Be Smart with Smart Lawn Irrigation

The month of July is usually associated with sunshine, hot temperatures and blue skies. But so far, the month has been full of thunderstorms, flooding and almost-daily showers. The Charlotte region has already had almost 50-percent of its expected monthly rainfall, and we are only in the second week.

Due to the above-average rainfall, several homeowners have had to deal with flooded lawns and inadequate lawn irrigation. July also happens to be Smart Irrigation Month, making it the perfect time to explore ways to avoid flooding, save money, reduce water consumption and have a healthier lawn.

"When homeowners think of lawn irrigation companies, they usually only associate us with installing irrigation systems to keep their lawn hydrated, but we really do a lot more than that," says John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "Our job and our goal is to promote a healthy lawn that you can be proud of, and this includes making sure your lawn isn't over-watered or flooded. We also want to make maintaining your green spaces easy and convenient."

Homeowners typically overwater their lawns, unintentionally wasting money every time they take out the hose or turn on the sprinklers. This is especially true during rainy weather. Irrigation and Lighting Specialist, a leader in smart water-saving practices, is delivering real results by following these smart lawn irrigation practices:

• Helping customers identify and maintain low water landscapes that will thrive in our climate and site conditions. 
• Installing new irrigation systems that use real-time weather data and soil moisture sensors to automatically adjust water to meet plant needs. 
• Using low volume micro-irrigation to precisely apply small amounts of water to gardens, trees and shrubs, minimizing evaporation and waste. 
• Retrofitting existing systems with rain sensors that prevent watering in rainy weather. 
• Helping customers program automatic controllers to comply with community water restrictions while extracting maximum benefit from every drop of water. 
• Auditing irrigation systems to make sure water is being used effectively and making necessary adjustments.  

Smart Lawn Irrigation with Irrigation Smart Controllers

One of the best ways to practice smart lawn irrigation is through the technology of an irrigation smart controller. The installation of this device can help you save up to 60-percent on water, which means a lower water bill for you and a healthier environment for future generations. 

Using the Irrigation Smart Controllers is easy. All you do is input your zip code, desired watering schedule and your soil type, and the controller does the rest! You will never have to worry about your lawn irrigation system kicking on while it is raining or when you lawn doesn't need the extra water. 

"In a recent project, we helped a Charlotte homeowner install an irrigation smart controller on an existing irrigation system, and they were more than pleased with the results," says Minor. "They were amazed by how easy it was to maintain their yard. It is incredible to have access to devices that make lawn irrigation so easy for busy homeowners." 

To learn more about smart practices for lawn irrigation or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor at Irrigation Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. Just because it has been rainy doesn't mean you have to settle for a flooded yard! 

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!

Charlotte Irrigation Winterization Avoids Costly Damage

As the weather cools, it is important to prepare your irrigation system for the onset of freezing temperatures. In Charlotte, the temperature typically drops down to around 40 degrees in November and around 30 degrees in December. This means that it is vital for you to winterize your irrigation system before December's freezing conditions arrive.

Charlotte's leading irrigation installation, service, and repair company, Irrigation & Lighting Specialist, urges Charlotte homeowners to call now to schedule their irrigation system winterization.

"It's important that you call as soon as possible to schedule your annual winterization shut-down," says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "We begin winterizing systems in mid-November and appointments fill up fast. It's important that you schedule your shut-down as early as possible to safeguard from the cold."

Charlotte Irrigation Winterization Protects System

In addition to helping prevent costly repairs, winterization also helps ensure that your irrigation system will function optimally when you start it back up in the Spring.

Irrigation & Lighting Specialist helps Charlotte homeowners prevent significant damage to their irrigation systems by providing professional winterization services. First, they shut down the system and ensure that any automatic timers are turned off. Next, they use a commercial, high volume air compressor to push air through the lines at low pressure. This ensures that all irrigation lines and parts are free of water, as any water left in the system can freeze and cause the pipes or parts to crack and split.

Perfect Time to Add Smart Controller

This is the perfect time to add a Smart Controller to your irrigation system! Irrigation & Lighting Specialist, offers installation of Rain Bird® ESP-SMT Smart Control Systems. These systems combine the proven simplicity of the Extra Simple Programming (ESP) controller with the accuracy of weather-based control, creating an innovative system that is engineered to save valuable time, money, and water.

"Installing a Smart Controller is the perfect way cut back on your water usage and, as a result, decrease your monthly water bill," says Minor.

For more information about adding a Smart Controller to your system or to schedule your irrigation system winterization, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you ensure your irrigation system is properly “put to bed” and ready to go again when spring comes around!

Charlotte Irrigation Company Provides Smart Control Systems for Homeowners

With mounting water-use regulations and the Charlotte area having recently recorded the worst drought in its history, the days when Charlotte homeowners could overlook water inefficiency are long gone. With more droughts and restrictions likely in the future, now is the time to start using water conservation methods.

Irrigation & Lighting Specialist, Charlotte’s premier irrigation installation company, offers installation of Rain Bird® ESP-SMT Smart Control Systems. These systems combine the proven simplicity of the Extra Simple Programming (ESP) controller with the accuracy of weather-based control, creating an innovative system that is engineered to save valuable time, money, and water. With concerns over water conservation on the rise, this can provide an invaluable tool for Charlotte homeowners.

“The ease and speed with which you can program your specific lawn is remarkable,” says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. “You simply put in a few key variables, like your zip code, allowed watering days, and the plant or soil type for your lawn, and the ESP-SMT system does the rest.”

Instant Rainfall Shut-Off

The ESP-SMT system outsmarts other Smart Controllers. Most Smart Controllers simply suspend irrigation when it rains, regardless of the amount of the rainfall. ESP-SMT systems, on the other hand, are smart enough to account for rainfall. These systems measure instantaneous rainfall data, determining effective rainfall and calculating a net replacement value. Unlike other Smart Controllers, the ESP-SMT system knows exactly how to adjust your watering schedule, preventing under or over watering your lawn.

“With the ESP-SMT systems, you’re able to achieve maximum water conservation because the system accounts for actual rainfall rather than simply suspending the system if it detects any rainfall at all,” says Minor.

Other Weather Sensor Features

The smart, weather sensor features don’t stop there. Below are a few of the other weather sensor features offered by the ESP-SMT system:

• Removable debris screen ensures accurate rainfall measurement.
• Adjustable, heavy-duty mounting bracket allows for easy leveling.
• Solar shield protects temperature sensor from reflective heat.
• Removable tipping rain bucket measures effective rainfall.

To learn more about how a Rain Bird® ESP-SMT Smart Control System can save you time, money, and water, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you achieve the most efficient use of water resources while ensuring you have a green lawn that you can be proud of for years to come!