GET A FREE IRRIGATION SYSTEM CHECK-UP! NO STRINGS ATTACHED!

by SaveDallasWater.Com

As a service to our customers, Dallas Water Utilities is conducting FREE automatic irrigation system check-ups.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has determined that homes with in-ground automatic irrigation systems use 35% more water than those without irrigation systems. And those households using automatic timers for their irrigation systems use 47% more than their neighbors with in-ground systems operating their systems manually.

For the full article please click here to read it on our new irrigation site www.LawnSprinklersDallas.Com

Landscape Ideas Dallas: Crepe Myrtles

By Maria Bargellini, President at Dallas Curb Appeal

Dallas Landscape Contractor

Nothing says summer in the south like the blooming of our Crape Myrtles. You can’t beat the colors or the bountiful blooms on these lovely tree forming shrubs. Being in the landscape industry I see a lot of instances where  people put the wrong tree in the wrong place. Sometimes it’s unintentional and sometimes it’s just careless. Crape myrtles come in a wide range of sizes and colors. There’s a perfect Crape Myrtle out there just waiting for you to take it home–Just make sure it’s the right tree for your landscape. Below are some information to help you figure out what variety is best for your landscape.

Shape: Did you know that Crape myrtles come in different shapes. Some are more upright while others can be broad or have a tighter v/vase-shape. Of course some are trimmed by well meaning but un-enlightened people and can appear to be fan shaped also. Look at your landscape and drive around town to see for yourself what these beautiful trees really look like when they are older. Then you’ll get a better idea of what type is best for you. Take pictures with you to the nursery so that they may better help you find the variety you want. With so many varieties they are not always available so call ahead.

Size: Most people don’t realize that the Crape Myrtles can come as small as 1 feet tall, like the Rosy Carpet –yup you heard me 1 foot tall. On the opposite side they can also be as tall as 30+ feet tall like Biloxi . One thing to consider is the meaning of Dwarf. Dwarf means that the plant is smaller than the original not that it’s 2 feet tall. 3 feet and under are referred to as minis or miniature varieties in this case.  Of course the happier this tree forming shrub is the closer it will be to it’s standard height. Height’s aren’t an exact science which is why you’re almost always given a range.

Colors: Do not pick a Crape Myrtle by color alone. We all love the red Dynamite but it can be over 20 feet tall. If you’re planting your tree yourself do yourself a favor and do your research, figure out which one you like, and call around for that specific Crape. Don’t let the lure of the nursery lead you astray. They all will look small and harmless at the nursery now but not so much later.

Pruning: Please people for the love of all things good in the world. Do not hack your Crapes. If you buy one that’s the wrong size you will be hacking at it for eternity. You only need to trim for the following reasons

• Vehicle or pedestrian right of way
• rubbing limbs
• seed heads
• Dead Branches
• and to open up the canopy

Do not let anyone tell you different. They do not ever have to be chopped off or beheaded unless of course you bought the wrong variety and in which case I would tear it out and get the right one instead of having ugly knuckled trees in your yard.

Enjoy the following links from Texas A&M–This is the best link ever if you need helping picking the right Crepe Myrtle for your Dallas Landscape. It’s an Aggie-Hort site that lists Crepe Myrtles by color, size, and by common name.

If you would like to have a landscape professional help you with your Crape Myrtle project please feel free to leave a comment or call Dallas Curb Appeal at 214-257-8155.

Sprinkler Dallas: Smart Controllers

By Maria Bargellini

Dallas Landscape and Irrigation Contractor

The Smart controllers are a fantastic invention. These controllers are also referred to as ET (Evapotranspirational) controllers. This big fancy 2 part word has been created to describe the incorporation of Evaporation (change from liquid to vapor)  and Transpiration-(plant’s water loss). The Smart Controller is designed to collect past and present weather data with the use of it’s weather station to estimate how much water has been lost through both processes and and how much water is then needed for your specific conditions.

For example

If it rained once a day for 7 days, we got a total of 5″, and it was followed by 2 days of sweltering heat the Smart Controller will figure out how much water has evaporated from the ground, how much water was lost through transpiration and how much and when to water next. Ingenious right–well yes but it isn’t full proof, at least not yet. If you have plants that are covered by eaves or zones that have plants with mixed water requirements, or a faulty system the Smart Controller can’t recognize that.

