4 Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your Irrigation System

Navigating your irrigation system’s maintenance can feel like exploring new terrain–uncertain and a tad overwhelming. Understanding when to inspect, adjust, or winterize can feel daunting. However, knowing how to tend to your sprinkler system is vital for your landscape’s well-being. That’s exactly why we are here, to simplify things and highlight the importance of looking after your irrigation system. With our expert guidance, you can navigate the seasonal sprinkler system maintenance tasks with confidence. 

Let’s explore four seasonal maintenance tips for your irrigation system so you can ensure your outdoor oasis stays lush and vibrant all season long. 

Tip #1: Inspect Your Irrigation System Regularly

To maintain your irrigation system’s efficiency, regular inspections are key. Ideally, your system should undergo inspection by a certified technician at least three times throughout the warmer months. Additionally, during the transition when you winterize your sprinkler system and reactivate it in the fall months, your irrigation maintenance professionals should thoroughly inspect your system. In Boulder, CO, this includes inspecting your backflow as well. 

If you are looking to cut costs on irrigation system maintenance, prioritize inspecting your system during activation. This inspection is crucial because it can detect any damages that may have occurred during the winter due to freezing pipes or snow removal.

At LID, our irrigation system inspections include the following: 

• Running the sprinklers in each zone in sequence for about five minutes.
• While sprinkler zones are running, technicians inspect sprinkler heads, lateral lines, drip emitters, and valves to check for leaks.
• Once all problems are repaired, your technician will adjust sprinkler heads to ensure proper coverage throughout your landscape.
• Finally, inspection includes proper programming of your irrigation system. Throughout the season, your watering times should be adjusted along with the warmer temperatures. 

Tip #2: Irrigation System Maintenance: Check for Leaks and Damages

Throughout the summer season, your irrigation system is susceptible to malfunctions, especially if it isn’t regularly inspected. Most issues with irrigation systems manifest visibly. Whether it’s water pooling around a sprinkler head, shooting out of a nozzle, or spraying out of a pipe, these signs typically indicate a leak within the system. 

However, certain leaks can be elusive and may only be visible after the system is turned on for the year. As the warmer weather settles in, soil erosion and pressure loss in certain areas can occur, resulting in reduced water reach. This typically indicates damage deeper underground caused by roots, freezing, or old pipes.

How can you be certain if your system has a leak and requires irrigation servicing?  Watch your monthly water bill. If you notice a dramatic increase, it is wise to check for leaks or call in the experts. 

Tip #3: Start-Up and Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Activating and winterizing your sprinkler system are essential seasonal maintenance services. Winterization, in particular, is paramount in safeguarding your irrigation system against freezing temperatures and potential damage throughout the cold winter period. While you may be able to adjust your sprinkler heads or controller, the activation and winterization of your irrigation system are best entrusted to certified professionals. Performing either of the seasonal irrigation services incorrectly can result in costly damage to your entire landscape. 

In Boulder, CO the timing of irrigation activations and winterizations can fluctuate annually, contingent on the weather conditions. Typically, start-ups occur between March-June, however, we recommend mid-April to mid-May as the optimal window for system activation. Similarly, winterizations span from October- December, with mid-November as the best timeframe to winterize your sprinkler system. 

Remember, freezing temperatures are the most important factor to consider when attempting to time activation and winterization. Your backflow should always be protected with insulation if you choose to activate your system early in the season or leave it operating into the late Fall. 

Tip #4: Adjust Your Sprinkler Heads and Controller Throughout the Season        

Many homeowners forget that sprinkler heads and irrigation system controllers need to be adjusted throughout the year as well. Our technicians at LID are diligent in this regard, ensuring your system operates optimally. We adjust sprinkler times three times a year: once when the system is activated in the Spring, once during the heat of summer, and once in the Fall as temperatures begin to drop. This regular adjustment is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape.

Adjusting your controller appropriately for the time of year is essential. Too little water in the summer can lead to a dry and struggling turf, but too much can result in turf disease taking hold. Overwatering in the Fall months can result in a difficult transition for your lawn and plantings as they prepare for dormancy in the winter. By fine-tuning your irrigation system’s controller seasonally, you can strike the right balance, promoting healthy growth and resilience throughout the year. 

Partnering with a Qualified Team for Lawn Sprinkler System Maintenance

Maintaining your irrigation system is crucial for ensuring the health and vibrancy of your landscape year-round. Regular inspections, checking for leaks, proper start-up, winterization, and adjustments throughout the season are essential practices to keep your system running efficiently. 

While it may seem manageable to tackle some of these tasks on your own, hiring a professional brings several benefits. At LID Landscapes, our certified technicians possess the expertise to identify hidden issues, perform thorough inspections, and execute irritation system maintenance tasks accurately. Their proficiency minimizes the risk of costly damage and ensures your irrigation system operates optimally, preserving the beauty of your outdoor space.

Looking for a professional partner in Boulder, CO to handle your irrigation system maintenance? Fill out our contact form today!