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What brands of
sprinkler equipment does Summit install?
Summit has many years of experience
installing and servicing all major sprinkler brands. If your project does
not have a brand specification, we will suggest the use of the Rain bird product
lines.
What is drip
irrigation, and how can I benefit from it?
Drip irrigation is a
method where small amounts of water are placed directly on the root zone
of plants, therefore using the water more efficiently. This is done with
a network of small tubing that is all tied together, and provides water
to many plants at once. Because the rate of water use for drip irrigation
is used at a rate of gallons per hour, a drip zone will usually run up to
an hour or more, not twenty or thirty minutes like the lawn sprinkler
that water at a much higher rate. It is generally considered to be better
for most planting beds than topical watering, and also more water
efficient. Your particular situation would dictate whether it is right
for you.
Will water alone
keep my lawn that deep green color?
While water is a key
ingredient for a healthy lawn, it is not the only answer. Fertilization
is generally required for that lush green look for a healthy and greener
lawn. Call Summit Landscape and we will answer all your lawn care
questions.
What
is a backflow device, and why do I need one on my sprinkler system?
This device prevents
water from the irrigation system from "flowing backwards" into
the drinking water supply. By State plumbing code, a backflow prevention
device is required for sprinkler systems that operate from a potable
water supply such as city or well water. Our licensed Master Plumber will
install this device if your new sprinkler system requires it.
What happens when it
rains?
We recommend
installing a rain sensor on all sprinkler systems. The sensor is set to
automatically shut off the system when the amount of rain reaches a
certain level. Once an appropriate level of dryness is reached, the system
will automatically restart.
What type of
maintenance does the lawn sprinkler system require?
Basic
maintenance is required to ensure the effective operation of your system.
The most important services are the fall winterization and the spring
start-up. In the fall, we shut down the system and blow out the lines to
eliminate the risk of freezing pipes. In the spring, we turn the system
back on, evaluate each zone, adjust heads and reset the controller.
Because weather conditions in the Midwest vary so greatly between the
Spring start-up service and the Fall winterization, Summit strongly recommends that you
also consider the Summer Efficiency Adjustment Program. This program allows
us to identify repairs that may have arisen during the watering season
and make important adjustments to your watering schedules to accommodate
the hot summer months. Proper watering schedules in the hot summer months
are critical to the long-term health of your turf and plants.
How long does a
system take to install?
It would depend on
the size of your yard. An average size lawn and landscape will normally
take one to two days, depending on the individual site conditions.
Installing a new irrigation system for a large country lawn or in
extensive landscaping can take anywhere from two to five days or more.
After the initial visit to the site, we will be able to estimate the
amount of installation time needed at your site.
Will the
installation disrupt my lawn?
We take great care
during the installation process to make sure there is as little
disruption to your property as possible. We use a vibratory plow to
install the lines. Pipe and wires are "pulled" underground
through a small slit in the turf to minimize damage to the lawn. We also
carefully hand dig in flower beds and around utility markings. After a
couple of weeks from the installation date, the only visible signs of
your new sprinkler system should be a greener lawn and healthier plants.
How do I benefit
from an in-ground sprinkler system?
Since hand watering
is done on a random basis, and at irregular intervals, an automatic
sprinkler system will actually, in most cases, use less water. It will
also disperse the water at an even rate, and for a predetermined amount
of time. This allows you to water sunny and shady areas for different
periods of time, and to water when it is most efficient. One obvious
benefit is the ability to continue a watering program while you are away.
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