Irrigating New Grass Seed: Irrigation Expert Advice

Irrigating new grass seed can be difficult if you don't have the right knowledge. Many grass planting projects fail for various reasons, but most commonly because of under-watering.

“As irrigation experts, we've seen many homeowners try to grow grass and fail because their lawn wasn't receiving enough water,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "The most important step to establishing a healthy new lawn is practicing proper watering techniques." 

Mid to late spring is the ideal time to plant your warm weather grasses in Charlotte. During the month of April, sunshine and cool temperatures provide great growing conditions for your lawn. But, ensuring it recieves enough water is essential.

To help you grow new grass this spring, we've put together a few watering tips to ensure your lawn is green and full! 

Know Which Grasses Thrive in Charlotte’s Climate.

Most lawns in the area consist of Fescue grasses. Fescue is easy to maintain, but as a cool weather grass, it turns brown in the heat of summer. Bermuda grass can thrive in Charlotte, but requires proper watering. Instead of a dull brown, Bermuda grass turns an attractive shade of green during the hot summer months.

Establishing Bermuda grass can be more difficult, but the rewards are much higher than using Fescue. Since watering will need to be so closely monitored, we recommend using a quality irrigation system. An irrigation system ensures water is distributed evenly. 

Warm-season grasses thrive when planted in late spring. The weather is warm, but not so hot it damages the plant. When the heat of summer comes, your grass will already be established and healthy enough to feed off of the intense sunlight.

Use Fine Textured Organic Matter to Hold Moisture.

Ensure the ground and soil are as even as possible before spreading the seed. Once the seed is spread evenly, top-dress the seed. Top-dressing with textured organic matter like peat moss helps maintain a healthy layer of moisture above the seeds.

We recommend using a peat spreader or cage roller for this process. Apply a very thin layer of peat moss (1/8in. – 1/4in.) over the entire area. Be sure not to exceed this moss thickness as it will inhibit the grass’ growth. Try to complete this process on a calm-winded day. High wind speeds will blow the material out of place and create an uneven surface.

The Most Important Step for Irrigating New Grass Seed: Water Properly!

Irrigation across Charlotte can be tricky because of our area's uneven and sloping landscapes. This can lead to over-watering of some areas and under-watering of others. At Irrigation and Lighting Specialist, we know this. That is why we offer irrigation systems with smart controllers. For each watering zone, we factor in the soil type, amount of sun an area receives and the slope of your property. All of our irrigation systems come with a rain sensor to stop watering in the event of rain. This feature is extremely important in safeguarding against over-saturation.
Water the entire area evenly. The first watering will need to wet the soil down at least six to eight inches. Monitor the area closely. If the seed bed is only slightly moist, water again. You may have to water several times throughout the day so that the top inch of the seedbed is moist.

Less watering is required once the seed germinates. When the soil becomes lighter in color, that means it is time for another watering.

Fertilize After Germination

Fertilize the grass four to eight weeks after germination. The grass has germinated and is healthy, but it still has a robust appetite. Fertilizing after germination ensures all the hard work you have done has not gone to waste.

“Fertilizing can be a messy hassle. Once again an irrigation system comes in handy. Irrigation and Lighting Specialist offers irrigation systems that automatically apply organic fertilizer in micro-doses,” said Minor.

Charlotte provides us with some of the most beautiful weather in the country. Your lawn can capitalize on the plentiful sunshine and ideal temperatures if you know the proper way to water your new seeds. Talk to the irrigation experts at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist to see how they can assist you with irrigating new grass seed. We look forward to providing you with the service and tools to keep your lawn green all summer long! To learn more or schedule a consultation, email John or call 704-747-0235.

Charlotte Irrigation: Watering Your Garden

Spring has sprung and it won't be long before everyone is outside trying to get their garden in shape. If you are like most homeowners, reviewing the best gardening practices can go along way, especially when it comes to watering. In this week's blog post, our Charlotte irrigation specialists share some basic tips on watering your garden. 

Charlotte Irrigation Watering Basics

How much is too much water, and how much is too little? While water is essential for any plant, having too much or too little water can be harmful. One of the biggest things to consider is soil type. For instance, clay soil holds water best but takes a longer time to absorb it. Sandy soils absorb water quickly, but don't do a good job storing the water. Your soil should contain enough organic material to retain moisture and still allow enough room for air to reach the roots of your plants.

