Water Wisely with a Smart Irrigation System
It isn’t time to turn on your yard’s irrigation system yet, but March is the perfect time to consider upgrading your existing irrigation to a smart system. If you think back to last summer, did you have times when your sprinklers were on while it was raining, or did plants shrivel and die in some sections of your yard? Were you frustrated by constantly adjusting sprinkler heads and watering times, or were you stunned by your water bill? Landscape East & West can help.
If any of these ring true for you, it’s time to explore a smart irrigation system that uses advanced technology, such as sensors, weather data, and automation, to optimize the watering of your landscape so you can set it and forget it.
What Is Smart Irrigation?
A smart irrigation system is a technology-driven solution designed to efficiently manage the watering needs of your lawn, plants, and trees. Sensors monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and sunlight so the system can adjust watering schedules and hydrate amounts based on real-time conditions instead of just a clock. Some smart irrigation systems connect to weather forecasts from nearby weather stations, so water usage fluctuates depending on upcoming rain or temperature changes. A heat wave would spark additional watering, while the first rains of the fall would limit the water flow.
Smart systems also ensure the system runs at optimal pressure, which we like to see between 35 and 45 PSI. In 2023, Oregon passed a bill requiring pressure-regulated heads, which we like to combine with water-saving nozzles to keep pressure rates low and minimize escaping water vapor that can come from traditional sprinkler systems. We encourage drip systems as well to direct water to the roots of the plants and avoid excess evaporation. A slow drip with minimal pressure is ideal for watering many types of plants.
Smart irrigation systems are programmable, meaning they can automatically turn on and off based on predefined settings or data from the sensors. For example, users can schedule watering to start when the air temperature reaches a specific level, a few days after heavy rainfall, or when humidity falls below a set percentage. Smart irrigation can even be programmed to adjust to the types of plants to be watered, the slope of the landscape, and soil conditions to ensure optimal watering for the current conditions.
Of course, smart irrigation systems can be controlled through smartphones and web platforms, allowing you to monitor and adjust your watering systems from anywhere. Setting up your smart irrigation system takes some programming knowledge, but the system runs you through a set of questions to identify the conditions of your yard, the types of plants, and when you want the water to be turned on. Smart irrigation systems are so smart that they will even let you know when there’s a problem like a line break or faulty sprinkler head. Hefty water bills from undetected leaks will be a thing of the past.
Benefits of Smart Irrigation
Convenience is just one of the many benefits of installing a smart irrigation system. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using smart irrigation on your home’s landscape:
1. Water Conservation
Smart irrigation systems prevent overwatering and underwatering, both of which waste water. By monitoring moisture levels and weather forecasts, smart systems ensure that your plants get the right amount of water even through the droughts of summer.
2. Cost Savings
Since smart irrigation systems optimize water usage, they can lower your water bills. By preventing unnecessary water usage, you only pay for what your landscape truly needs.
3. Healthier Plants
Smart irrigation provides more precise watering for all your plants, preventing the stress and unhealthy growth that can occur with too much or too little water. By choosing the best plants for your landscape and watering them correctly, your flowers, bushes, and trees will thrive.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Smart systems help protect the environment by reducing runoff, which may carry fertilizers and chemicals into stormwater drains and local water systems. Plus, using less water means reducing your environmental footprint.
5. Adaptability
Smart systems can adjust to different types of plants in your landscape, such as lawns, gardens, or trees, and provide them with the most efficient watering schedule for their specific needs.
All the benefits of a smart irrigation system do cost more upfront. However, several water districts provide credits and incentives for water sensing devices, adding more money for each sprinkler head and controller you buy. Once installed, the water you save can mean, on average, a 30% saving on your water bill. A smart irrigation system is a wise investment that will save water, money, and time while keeping your landscape looking great and healthy!
If you’re considering an upgrade to your irrigation system, call Landscape East & West for a free consultation. We can walk you through the benefits and help put a plan in place to ensure your yard is the envy of the neighborhood. We’re also your top choice for repairing and maintaining your existing irrigation system, with emergency service available at any time.
