Should I Replace My Sprinkler System?

Four sprinklers running in middle of grassy area in Orlando, FL

Four sprinklers running in middle of grassy area in Orlando, FL

Just like any farm equipment, sprinklers are bound to wear and tear. Although a sprinkle can last anywhere between 20 to 25 years, you may start to notice you are replacing parts regularly, which is very expensive. Just as it is in cars, replacing the tire with a spare tire may work for a while but getting a new tire takes the headache away.

You can’t have a sprinkler forever; it is not a one-and-done thing. It might be working still, but you know the system is faulty deep down. At some point, you will need a replacement to reduce the repair and maintenance costs.

Reasons Why You Need a New Sprinkler System

 

Increase in Your Water Bill

If you have noticed a sudden increase in your water bill, you should check your sprinklers and see if they need a replacement. An average sprinkler uses about 4,000 gallons of water every day. If there is flooding in your lawn, your sprinkler may be using more water than needed. The best thing to do in this case, especially if you have an older system, is to upgrade to a newer model. 

Too Many Repairs

The repairs can be time-wasting and very expensive. It could be a sunken head, or the valves might suddenly stop working. If you’re dealing with problems like this over and over again, it may be time to replace your irrigation system.

Uneven Watering

If your sprinkler system is faulty, it may leave your lawn underwater or badly flooded. This is usually the product of a broken pipe that needs replacing.

If the Sprinkler System was Poorly Installed

When you buy a house, you inherit all the previous plumbing and irrigation work from the previous owners. Some of these systems may be the product of DIY renovations, which are often poorly done. If there’s an issue in your wiring or waterproofing, your whole system may need an upgrade.

Need to Upgrade to Smart Irrigation

Technology is advancing constantly, and your sprinkler system may be outdated. The current irrigation systems on the market can be controlled remotely and shut down in an emergency. That way you don’t have to wait for a plumber to come and fix your sprinkler system if flooding and erosion occur in your lawn. They can even detect how much water is being used and turn off in the rain or if there’s a faulty valve!

Why is it Important to Have Your Sprinkler System Replaced?

Saves Money

Frequent repairs are costly. However, with a sprinkler upgrade, you only need basic upkeep to keep your sprinklers in good shape. And with a robust sprinkler system, you save on water bills since there is reduced water consumption.

Saves Time

An upgraded sprinkler system needs little maintenance, saving time you would otherwise spend checking the faulty valves.

Ensures Healthy Greenery

With a faulty irrigation system, you will notice patches in your lawn that are browning due to underwatering or flooding. However, with a sprinkler system that is working, you get to enjoy a beautiful yard benefiting from even water distribution.

Increases the Property Value

If you plan to sell your house, it’s important to make sure that all the systems are working perfectly. A sound sprinkler system plays a big part in passing a home inspection with flying colors, and with it you can boast a bright and beautiful lawn for potential buyers.

Key Take Away

You don’t have to continue with the frequent repairs that are costing you a fortune when you can install a new irrigation system. A new irrigation system will reduce utility bills, saving you time, money, and providing peace of mind.

In many cases, it’s better to upgrade rather than repair your sprinkler system. Smart irrigation is becoming more and more commonplace with homeowners, as they require little maintenance for many benefits. It helps everyone to stay on the cutting edge of home technology. And, when doing a replacement, you can ensure you are getting the best sprinkler replacement by trusting the most qualified retailers who can help you with the process from start to finish! 

3 Benefits of Lawn Aeration in Spring

Service worker walking aerator along edge of lawn in Orlando, FL

Service worker walking aerator along edge of lawn in Orlando, FL

With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time of year to begin preparing your lawn for warm weather. It can be difficult to maintain lush and green grass through the harsh summer sun, but there are a few lawn care techniques you can use to ensure your grass is as healthy and hardy as possible.

