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Adding a Rainwater Harvesting System to Your Landscape

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

During times of winter storms and monsoons, homeowners should take advantage of the downpour with rainwater harvesting systems. With rainwater harvesting, you can reduce water waste and add sustainability to your landscape.

Reduced Need for Ground Water

Rainwater harvesting reduces your household’s impact on groundwater reduction ~ a big concern for residents in the Southern Arizona region.

Minimal Infrastructure

Your rooftop usually features a drainage system with catchment areas.  These can be attached to harvesting systems. This feature can help keep installation costs down and optimize the financial benefits of a rainwater harvesting system.

Lower Soil Erosion Rates

A rainwater harvesting system allows you to store water in an area that may otherwise cause flooding in low lying areas. By minimizing floods, you can reduce soil erosion and groundwater contamination from pesticides and fertilizers that may be on the surface of the soil.

Diverse Uses around the House

Harvested rainwater can be used to wash your car or connect to your plumbing so that you preserve more groundwater and further reduce your environmental impact. Remember that rainwater is free of chemicals that may be found in groundwater, making it a favorable substitute for applications like watering plants.

If you are considering rainwater harvesting for your sustainable landscape design in Tucson, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421 to explore your options. Our custom commercial and residential landscaping solutions will help you increase the value of your home and create a beautiful, welcoming space to enjoy the Arizona sunshine.

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.

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.

PROTECTING YOUR YARD FROM SUMMER HEAT

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

Summer heat is here and you need to prepare your yard for the harsh conditions that come with it. Here are some recommendations on how to protect your yard this summer.

Water Timing

Now is the time to tweak your daily watering schedule to make sure your plants are receiving the water they need. Never water during the hottest times of the day, you will waste water and money since the water will dry up before it can soak into your plants. Instead, water your plants during the cooler mornings and evenings, so they can receive the most benefits. Set up an irrigation system or sprinkler to water your plants during these cooler times.

Mulching

Mulch provides an added layer of insulation that surrounds your plants and trees. This layer keeps the soil moist and it protects your plants’ roots from hot temperatures. There are many types of mulch that will benefit your plants and can also add some color to your yard.  A common mulch to use would be gravel. You may also consider grass clippings, wood mulch, straw, compost, and shredded newspaper.

Shade

Sensitive plants need protective shade in the summer heat. Their leaves can get sunburned and stop flowering if they become overheated. You can provide protection by placing a shade cloth over sensitive plants and gardens during the hottest part of the day. Your landscaper can recommend ultraviolet-rated plant covers, shade trees, and patio umbrellas to keep your plants protected.

Work with Santa Rita Landscaping to keep your yard protected and beautiful year-round in Tucson, AZ. We have over 30 years in business as Tucson’s premier landscapers, so we know how to keep Tucson plants healthy. Please call us at (520) 623-0421 to schedule our services.