Rampart Landscape and Arbor Service

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© Copyright 2007 - 2009
Rampart Landscape
and Arbor Service
P.O. Box 343
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: 1.303.681.2085
info@rampartlandscape.com

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2020 Visual Studios, L.L.C.

We offer a full service sprinkler department, from the smallest repair to complete systems installed to your specifications. We can also set your system to run automatically in full compliance with any and all restrictions in your neighborhood. Here are some ideas to help you use your sprinkler system.

Brent Ehlinger is our sprinkler technician. He is very familiar with all types of sprinkler systems. If you have a problem with yours, or would like to make some changes on your existing system, or would like to install something completely new, give us a call!

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Today´s sprinkler systems are designed to deliver water efficiently and effectively to your landscape. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your system is operating at it´s best.

Set your clock correctly

Most of us are under watering restrictions which tells us what days we can run our sprinklers. While it is important to follow these guidelines, perhaps more important to the health of your lawn is when you water. Watering during the day leads to huge losses in effectiveness due to evaporation; the water is gone before it gets a chance to soak in. Watering in the evening can lead to disease problems, as the grass will be wet for long periods of time, allowing pathogens the chance to develop. The most efficient time to water is early in the morning. We like to set sprinkler clocks to turn on around 4 a.m., which gives the water a chance to soak in before the sunrises and dries the grass off.

Do seasonal adjustments

As the growing season progresses we go from the cool of spring to the heat of summer, to the cool of autumn. Taking the time to adjust your system on a monthly basis will pay for itself in savings on your water bill, and ensure your landscape gets the water it needs.

Check your system for problems

Dogs chew on them, cars drive over them, kids pull on them, and yes, occassionally lawn mowers hit them. It is no wonder then that broken sprinkler heads are the most common problem we see. And if you have ever seen the geyser created by a broken head, you know how quickly a break can waste water. It makes sense then to do a regular inspection of your system while it is running. we like to do this monthly when possible. Most clocks will have a manual turn on switch, allowing you to do this without needing to reset the clock when you are finished. This is also a good time to check the various valves that control each zone of your system.

Protecting your sprinkler system in cold weather

We are often asked what should be done to protect sprinkler systems from freezing weather in the spring and fall. As we all know, one day in Colorado can be 70 and sunny, the next day can be 25 and freezing! Normally, everything underground in your system will be okay from mid-April (when we recommend turning on sprinklers) thru October and into November (when we recommend turning off and winterizing systems). The vulnerable component is your backflow valve, which prevents water from coming back from your sprinklers and into your home´s water supply. These are often located above ground outside your house in an exposed location. Taking the precaution of insulating this valve assembly can help prevent the unpleasant experience of waking up to a frozen valve and a geyser in your back yard! There is insulation specially designed to go over backflow valves, however an old blanket will do in a pinch. It is also wise to know where the water shutoff to your sprinkler system is located inside your home in case of an emergency. If you would like some help with this, or have any other questions about your sprinkler system, please give us a call! We are always happy to help.