If you are like most people, when you think of summer, you imagine relaxing by the pool, picnics in the park, and enjoying the longer days. What you probably don’t think about is sweating in the middle of the day, under the hot summer sun, trying to take care of your yard or irrigation system.

While having a beautiful and healthy yard takes work, it isn’t impossible. One of the best ways to keep your yard beautiful and healthy is by installing an irrigation system. While this is beneficial, it’s not a “set it and forget it” system. Instead, you must maintain it throughout the year – including the summer months.

Some tips that will help you take care of your irrigation system this summer can be found here.

Know How Long It Takes the Sprinkler System to Water an Inch of Turfgrass

To achieve optimum health, your landscape and lawn need about one inch of water each week. Usually, an efficient sprinkler will deliver about one inch of water in just 15 minutes.

To measure the amount of water being delivered, put out tuna cans in the different watering zones. Turn the sprinkler system on for 15 minutes and then measure the amount of water collected inside the cans. If there isn’t an inch, then you may need to readjust the system, search for a leak, or unclog the affected sprinkler head.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

During the spring months your landscape and lawn won’t require the same amount of water that is needed in the mid-part of July. When temperatures begin to drop in the fall months, you should adjust your irrigation system to deliver less water or reduce the output.

Also, the different parts of your property will have varied watering needs. For example, if your lawn faces north and is in the shade, it has just half of the watering demands that parts of your yard in the sun all day do. Be sure to adjust the zones to meet the specific needs of each zone in your yard.

Inspect the Irrigation System Regularly all Summer

You need to inspect your irrigation system for signs of misdirected sprinkler heads, broken lines, or leaks. All these problems are going to lead to you wasting water and wasting money. If you notice puddles somewhere in your yard but another area is dry, it may be a sign there is a leak or a sprinkler head that isn’t spraying in the proper direction. Be sure to investigate to find the issue so it can be fixed. If you can’t determine the underlying problem, contact the professionals for help.

Invest in Professional Maintenance for Your Sprinkler System this Summer

Along with taking care of your irrigation system through the summer months on your own, it is a good idea to have it inspected by the professionals from time to time. At The IDL Company, we offer professional irrigation system installation, repairs, and maintenance. This means we can ensure your system works properly and effectively through the hottest months of the year. Contact us today!