Successful Irrigation Techniques

The slightest wind will cause spray from irrigation systems to move around. In the summer months it is important that the spray pattern of heads along sidewalks and curbs be adjusted to compensate for Southerly winds that prevent water from reaching the edges of the turf.

In other words, many heads have to be adjusted to a spray pattern of just over 180 degrees along sidewalks and curbs. In the fall, the prevailing winds are Northerly and will actually blow excess water onto the same curbs and sidewalks that were dry in the summer.

It is very important for safety purposes that these heads be adjusted to less than 180 degree spray patterns for the fall and winter to reduce the likelihood of overspray that could cause ice on the sidewalks and streets around your property.

It is also important that a freeze sensor be installed to prevent the system from watering during freezing temperatures. If you already have a freeze sensor, please be sure to test it each year and ensure that it is working properly. The easiest way to accomplish this is to turn your system on and then dip the freeze sensor in a cup or cooler of ice water. If the sensor is working properly it should suspend watering within a minute or two.

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