One of the most effective tactics for encouraging stronger grass is called lawn aeration, which is the process of driving small holes into the soil to allow water and nutrients to better reach the grassroots. Though lawn aeration is a quick and simple process, it can lead to significant and long-lasting results. Here are just 3 of the benefits of aerating your lawn in spring:

Stronger, Healthier Grass

The first and most obvious benefit of lawn aeration is that it encourages very beautiful, healthy, and durable lawn. This process loosens up the soil and allows nutrients, moisture, and oxygen to feed the roots. So, if your grass is fragile, supple, or easily dehydrated, aeration will encourage stronger growth while preparing your lawn for hot summer weather.

Better Drainage

Lawn aeration helps break up the soil, which can reduce compaction and allow water to seep into your lawn rather than rest on top of it. This can reduce erosion problems, muddy patches, or unsightly puddles while also ensuring your grass is getting all the water it needs. Aeration is a great way to prevent lawn dehydration, which is particularly useful before a dry summer.

Reduced Lawn Thatch

Lawn thatch is a layer of dead plant matter that rests between the grass and the soil. While a little bit of thatch may not be harmful, a thick layer of buildup can cause a variety of problems such as poor drainage and uneven mowing. Aerating your lawn can help penetrate the layer of thatch to encourage decomposition while keeping your grass in great shape.

Why Aerate Your Lawn in Spring?

Though lawn aeration can be effective at any point in the growing season, spring is one of the best times of year to complete this task. That’s because the soil is typically soft from rain, making the process much easier and more effective. The constant spring rain will also ensure your lawn doesn’t dry out afterward, which will encourage fast and strong growth.

Your Local Lawn Aeration Experts

It can be intimidating to aerate your lawn for the first time – after all, poking holes in your grass can lead to damage if done incorrectly. However, you don’t have to navigate it all alone! The landscaping experts at Grasshoppers in Orlando FL are always happy to answer your questions, and we provide great lawn maintenance services to ensure your property is always looking as beautiful as possible. Just give us a call to consult with an expert today!

How to Water Your Florida Lawn

Front yard with palm tree and for sale sign in Orlando, FL

Front yard with palm tree and for sale sign in Orlando, FLLawn care can be a difficult and daunting task. There are so many different things to consider: the type of grass, the amount of shade, fertilizing schedules, and so on. But there is one thing that all lawns need: water. Knowing how to properly water your lawn will help it grow better and look greener all year round. To help you out, the lawn care experts at Grasshoppers have compiled their top tips on how to water your Florida lawn.

 

Why Watering Your Lawn is Important

Your lawn needs water to grow and stay green, especially in the hot and sunny weather of Florida. A regular watering schedule can encourage your grass to root deeper, which encourages hardier grass and can keep your lawn looking great no matter what time of year it is. Watering your lawn correctly can keep your property looking great while saving you money on lawn maintenance and utilities.

 

How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

Generally, most lawns in Florida need about an inch of water every week, but this can vary depending on a few different factors such as the type of grass or amount of shade in your yard. For instance, Bermuda grass does not need as much water as St. Augustine grass because it is more drought-tolerant. Other factors to consider are the area’s climate and time of year. If you need help determining how much water your lawn needs to thrive, a lawn care expert can examine these factors and help you create a great watering schedule.

 

When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn?

In Florida, the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning to avoid water evaporation. We recommend watering once per week during warmer weather, and once every two weeks once the temperature drops. You will want to water deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep roots and hardier plants. Here are some signs that your lawn needs more water:

  • Grass blades are folded or limp
  • Your footprint remains on the lawn
  • Grass blades are blue-gray in color

 

Lawn Care Experts in Orlando FL

If you don’t have the time or expertise to provide your lawn with the care it needs, don’t worry! The lawn care experts at Grasshoppers in Orlando FL are here to help. We offer both residential and commercial lawn care services, including specialized services for HOA communities. If you need help caring for your lawn, just give us a call today!

