It is quiet important that your irrigation / lawn sprinkler system is in good working condition before the start of the spring. When your lawn is watered properly in the spring, less water is actually needed to maintain the healthy lawn through the hotter dryer summer months. A Charlotte Irrigation professional can help you get any of the repairs to your irrigation system completed before the seasons start to change.
The winter is a great time to do any additions or moving of sprinkler heads. The coming spring will allow for, the plant material in the areas affected by the changes, to recover quickly. Charlotte lawn sprinkler repair and installers are prepared to help make wise decisions in making sure you are not wasting water.
The Irrigation Association is a good resource for proper water scheduling. Licensed Charlotte irrigation contractors can provide you with good irrigation scheduling for you controller as well.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Brown Patches on Your Lawn
Every year you aerate, throw down seed, water and fertilize your lawn and the same brown patches appear. How do you get rid of these annoying eyes sores? There are a lot of factors that influence the heath of your lawn. Getting the right nutrients such as sunlight, water, and fertilizer are the most vital. To start, contact a lawn care maintenance professional or Charlotte licensed irrigation contractor. They can asses your yard, test the soil for the right ph, determine if you are over or under watering your yard, and recommend the right fertilization and watering schedule. Most assessments cost about $100 and are well worth the advise.
Of course a Charlotte lawn care professional can tell you exactly what to do to get your yard looking great. But what do you do about the shady areas that just never get enough sunlight? How can they fix that? Most species of grass require about 4 hours of sunlight per day. Many fescue blends are a good option as they are the most resilient to low light levels. Another option is to ask your Charlotte lawn care professional or an arborist to trim your trees to allow more sunlight to get to the lower areas of your landscape. For more information contact a Charlotte lawn care professional today.
Of course a Charlotte lawn care professional can tell you exactly what to do to get your yard looking great. But what do you do about the shady areas that just never get enough sunlight? How can they fix that? Most species of grass require about 4 hours of sunlight per day. Many fescue blends are a good option as they are the most resilient to low light levels. Another option is to ask your Charlotte lawn care professional or an arborist to trim your trees to allow more sunlight to get to the lower areas of your landscape. For more information contact a Charlotte lawn care professional today.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Save on Your Water Bill this Season!
Although we are in the winter months it is never to early to think about saving money. This year, lower your water bill by reducing the amount of water your sprinkler system uses and the amount you pay for your water. Did you know the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department offers ways to save on your water bill through the Water Smart Irrigation Program?
What is the Program?
This program incentivizes irrigation efficiency and water conservation by lowering the rate you pay for your irrigation water usage. When a smart irrigation controller, backflow assembly, and separate irrigation meter are installed and maintained the utility department will charge the Tier 3 irrigation rate.
How will the Program affect my bill?
Most Charlotteans use 8-16 ccf per month which is a bill ranging from $20-45. One ccf is equivalent to 748 gallons of water. Generally, it takes a little over half a gallon per square foot to water your lawn. So if you are looking at a 100' x 100' area that is over 6,000 gallons of water each time you turn on your sprinkler! Take your normal water bill of $20-45 which is a Tier 2 -Tier 3 and add 8ccf to reach the Tier 4 rate of $5.96 per ccf and your bill jumps to about $100 for your everyday use and to water an 100ft area. To put that into perspective, 1/4 acre of land is 10,890 square feet or over 67,000,000 gallons of water!
The Water Smart Irrigation Program allows you to take the water you use for irrigation and rather than using the highest Tier of $5.96 per ccf, you are charged the Tier 3 rate of $3.81 per ccf for use of 1-16ccfs or 11,968 gallons of water. In our scenario above your bill would be lowered from about $100 to $75. Although that that does not seem like a lot of money, most people are watering a much larger area than 100sqft. The average size of a front and back yard in the Charlotte region is 1,500 to 3,000 sqft. Add extra watering during the summer months and your bill could be astronomical.
How do I start?
Now that you know the potential savings, you have to make the initial investment. The Program requires that you install and maintain a smart irrigation controller, backflow assembly, and irrigation meter. The best thing to do is contact a licensed irrigation contractor and have them assess your yard. They can tell you how much water you use, how to program your irrigation controller for the best results, and let you know if your system has any design flaws that are causing over watering. For example, you might be running a water program that uses to much water and is spraying plants that would be healthier on a drip line. After you have the initial assessment (usually ranges at $100-$150), the licensed irrigation contractor can tell you about prices for installing and maintaining the smart controller, back flow assembly, and separate meter.
Bottom Line:
This equipment might not be cheap, but it will save you money in the long run and it is the right thing to do. Water is our most precious resource and we each need to do what we can to preserve it for the long term. Even if you decide the Program is not for you, get an irrigation efficiency audit to preserve the most water possible and make your yard beautiful year round.