You can however set the controller to understand the following conditions

• Sloped areas: This is great because all too often we don’t realize that we lose a lot of water from slope runoff. The controller can figure that out for you.
• Individual zone list: You can tell the controller what type of plant material you have per zone. For ex. pots, new planting, shrubs, grass, etc. have different water requirements and this will allow you to set it up so that they all get the water they need when they need it.
• Differentiate between Drip and spray zone: Drip has to stay on much longer than spray zones. This makes it easy to adjust them accordingly.
• Adjust the percentages of water for the year–for ex. In the summer you will do 100% of your water values but in the winter you will probably use 0-10% of your water values. Other controllers cannot be set to change percentages.
• You can block out days and times according to restrictions–The Smart Controller will adjust it’s watering schedule around the restricted date and times automatically.
• Valve Locator–(not all ET controllers have this) This is a fantastic tool. If you need to locate  faulty or buried valves the SmartLine controller by Weathermatic will send a signal that will make it chirp so that you can find it.

For the full article please click here to read it on our new irrigation site www.LawnSprinklersDallas.Com

How to do your own sprinkler check

By Gino Bargellini

Licensed Irrigator, Backflow Inspector, Certified auditor

The key to successfully irrigating your lawn or landscape is to make sprinkler checks routine. If you do not have the time you can hire a professional to come or you can simple turn on your sprinklers periodically to make sure they are function properly and pointed in the right place. Doing so can save you both time and money. You are going to set your sprinkler controller to manually run for about 2 minutes at each zone. This will allow you time to evaluate the zone for any damage or leaks. Buy markers or flags to mark heads that need to be repaired.

Common sprinkler repairs

Mis-directed or misaligned heads–Children and pets running across lawns and moving mowers may cause damage to your heads that you will not be aware of until it’s too late. Something as minor as hitting the nozzle and changing the direction can have quite an impact on your lawn or landscape. If your nozzle is pointing towards the sidewalk and not your grass you won’t realize you have a problem until the lawn turns brown. Leaks go often undetected as well. Heads that come out of the ground on an angle will not have the same distribution pattern and may lead to browning in the missed areas.

Broken heads

This is the worst offense. A broken head can waste as much as 4,000 gallons of water every time it goes on. So if your sprinkler goes off at 3am you will not have a clue that you are not only loosing 4,000 gallons of water but that the rest of the zones is not being properly watered.

Not all sprinkler parts are created equal–meaning that they are not usually interchangeable. If you need to replace things like nozzles, heads, and valves you are better off going to a irrigation supply that will have parts from multiple manufactures. Doing so will also ensure that you get quality commercial grade products. If you would like to schedule a sprinkler check or any other irrigation work please feel free to calls at 214-257-8155 or email us at Sales@dallascurbappeal.com.

Gino Bargellini is the Vice President of Dallas Curb Appeal, a full service landscape contractor and DFW Christmas Lights, installing holiday lighting across the Metroplex.

Other Articles you might be interested in:

how much to water your lawn(specific DIY)

Sprinklers VS. Drip

Watering new sod

Drip Irrigation

How to do your own water audit

How to do your own water audit

The purpose of the water audit is to make full use of every drop of water and avoid making assumptions and generalizations as to when to water and how much. With a water audit you can customize an irrigation schedules based upon on catch can results, site-specific soil conditions and plant water requirements, instead of using the longtime standard recommendation of 15 minutes– 3 times a week. Now you will be able to adjust run times for individual zones based on measured precipitation rates.

Click here for a PDF of The Aggie-Hort Water Audit Data Sheet. There you will find the sheet and the steps required to do a full residential water audit. Please Note: This is not a professional sheet and cannot be used to submit audits to municipalities. The following is some general information on water audits.

Irrigation audits consist of three main activities:

• Site inspection: This is essentially a sprinkler check. For more on sprinkler checks click here. Sprinkler parts are not made to last indefinitely. Common problems are clogged or broken heads, clogged or misdirected nozzles, heads that won’t pop up, etc. You should set up a regular maintenance program for your home to be performed by you or an irrigation professional. In the state of Texas only licensed irrigators or certified irrigation technicians are allowed to repair or install sprinklers. Click here to go to the TCEQ (Texas Center for Environmental Quality) to verify licensing. Once you have repaired any issues proceed to the performance testing.

• Performance testing: This is where you are going to evaluate your systems operation to ensure that you have adequate water coverage, by setting out your catch cans (or tuna fish cans). The sprinkler components such as the heads and valves are designed to operate under certain water pressure. Too little or too much can lead to operating problems that will be apparent once you evaluate the area. A system with low pressure will not have overlapping water and may have brown sections   in the lawn, where the sprays cannot reach. This may also be due to heads that were installed too far apart.
  

