As soon as the grass starts to turn green – and sometimes even before it’s green – customers start calling to find out if they should or shouldn’t start up their sprinkler systems.
As the temperatures start to get warmer, the grass is going to come up and it’s going to turn green. But it’s also going to rain more this spring. So when should you start up your sprinkler?
Table of Contents
- Best Time To Start Up Sprinklers
- Risks Of Starting Up Too Early
The Best Time To Start Up Your Sprinkler
Typically we don’t suggest that our customers start up their systems until the end of April or the first of May. Some years, we may even be a bit later than that.
Usually, the forsythias are blooming by the end of March; some years, they just start to bloom in April. With a late freeze, everything will be a little bit later than normal.
Believe us, your grass likely doesn’t need to be watered yet. The ground still has plenty of water in it, and we’re going to get more rain in the next few weeks. If your grass is brown, it’s because it’s still dormant from the winter.
If it’s already turning green, then it has all the water it needs for now.
Request Start-Up
Risks Of Starting Up Your Sprinkler Too Early
There is a real risk in starting up your system too early. You can run the risk (and the expense) of having your backflow preventer freeze if we get another cold night or two. The ground in the spring is still really cold from the winter. That’s why when the wind blows this time of year, it feels so cold.
The ground in the fall is still holding the heat of the summer, so it’s safe to leave your system operational in the early fall. But with the cold ground in the spring, you run the risk of damaging your system if we should get a night below freezing.
If you just have to start up your sprinklers now, make sure you take precautions if the temperature dips below freezing. You can wrap your backflow with old blankets or towels and then cover with a plastic bag – or you can purchase an insulated backflow cover.
Contact Nature’s Helper To Start-Up Your Sprinkler
If you want us to start up your sprinklers, make sure you call soon. Appointment times in late April and early May are booking up fast. If you want to start your own system, you can find instructions on our Website.
In the fall, everything in your yard turns from green to brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange—and then brown. When you’re preparing for winter, you’re probably not thinking about your sprinklers or watering your yard in general. But did you know fall is one of the best times of year for a lawn sprinkler system installation?
A well-maintained sprinkler system will reduce your utility bills, save water and run efficiently for years. Here are three reasons to consider a lawn sprinkler system installation now:
- Weather: In warmer climates, homeowners can install a sprinkler system at almost any time of year. Things are little different during New York’s cold winters—you don’t want to deal with sprinklers in the snow! Start now while the weather is still relatively warm, and the summer heat is no longer an issue.
- Soil Conditions: To properly install a sprinkler system, the ground shouldn’t be too wet or too dry. If the ground is frozen from winter snow or wet from spring rain, you risk damaging your landscape. In the cool weather of fall, your yard will be perfectly poised for a sprinkler installation.
- Get Started Early: Planning to do some new landscaping or plant a large garden next spring? You’ll need an efficient water source, and it’s best to install a new sprinkler system before you lay any sod or plant seeds. Prepare for next year’s warmer weather with a new lawn irrigation system. When spring arrives, you can start planting immediately and enjoy your lush new landscape before the summer heat rolls in!
For more information on lawn sprinkler system installations, contact Emerald Rich Lawns with more than three decades of experience, these professionals will help you design the perfect lawn irrigation system for your home. Call 734-479-1234 to make an appointment, or visit the website for a full list of services.