 3 week period from Late October to early November. Typically, we have a longer range of moderate temperate & rainy fall.

To optimize your sprinkler system for the winter season in Seattle, it’s important to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply by closing the valve that controls the flow of water to the system.
2. Drain the water from the pipes and sprinkler heads by using compressed air to blow out the system. This process should be repeated for each valve and zone.
3. Find the main valve that controls the flow of water to the system and turn it off.
4. If you have a smart controller, use the app on your phone to turn it off. Traditional controllers can be manually set to the off position.
5. If there are any exposed pipes, cover them with insulation or wrap them with heat tape to prevent them from freezing.
6. The backflow preventer should be buried deep enough to be safe, but if it is not, cover it with insulation or wrap it with heat tape to prevent it from freezing.
7. If your sprinkler system has a pump, make sure to drain and disconnect it before storing it for the winter. The same goes for water features with pumps.

By following these steps, you can prevent damage to your sprinkler system caused by freezing temperatures and ensure that it’s ready to use in the spring. It’s often worth hiring professionals with the proper equipment and expertise to winterize your sprinkler system.

Spring Startup for Sprinkler Systems in Seattle

Starting up a sprinkler system in the spring is essential to ensuring the proper care of your lawn and garden in the Greater Seattle area. Follow these steps to start up your system and make sure it is functioning properly:

1. Turn on the water supply to the system. This can usually be done by opening the valve that controls the flow of water to the system.
2. Reset your automatic control panel, if applicable. This is typically done through your irrigation app with a Smart controller.
3. Activate the main valve that controls the flow of water to the system.
4. Manually test each zone of your system to ensure that the sprinkler heads are functioning properly.
5. Check that your system’s backflow preventer is functioning correctly.
6. If your system has a pump, make sure it is properly connected and functioning.

By following these steps and regularly checking your system throughout the season, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is properly watering your lawn and garden in Seattle’s variable weather. This will help maintain a healthy, vibrant landscape all season long.

To take the guesswork out of irrigation maintenance Seattle Sustainable Landscapes can add you to our seasonal maintenance irrigation program. 

Alternatives to Irrigation

 Xeriscaping for Environmental Benefits

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that uses drought-resistant plants and other techniques to conserve water and reduce the need for irrigation. Here are some ways that xeriscaping can benefit the environment:

1. Water conservation: Xeriscaping can help to save water by decreasing the need for irrigation, which is particularly important in areas with limited water resources or during droughts.
2. Reduced water usage: In addition to conserving water, xeriscaping can also reduce the overall amount of water used for landscaping by using drought-resistant plants and other water-saving methods.
3. Low maintenance: Xeriscaping often requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping, as drought-resistant plants are usually more resilient and need less care. This can help to reduce the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that can harm the environment.
4. Habitat creation: Xeriscaping can also create a habitat for wildlife by using native plants that are suited to the local climate and soil conditions. This can help to support biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
5. Carbon sequestration: Xeriscaping can also help to sequester carbon by using plants that absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can help to reduce the effects of climate change and promote a healthier environment.

Overall, xeriscaping is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to landscaping that can conserve water, reduce water usage, create habitat for wildlife.

Artificial Turf Lawns

Artificial turf lawns offer a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, but they also have some drawbacks to consider. Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of artificial turf lawns:

Benefits:

• Low maintenance: Artificial turf does not need mowing, watering, or fertilizing, which can save time and money.
• Durability: Artificial turf is resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy use without showing damage.
• All-weather: Artificial turf can be used year-round and is not affected by extreme weather conditions such as drought or frost.
• Pet-friendly: Artificial turf is a good surface for pets to play with and use the bathroom on, and it is easy to clean.
• Kid-friendly: Artificial turf is a safe and durable play surface for kids.
• Water conservation: Artificial turf does not require irrigation, which can save water and reduce water bills.

Drawbacks:

• Initial cost: Artificial turf may be more expensive to install than natural grass, especially for large areas.
• Environmental impact: Artificial turf is made from synthetic materials, which may not be as environmentally friendly as natural grass, but they do help with water usage. It turns out sustainability can be somewhat complicated and nuanced.
• Heat absorption: Artificial turf can absorb and retain heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on in hot weather.
• Lack of natural appearance: Artificial turf may not look as natural as real grass and may not provide the same aesthetic value.
• Limited uses: Artificial turf may not be suitable for activities that require a softer surface, or certain sports.

When deciding whether artificial turf is a good option for your yard, consider which factors are most important to you.

Sustainability Comparison of Artificial Turf and Natural Grass Lawns

The sustainability of artificial turf compared to natural grass depends on various factors such as the type of grass, the climate, and maintenance practices. Here are some things to consider when evaluating the sustainability of artificial turf versus natural grass:

• Water usage: Artificial turf does not need irrigation, which can save water and reduce water bills. However, natural grass may be drought-resistant and may not need frequent watering in some climates.
• Maintenance: Artificial turf does not need mowing or fertilizing, which can save time and resources. However, natural grass may require less maintenance if it is allowed to grow longer and is not mowed as frequently.
• Carbon footprint: The production and transportation of artificial turf may have a larger carbon footprint than natural grass due to the synthetic materials and energy required to manufacture and transport the turf.
• Environmental impacts: Artificial turf may not provide the same environmental benefits as natural grass, such as filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. Natural grass may also provide a habitat for insects and other wildlife.

The sustainability of artificial turf versus natural grass will depend on the specific conditions and practices in your area. Artificial turf may be more sustainable in certain situations, such as in areas with extreme weather or high water usage, or for specific purposes such as sports fields that need heavy use. In other cases, natural grass may be more sustainable, especially if it is well-maintained and not overwatered or over-fertilized.

From Our Clients