Here are some other factors you should consider when determining the amount of water your plants need: 

• Sunlight - Growing areas that are exposed to direct sunlight need more water because of evaporation, and growing areas in the shade tend to store more water throughout the day. 
• Humidity - It gets humid in the south, and that means it is harder for our plants to hold moisture. Days with higher humidity require more watering. 
• Plant Type - Different plants have different needs. Root depths vary greatly, so try to take note of how deep the roots are for your different plants. Group plants with deeper roots together. They need more water.

Watering Techniques: Hand-Watering vs Sprinklers 

Watering with a hose or watering can are simple techniques and are common when you have a small garden area to water. The biggest drawback, however, is that people get impatient and often water less than their plants need. They also tend to waste water. 

Sprinklers do the best watering job, especially if you have densely planted vegetables or a large gardening area. Perfect for lawns and home gardens, a sprinkler system is the easiest and most effective watering method. 

To learn more about Charlotte irrigation services or to schedule your spring startup service, contact John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you produce a beautiful and healthy lawn and garden this year! 

Fall for Charlotte Irrigation Installations this Season

Fall is right around the corner. In addition to football, colored leaves and pumpkin flavored treats, the season is also the best time to plant grass and to get a Charlotte irrigation installation.

"It is a common misconception that spring or summer is the ideal time to address the needs of your lawn," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation Lighting Specialist. "In actuality, the late summer and fall months are the best. Months like September and October present the best growing conditions for your grass." 

This time of the year brings a combination of conditions that are ideal for your grass. You get cooler temperatures, plenty of sunshine, the soil is warm enough to germinate grass seeds and the cool air promotes a strong root system. With the help of an adequate irrigation system, the work you put into your lawn will really pay off in the spring.

The Right Way to Irrigate Your Lawn

While taking advantage of this growing time, it is important to remember to hydrate your lawn. Whether you are planting seed to thicken your current lawn or planting a new patch of grass, water is essential to any growing process. To ensure your irrigating you are lawn correctly, here are a few tips. 

• Watering Basics - Water is one of the most important factors to a healthy lawn, but too much or too little can harm it. You want deep, infrequent waterings that get into the root zone. As a rule of thumb, water at least half an inch twice a week.  
• Best Time to Water - Early in the morning is the perfect time to water Charlotte lawns. There's less wind, less heat and your lawn has a full day to dry. Watering at night invites mildew and fungus, and watering in the hot afternoon can cause you to lose the majority of your water to evaporation.
• Use the Screwdriver Test - You can water carefully and properly, but if the water isn't being absorbed, your efforts are wasted. One way to tell if your water is being absorb properly is by testing it. Stick an 8-inch screw driver into the ground after you water it. If you are able to stick it in effortlessly around 6-inches, you are providing enough water. 
• Head-to-Head Coverage - An irrigation system that is properly designed should provide water coverage that overlaps. The water distributed from your sprinkler heads should reach the heads across and beside them. This reduces water wastage and helps your lawn get enough water. Hiring a professional for a lawn irrigation installation is the best way to ensure that this is properly done. 
• Be Accurate - How do you know how much you've watered? You can equip your irrigation system with a smart irrigation controller. This device automatically determines when your yard will be watered, how long it will be watered for and it automatically cuts your system off it it rains. Installing a smart irrigation controller is the easiest way to manage your lawn. 

"While the temperatures during this time of the year are ideal for planting grass, September tends to be one of the dryer months in the Charlotte region," said Minor. "Since there usually isn't a lot of rainfall, it is important to have a professional irrigation company install an irrigation system to help your grass grow to its fullest potential." 

To learn more about proper lawn irrigation or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. Let us help you with your Charlotte irrigation installation so you can enjoy a heathy lawn in the spring! 

Avoiding Lawn Sprinkler System Disasters

Lawns are a point of pride for many homeowners. Your lawn is the first thing people notice when they pull into your driveway, and they are the main ingredient for your home's outdoor flair. To ensure your lawn radiates a welcoming atmosphere, it needs proper hydration. A Charlotte lawn sprinkler system can help your yard reach its full potential.

A lawn sprinkler system that is installed correctly keeps your soil moist and helps your grass get the mineral nutrients needed for optimal growth. It is important that your lawn receives adequate water, especially during a dry summer. Unfortunately, many lawn sprinkler systems are not installed correctly and end up doing more harm than good.

"I have seen many sprinkler systems that are designed poorly, and they end up hurting the homeowners lawn," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "You don't want to flood your grass or waste water. With today's advancements and our expertise, we ensure your grass is getting the right amount of water and you are getting optimal coverage from your system without running up your water bill."