• Irrigation scheduling: Now here comes a little math. See the PDF file for the formulas and how to use the information you have gathered. Determining when to schedule your sprinklers will be based primarily on the information (percipation rates) found in the audit, however there are other factors to consider, such as the following:

• • Water requirements of the plants or grass
  • zones in which the plant material has mixed water requirements
  • Size of the root ball when planted-and after. If you install annuals with a 2″ root system and a shrub with a 12″ root ball they will not have the same watering requirements.
  • Areas that are covered by eaves or other obstructions that will not receive rain water.

Performing your own water audit is the  only way to get the answer as to exactly how much to water and how often to water for your home. If you would like to have a water audit professionally done or require assistance with your sprinkler repairs you can contact us at 214-257-8155.

Gino Bargellini is the Vice President of Dallas Curb Appeal, a full service landscape contractor and DFW Christmas Lights, installing holiday lighting across the Metroplex.

Other Articles you might be interested in:

how much to water your lawn(specific DIY)

Sprinklers VS. Drip

Watering new sod

Drip Irrigation

How to do your own sprinkler check

How much should I water My Lawn? Specific Info.

By Gino Bargellini

Licensed Irrigator, Backflow inspector, certified water auditor

These 4- steps are designed to help you figure out whats best for your particular lawn. Everyone has different conditions. By using these simple steps you will be able to determine how efficient your system is, how often to water and how much to water to use.

1st step: Take stock of your landscape and the irrigation system

The main thing you need figure out in this step is whether you have drip or sprinkler zones that have different sun/shade conditions. If you do, it makes things a bit more difficult because you will more than likely under or over water one section on a shared zone with mixed sun/shade. You either have to find a balance where one section is not going to be too dry or too wet, amend you system to separate the zones or simply hand water the sunnier side when it needs it.

2nd Step: Perform or schedule a Sprinkler Check

Doing this will ensure that you have the proper water coverage and functioning heads and nozzles.  For directions on how to do a simple sprinkler check, click here.

3rd step: Perform or Schedule a Water Audit

You can do this with the old tuna fish cans, or if you don’t fancy the idea of eating tuna for a few weeks you can always buy catch cans/rain gauges  from us or make an appointment to have a certified water auditor perform an audit for you, call us at 214-257-8155 for more details.  To do a true water audit takes some math and a lot of catch cans, for directions on how to do a simple water audit click here.

4th Step: Start Experimenting

Once you have finished the steps and gathered all your information you can start the scheduling. Once you have adjusted or amended your sprinklers and performed the audit you should have learn what you need to set your sprinklers. For example, you have learned that after 5 minutes your water begins to run off and that it takes 20 minutes to fill the catch can to 1″-which is all most lawns need. You will then set your controller to water your lawn for 5 minutes 2x in the morning and 2x at night or any variation of that- that will allow you to avoid run off and over watering.

Keep notes of your progress. Remember to account for rain in the scheduling process. If you buy a rain gauge and locate it near but not on your lawn you will be able to adjust your sprinklers to account for the “free water”. If you need help with this process please feel free to leave a comment below and we will do our best to help you out.

Gino Bargellini is the Vice President of Dallas Curb Appeal, a full service landscape contractor in Dallas and DFW Christmas lights, installing holiday lighting across the metroplex.  LI 16405, BF 11273

Other Articles you might be interested in:

How much to water (general info)

Sprinklers VS. Drip

Watering new sod

Drip Irrigation

How to do your own sprinkler check

How to do your own water audit

How much should I water my Lawn? General Info.

By Gino Bargellini

Licensed Irrigator, Backflow inspector and certified auditor

The simple answer is as much as it needs to be watered. Here’s why. Every-one’s landscape is unique to them. You home is the only one on those specific coordinates, with your unique conditions, such as the angle in which the sun hits your lawn, or the fact that you even though you get west sun you have a house or a fence that blocks the sun. The best person to answer the question of “how much should I water my lawn“– is you. Of course I wont leave y friends high and dry –I do have some general rules and tips for you but the reality is that it’s going to take a little effort-and a  little trial and error on your part to figure out exactly what’s best for your lawn.  Click on the links below for specific tips to help you figure out how much to water your lawn. The main information you need is how much to water and how often to water. Smart Controllers help significantly but if your system isn’t properly designed or installed you will still need to make adjustments to the scheduling. Purchase a moisture meter-it is the best tool to help you figure out your water needs for both your lawn and landscape. Naturally the best way to water is manually and only when you see that your plants need it. For most of us we just don’t have the time to dedicate to the surveillance of our lawns.

General Guide Lines for watering your Lawn in the Summer.