5 Tips for Winterizing Your Lawn

Frost on grass with sun shining in Orlando, FL

Frost on grass with sun shining in Orlando, FL5 Tips for Winterizing Your Lawn

Winters in Florida are unique. Rather than being filled with piles of snow or weeks of rain, we get blue skies and sunshine. Since the winters here are so mild, many people think that they don’t need to prepare their lawn for winter. However, Florida winters are colder than the rest of the year, which can take a toll on plants that are used to hot weather. Despite the sunshine, it’s still important to get your property winter-ready. Here are 5 tips for winterizing your lawn:

 

1. Let Your Grass Grow Taller

Taller grass is able to withstand colder temperatures. Allowing your lawn to grow slightly taller than usual can protect the roots from frost, which may increase your lawn’s ability to endure frigid temperatures.

 

2. Don’t Fertilize Past September

It’s a good idea to apply a fertilizer treatment in early fall so your lawn has a boost of nutrients before entering winter. However, fertilizing in cold weather could cause your lawn to grow when it should be dormant. This could cause your grass to become sensitive to the cold, which may cause significant damage.

 

3. Water Your Lawn Less

When cold weather hits, your lawn will go dormant. That means the lawn will stop growing as much, and it may turn a brownish color to conserve nutrients. This is a natural process and does not mean your lawn is dying. However, dormant lawns don’t need as much water to survive, so it is best to cut down your irrigation schedule to once every week or two. If you see footprints in your lawn, water a little more frequently.

 

4. Overseed to Keep Green

Overseeding is the process of adding more grass seed to your lawn without mixing them into the soil. This allows fresh grass to fill out your lawn, which creates a thicker and greener appearance. Overseeding during the winter months can keep your lawn looking green even if the grass is dormant and turning brown.

 

5. Use Turf Colorants

Turf colorants are another great way to keep your lawn looking green, even as the grass goes dormant for the winter. Turf colorants are specifically designed to be a safe and environmentally-friendly option for covering up any browned areas or blemishes in your lawn.

Lawn Winterization Experts in Orlando FL

Keeping your lawn looking great through the winter can be a challenge, especially as the grass goes dormant and turns brown. If you want to keep your lawn looking great year-round but aren’t sure where to start, call the experts at Grasshoppers in Orlando FL today! Our skilled lawn specialists have the knowledge and experience to keep your grass looking green and healthy no matter the time of year. Just contact us today to get a quote!

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Beautifully landscaped lawn. Grasshoppers serving Orlando FL & Longwood FL talks about summer lawn care tips.

Beautifully landscaped lawn. Grasshoppers serving Orlando FL & Longwood FL talks about summer lawn care tips.Summers are wonderful in Florida, but if you live here, you know it can be a challenging time to keep your lawn lush and green. Hot temperatures may stress out your lawn and weeds may flourish. Learn how to help your lawn thrive this summer with our summer lawn care tips.

Mow Regularly

Keep your lawnmower blades sharp and mow regularly. While you may be tempted to drop down your mower blade, so you don’t have to mow as much, don’t do it. This is not like the hair on your head. Cutting no more than ⅓ of the grass blade at a time will keep your lawn healthier and help prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Don’t Fertilize

Another lawn temptation is fertilizer. Fertilizer helps provide your grass with the nutrients it needs to grow. But fertilizing during the hot summer months can cause your lawn to burn and actually kill it. Instead, save it for the fall and spring seasons. If you have flower beds or vegetable gardens, ignore this summer lawn care tip.

Another tip, pull weeds as necessary. Weeds are not only unattractive but they also steal nutrients away from your grass and plants.

Water Well

Lawn watering is especially important in Florida because we have a warm, humid climate. Timing is also key. You’ll want to water between midnight and 9 a.m. for the most efficient watering. Water your lawn during the sun’s peak hours, and it will evaporate so quickly. You’ll end up just wasting more time and money in the long run.

Eliminate Lawn Pests

You may begin to see grubs in the summer as they start hatching. These tiny white insects are one of the most lawn-damaging pests. They burrow right beneath the surface of your soil and feed on grassroots, eventually killing your grass. If the damage is severe, you can use a lawn insecticide or hire a professional that’s experienced in lawn care pests.

Maintaining your yard is a year-round commitment. In fact, people spend on average around 70 hours a year on yard work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your commercial property, feel free to give us a call. We’re commercial landscaping professionals and we know everything from irrigation and flower beds to hardscaping and lawn pest control.