Skip to main content

Author: csDevTeam

Prepare for Freezing Temperatures by Insulating Your Irrigation

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Frost, Irrigation Systems.

Even though Tucson temperatures reach freezing only a dozen or so times each winter, it’s still worth protecting your landscaping and making the appropriate preparations. We will explain how covering your irrigation pipes in winter can help you avoid damage to your yard.

Frozen Pipe Dangers

Water expands when it freezes. If you let the water in your irrigation pipes freeze, the pressure inside your pipes will build until they burst, causing leaks. Failing to turn off your main water shutoff valve in time, may result in a flooded yard and huge water bill. Typically, you only need to insulate the pipes that are above ground to protect against the cold weather.

Frost Blanket Installation

Place frost blankets on any water pipes that are above ground to prevent your irrigation pipes from bursting. You can use a true frost blanket that is made of heavy fabric, or you can use insulated tape to wrap on the pipe. Foam insulation and fiberglass insulation that you wrap around the pipe works well also.

Insulation Benefits

Repairing irrigation pipes can be costly and stressful. Watch the weather forecasts to determine when to install frost blankets and avoid the expense and hassle of repairing broken pipes.
To learn more about keeping your irrigation system and landscaping in good shape, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We provide numerous landscape maintenance services for home and business owners throughout Tucson. Visit our website to learn how we can improve your Tucson-area landscape.

Getting Your Irrigation System and Water Features Ready for Winter

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Irrigation Systems, Water Features.

With the winter season approaching, now is a good time to start preparing your irrigation pipes for colder weather and freezing temperatures.

Due to our ever-changing weather patterns and often drastic fluctuations in the temperature, you need to winterize your water pipes and water features to avoid them from freezing up. A frozen water pipe can often swell and burst, causing a lot of inconveniences, time, and money. For a small investment, you can prevent this from happening.

If you have a drip irrigation system installed in your yard, Santa Rita Landscaping recommends that you insulate the valve, brass anti-siphon, Y filter and pipe above ground, in order to ensure the proper operation of your system.

This can be done by wrapping the insulation on the main water supply pipe and anti-siphon. You can purchase an Insulation Bag to cover the anti-syphon, from local irrigation suppliers. If you have a valve that is located underground, it is usually protected; however, to be safe, you may want to lay a piece of insulation in the box on top of your valves to better help insulate them.

If not completely drained, keep your fountains and water features running during times during low temps including those below 32 degrees. The pipe or flexible poly tubing after the valve is generally protected from freeze as this pipe is installed after the valve and only has water in it while the system is running. When the water is running, it is less likely to freeze.

Fire Pit or Fireplace?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fire Pits.

Creating an area in your backyard for family and friends to gather is a great asset. A fireplace or a fire pit is the perfect option, especially during these cold winter months. But which one should you choose ~ a fireplace or fire pit? Each provides different uses with their own pros and cons.

To assist you in making an informed decision consider the following:

Fireplaces

In addition to keeping you warm at night, an outdoor fireplace can be very architecturally pleasing. Built from brick and stone, they can be customized to fit the architecture and décor of any backyard area. Chimney options include masonry, reinforced concrete, and clay. Fireplaces can be large enough to provide privacy in your backyard through strategic placement.

Fireplaces are more expensive than a fire pit and may require a permit. Due to their limited face size, they have a limited ability to produce heat and they can be difficult for a large group of people to gather around.

Firepits

Fire pits provide a relaxing and laid back outdoor environment. Children and adults alike can easily roast marshmallows or other snacks in it. A fire pit is more cost-effective to install than a fireplace since there are fewer parts. People can feel the heat from all sides of a fire pit therefore a larger crowd can gather around it.

The downside of a fire pit is that it requires more of your patio seating area since they are generally placed in the center of it. There are also fewer options with a fire pit, making them a less architecturally pleasing option.

If you need more information about fireplaces and fire pits, and which would work best for your space, contact Santa Rita Landscaping. We can be reached by phone at (520) 623 0421, or by email at info@srlandscaping.com.

Time to Change Your Watering Schedule for Fall

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Irrigation Systems, Landscaping.

Can you feel the change in the air? So can your plants! Now that the fall season is here, you will need to adjust the water for your plants to make sure they are not being overwatered.
Our fall season creates sun that is a little less harsh with mornings and evenings providing more coolness in the air. A drip irrigation system provides a wonderful job at giving plants and trees a deep watering that can be regulated to help them adapt to the changing weather.

Just like your home, your landscaping is an investment, and adjusting the watering schedule is one way to help protect your investment in the fall and winter. This is just a general guide on how to adjust the water for your plants.

Below is a suggested watering schedule to use as a guide. Remember though to use it only as a guide because your watering schedule will vary depending on the weather, the soil, the types of plants that you have, and their maturity. It is important to keep a careful watch on your plants any time you change their watering schedule.

Suggested Watering Schedule

For the Fall Season:
Plants in their First Year
Water every other day for 1.5 hours

Plants in their Second Year
Water every third day for 2.5 hours

Established Plants
Water once per week for 3-6 hours

Tired of changing your irrigation controller? Contact us for more information on converting your existing controller to a Smart Controller. Smart Controllers have weather sensors that measure rainfall and temperature and will automatically adjust itself seasonally. You should also see a lower water bill.

If you ever have any questions about watering and maintaining your landscape, feel free to contact us at Santa Rita Landscaping.

What to Plant in Your Vegetable Garden This Fall

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Trees & Plants.

The fall season is coming and now is the perfect time to consider adding vegetables to your garden. As outdoor temperatures start to cool off, you will be able to plant a variety of vegetables that will thrive in cooler temperatures.

If you are wondering what to plant this fall, here is a look at some great vegetables to consider in the upcoming season.

Broccoli

If you have been encouraging your family to eat their broccoli, you should consider adding this bountiful brassica to your fall vegetable garden. Broccoli is a cool weather plant that prefers lower sunlight and plenty of water. After you plant broccoli from seed, your plants will mature in about 80 days.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an edible and decorative addition to any garden. When you plant cabbage in the fall, you can rest assured that this vegetable is well suited to Tucson’s weather. As you are selecting cabbages to plant, you may want to consider alternating species that develop in vibrant shades of green, purple, and even blue.

Collard Greens

Many chefs and gardeners are turning to collard greens as the latest vegetable trend. When you plant collard greens in the fall, your plants will be ready to harvest in as few as 40 days. Additionally, collards are remarkably resistant to both hot days and cooler temperatures.

For help planning your fall garden, be sure to get in touch with Santa Rita Landscaping. We proudly provide the Tucson area with a variety of landscape design and maintenance services, and we will help you create a beautiful and seasonally appropriate garden. To set up a consultation for your landscaping today, give us a call at (520) 623-0421.