What is the Program?
This program incentivizes irrigation efficiency and water conservation by lowering the rate you pay for your irrigation water usage. When a smart irrigation controller, backflow assembly, and separate irrigation meter are installed and maintained the utility department will charge the Tier 3 irrigation rate.
How will the Program affect my bill?
Most Charlotteans use 8-16 ccf per month which is a bill ranging from $20-45. One ccf is equivalent to 748 gallons of water. Generally, it takes a little over half a gallon per square foot to water your lawn. So if you are looking at a 100' x 100' area that is over 6,000 gallons of water each time you turn on your sprinkler! Take your normal water bill of $20-45 which is a Tier 2 -Tier 3 and add 8ccf to reach the Tier 4 rate of $5.96 per ccf and your bill jumps to about $100 for your everyday use and to water an 100ft area. To put that into perspective, 1/4 acre of land is 10,890 square feet or over 67,000,000 gallons of water!
The Water Smart Irrigation Program allows you to take the water you use for irrigation and rather than using the highest Tier of $5.96 per ccf, you are charged the Tier 3 rate of $3.81 per ccf for use of 1-16ccfs or 11,968 gallons of water. In our scenario above your bill would be lowered from about $100 to $75. Although that that does not seem like a lot of money, most people are watering a much larger area than 100sqft. The average size of a front and back yard in the Charlotte region is 1,500 to 3,000 sqft. Add extra watering during the summer months and your bill could be astronomical.
How do I start?
Now that you know the potential savings, you have to make the initial investment. The Program requires that you install and maintain a smart irrigation controller, backflow assembly, and irrigation meter. The best thing to do is contact a licensed irrigation contractor and have them assess your yard. They can tell you how much water you use, how to program your irrigation controller for the best results, and let you know if your system has any design flaws that are causing over watering. For example, you might be running a water program that uses to much water and is spraying plants that would be healthier on a drip line. After you have the initial assessment (usually ranges at $100-$150), the licensed irrigation contractor can tell you about prices for installing and maintaining the smart controller, back flow assembly, and separate meter.
Bottom Line:
This equipment might not be cheap, but it will save you money in the long run and it is the right thing to do. Water is our most precious resource and we each need to do what we can to preserve it for the long term. Even if you decide the Program is not for you, get an irrigation efficiency audit to preserve the most water possible and make your yard beautiful year round.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Winterizing Your Lawn
As the leaves begin to change color, most people are busy planning holiday parties and family gatherings, and unfortunately, their lawn is the last thing on their mind. However, it's important to seek out lawn care Charlotte specialists during this time in order to protect your yard against the dangers of Winter. In fact, now would be a great time to seek out any repair services for your lawn, landscaping, or irrigation.
In addition, fertilizing your lawn now is important to allow for its root system to grow stronger to survive the winter. An expert in lawn care Charlotte can assist you in choosing the winter fertilizer that is right for your lawn, as well as one that is high in potassium. By fertilizing your lawn now, you can allow it to continue to grow and remain healthy through the possible damaging cold of the Winter months.
As well, now would also be a good time to aerate your lawn. Aerating allows oxygen to enter the soil, meaning your lawn can absorb the fertilizer better. Aeration is an often overlooked lawn care step all year, so contact a Charlotte fertigation expert to assist you in properly aerating your lawn. And as mentioned, now is the time to seek out Charlotte irrigation repair services to make sure you don't end up with cracked or broken pipes, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
In addition, fertilizing your lawn now is important to allow for its root system to grow stronger to survive the winter. An expert in lawn care Charlotte can assist you in choosing the winter fertilizer that is right for your lawn, as well as one that is high in potassium. By fertilizing your lawn now, you can allow it to continue to grow and remain healthy through the possible damaging cold of the Winter months.
As well, now would also be a good time to aerate your lawn. Aerating allows oxygen to enter the soil, meaning your lawn can absorb the fertilizer better. Aeration is an often overlooked lawn care step all year, so contact a Charlotte fertigation expert to assist you in properly aerating your lawn. And as mentioned, now is the time to seek out Charlotte irrigation repair services to make sure you don't end up with cracked or broken pipes, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Bagging Clippings vs. Mulching Clippings
As we see more mulching mowers on the market, many people wonder whether they should be mulching, or continue bagging clippings. A Charlotte lawn care service can assist you in choosing the option that is best for your lawn.Mulching mowers use a special blade to cut blades of grass many times over before sending them back into, and not onto, the lawn. This differs from conventional mowers, which simply spit out clippings onto the lawn via a side vent.
One important rule to remember, whether bagging or mulching, is to mow at a steady, even pace. Doing so will prevent large clumps of grass from building up on your lawn. This can be especially helpful when mulching, as the mulch needs to be evenly distributed. If you are unsure of how to evenly cut your lawn, a Charlotte lawn care company can assist you by providing lawn care in Charlotte services.