Common Concerns for Charlotte Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Many advancements have been made in lawn sprinkler systems, methods and technology, but that means nothing unless they are utilized properly. Let's take a look at six common concerns Charlotte homeowners face with lawn sprinkler systems - so you can avoid a disaster!

• Head to Head Water Coverage - A properly designed sprinkler system starts with water coverage that overlaps. The water from your sprinkler head should reach the heads across and beside them. This ensures the ideal hydration level for your yard in the shortest time and without wasting water. 
• Nozzle Selection and Head Adjustments - Correctly tuned water devices are important. Make sure your sprinkler heads are pointed slightly upward or downward for slopes. Nozzles exist for various angles, as well as adjustable nozzles that can be set for any degree. This contributes to the effectiveness of your sprinkler system. 
• Controllers - A controller is a great addition to any lawn sprinkler system. They automatically turn your system on and off and maintain your lawn's watering schedule. You can also adjust how long and how often your sprinkler system will operate. These user-friendly controllers can help you avoid wasting money by and ensuring that you aren't overwatering. 
• Automatic Rain Shut-Off Devices - Having your sprinklers run while it is raining is like setting your money on fire. Not only does it waste money, it can also flood your lawn and drown your grass. An automatic rain shut-off device will automatically cut off your sprinkler system when it starts to rain so you can reduce water waste while saving your wallet and grass. 
• Weatherization - Winter shutdown and spring startup procedures vary in different areas. Some systems have automatic drains valves and some require a manual procedure. In addition, valves and back-flow devices should be covered during the winter months to avoid damage. We can properly start up or close down your system so you can avoid costly damage that occurs from neglect. 

"There is a lot that goes into a properly installed lawn sprinkler system," says Minor. "We believe in doing things the right way the first time around, so you don't have to worry about expensive redesigns and planting new grass. We handle everything, from start to finish, so you can have a beautiful lawn that becomes the envy of the neighborhood." 

If you would like to learn more about the correct installation process for Charlotte lawn sprinkler systems or to schedule an appointment, please call John Minor at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to creating a lawn sprinkler system that makes your yard vibrant and beautiful for years to come!

How Smart Controllers Can Save Lawns from Summer Heat

If the recent spike in temperature is any indication, Charlotte is in store for a scorching summer. One thing all North Carolinians can agree on is that summers here can be sweltering and dry. These conditions can make it difficult for lawns to reach a healthy status.

Have you decided how your lawn will stay watered in the hot summer climate? During the busy summertime months, finding the time to regularly water your lawn can be difficult. Irrigation & Lighting Specialist’s smart controller is an automatic watering system that combines performance and efficiency into one.

The Irrigation Association defines smart controllers as systems that “estimate or measure depletion of available plant soil moisture in order to operate an irrigation system, replenishing water while minimizing excess water use.” The dependability and durability of this technology is unparalleled in the landscaping industry. Smart controllers make attaining a lush, healthy lawn even in the hottest of temperatures easier than ever before!

“Healthy lawns in the summertime require proper and frequent watering,” says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. “The benefits these systems provide are great for busy Charlotte homeowners, who don't have time to water their lawns.”

Benefits of Smart Controllers

Below are a few benefits of using smart controllers:

• Saves Time - Smart controllers calculate weather conditions by using a radio, internet, or phone connection to receive weather patterns from a central data provider. This feature automatically dispenses water so you don’t have to, saving you the time of turning water sprinklers, hoses, and valves on and off.
• Conserves Water – Smart controllers monitor soil moisture levels through a moisture sensor. As your lawn’s soil starts to dry out, it automatically waters the grounds through an irrigation system. This sensor allows homeowners to avoid using excessive water, saving them significant amounts of money, and also prevents up to 60% of unnecessary water usage!
• Saves Money -  Homeowners save money on monthly water bills because of the smart controller system’s accurate watering cycles. Lawns are watered only when moisture levels are low.
• Improves Convenience – Automatic watering schedules allow homeowners to spend less time watering their lawns, and more time doing what they enjoy.
• Improved Lawn Quality – Smart controllers eliminate the threat of overwatering. The system helps lawns reach maximum growth by giving them the perfect amount of water. 

“There are many factors that homeowners have to keep in mind while having their lawns irrigated, and smart controllers ensure watering is not one of them,” says Minor. “For example, specialized features like remote operation serve as a long-term solution for lawns needing additional watering or attention. Homeowners can keep a close watch on their lawn’s health from the comfort of their home.”

To learn more about our smart controller systems, or to schedule a free consultation, call John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. No matter how hot it gets this summer, let us help make sure your lawn stays properly watered!