Mulching is a great idea, in that it provides ground cover to retain moisture, and it can act as a fertilizer. Using a combination mulch and bag mower can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to choose the option that is best for you at that particular moment. Although mulching and bagging mowers may be a bit mre expensive, they can actually save you money down the road, as well as provide you with a healthy lawn, year round. To find out about other great bagging and clipping options, contact a Charlotte lawn care service today.
One important rule to remember, whether bagging or mulching, is to mow at a steady, even pace. Doing so will prevent large clumps of grass from building up on your lawn. This can be especially helpful when mulching, as the mulch needs to be evenly distributed. If you are unsure of how to evenly cut your lawn, a Charlotte lawn care company can assist you by providing lawn care in Charlotte services.
Mulching is a great idea, in that it provides ground cover to retain moisture, and it can act as a fertilizer. Using a combination mulch and bag mower can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to choose the option that is best for you at that particular moment. Although mulching and bagging mowers may be a bit mre expensive, they can actually save you money down the road, as well as provide you with a healthy lawn, year round. To find out about other great bagging and clipping options, contact a Charlotte lawn care service today.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Deciding on a Lawn Care Company
When it comes to your lawn, there are a number of things you can do to keep it not only looking good, but healthy, all year round. However, with our busy lives, many people simply do not have time to keep up with it all. Besides cutting, you need to also weed, aerate, and fertilize your lawn. Hiring a Charlotte lawn care company may be the answer to this problem.
A Charlotte lawn care company can visit your home or business on a regular schedule to complete common and advanced lawn care services. Selecting a lawn care company in Charlotte is an easy task if you follow a few simple rules. First, decide what services you would like done. These can vary depending on your lawn, so do some research on lawn care and find out what you are missing.
Second, find a Charlotte lawncare company that can dedicate the amount of time needed for your project. By having a lawn care service perform scheduled maintenance on your lawn, you will save money in the long run. And remember, even in the off months when it is cooler, it is important to continue lawn care services.
Finally, find a Charlotte lawncare provider who can work with your budget. You may not need to have all services performed on a regular basis, meaning you may be able to free up some cash for later on down the road, when these services should be performed. For more information, contact a Charlotte lawn care professional today.
A Charlotte lawn care company can visit your home or business on a regular schedule to complete common and advanced lawn care services. Selecting a lawn care company in Charlotte is an easy task if you follow a few simple rules. First, decide what services you would like done. These can vary depending on your lawn, so do some research on lawn care and find out what you are missing.
Second, find a Charlotte lawncare company that can dedicate the amount of time needed for your project. By having a lawn care service perform scheduled maintenance on your lawn, you will save money in the long run. And remember, even in the off months when it is cooler, it is important to continue lawn care services.
Finally, find a Charlotte lawncare provider who can work with your budget. You may not need to have all services performed on a regular basis, meaning you may be able to free up some cash for later on down the road, when these services should be performed. For more information, contact a Charlotte lawn care professional today.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Increasing Your Home's Value Through Lawn Care
If you are a home owner and would like to increase your home's value, one way to do it is by using a Charlotte lawn care service. Keeping up with your lawn is not only important in adding value to your home, but it also adds beauty and function to your property. Proper maintenance and lawn care in Charlotte is also important in that it keeps your lawn, plants, tress, and soil healthy throughout the year, cutting down on possible future costs.
All too often, people consider Charlotte lawncare to mean simply cutting their grass and weed eating. However, lawn care maintenance also include weeding and aerating, as well as pest control. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your soil is healthy and that you have the right types of grasses and plants growing in them. By planting the wrong types of grasses and plants, you may be attracting pests and diseases that can kill off your lawn, as well as damage the soil.
Aerating your lawn is also important as, over time, the soil can become compacted, choking off root systems and killing grasses and plants. A Charlotte lawn care professional can visit your property to do an inspection, as well as give you a free quote on work that should be done to protect your property. By using the skills of a Charlotte lawncare expert, you can add value to your home by maintaining its appearance, as well as the health of its lawn.
All too often, people consider Charlotte lawncare to mean simply cutting their grass and weed eating. However, lawn care maintenance also include weeding and aerating, as well as pest control. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your soil is healthy and that you have the right types of grasses and plants growing in them. By planting the wrong types of grasses and plants, you may be attracting pests and diseases that can kill off your lawn, as well as damage the soil.
Aerating your lawn is also important as, over time, the soil can become compacted, choking off root systems and killing grasses and plants. A Charlotte lawn care professional can visit your property to do an inspection, as well as give you a free quote on work that should be done to protect your property. By using the skills of a Charlotte lawncare expert, you can add value to your home by maintaining its appearance, as well as the health of its lawn.
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