Please note: If you have a lot of shade you do not have to water as often. Shade does not allow the water to evaporate as fast and luckily for you this means you don’t have to water as often or as much.

85-90 degrees  Water every 7-10 days

90-95 degrees Water every 5-7 days

95-100 degrees Water every 4-5 days

100+ degrees  Water every 3-4 days

If you would like specific information on how to figure out how much to water your specific lawn click here. Keep in mind that these are just generalizations. Here are some exceptions to consider: If you have 6 hours of sun and your house faces west you will need to water more. If you your house faces north and you only have 2 hours of sun you will be watering less. If you have new plantings this summer you will really need to be vigilant. They will be thirstier that your other plants. In 100 degree weather annuals will more than likely need to be watered daily. Make sure you check your sprinklers periodically. One misaligned or broken head can lead to quick death in hot dry weather.

Gino Bargellini is the Vice President of Dallas Curb Appeal, a full service landscape contractor in Dallas and DFW Christmas Lights, installing holiday lighting throughout the metroplex.

Other Articles you might be interested in:

how much to water your lawn(specific DIY)

Sprinklers VS. Drip

Watering new sod

Drip Irrigation

How to do your own sprinkler check

How to do your own water audit

Sprinklers Dallas: Drip VS. Spray

By Maria Bargellini

Dallas Landscape and Irrigation Contractor

So you want to get a sprinkler system but you can’t decide what to have installed, drip or spray. In some cases you actually might not have a say in the matter. New state regulations call for drip zones to be used for foundations, flower beds and parkways that are less than 4-5 feet wide. These new rules have been changing and evolving over the last to years in an effort to conserve water and educate the public on proper irrigation practices. Below are the advantages and disadvantages for both systems.

Drip Cons

• Drip systems in Dallas are more expensive per zone because of the additional cost of materials needed.
• Maintenance  is a bit more intensive. The system has to been “flushed” 1-2 times a year
• Because it’s sub-surface you cannot see whether the drip system is working until plants start wilting
• When installing new plantings extra care must be taken that you do not cut the lines

Drip Pros

• Water conservation--save time, money and water with this system
• Even distribution of water
• A drip system is silent-no more waking up at 3am when your neighbors sprinklers go off
• Drip is better for your foundation watering
• Even distribution of water
• Plants benefit from the water going directly to the roots and not on the leaves
• Easier install for DIYers

Spray Cons

• These systems can be really good at wasting water due to wind, sun and disrepair
• They can be noisy especially if there’s a  leak which will make the pipes rattle
• Over-spraying on sidewalks and roadways can lead to icy conditions resulting in pedestrian or vehicle incident
• Sprinkler heads are often broken by foot traffic and mower damage. Un-repaired heads can lead to 1000′s of gallons of water waste and nozzles are usually in need of unclogging and re-adjusting
• Spray systems are buried deeper than drip systems so repairs are more labor intensive

Spray Pros

• Less expensive than drip systems
• Easier for a homeowner to check, adjust and repair
• Replacement parts are easily available and inexpensive

If you are installing a new sprinkler system you do not have much choice. New regulations require the use of drip in most cases such as in watering foundations, parkways, and flower beds. If you are amending a system you are more than likely not obligated to follow the new rules, however you can benefit greatly from upgrading your system. In the near future expect to see more municipalities giving incentives for using water conserving methods. In some cases it can be in the form of rebates,  fines, credits, etc.

If you would like an estimate on a sprinkler system or a Drip system please feel free to call at 214-257-8155 or you may leave a comment bellow and someone will get to you shortly. (License LI16405)

Other Articles you might be interested in:

how much to water your lawn(specific DIY)

How much to water (general info)

Watering new sod

Drip Irrigation

For more sprinkler information and tips like troubleshooting visit our new site, www.LawnSprinklersDallas.Com

Landscape Lighting Ideas Dallas: Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

BY Maria Bargellini

Dallas Landscape Lighting Contractor

Not all outdoor lighting design are created equal. Landscape lighting is not about throwing a few lights on the ground and pointing them up a wall. There’s proper technique, classic design, and many more factors. One important factor is the outdoor lighting fixture itself. Here is an example of a outdoor lighting fixture that is used by some less creative and training installers. This first picture is what is commonly seen today around town. It is a 120v “outdoor lighting fixture“–or at least that’s what they think. This type of fixtures in wrong wrong wrong. The bulbs are too big, too noticeable, and worst of all- the fixture is not approve for use in an upward position. It even says so on the fixture.

The reason it’s not supposed to be pointed upward is to not allow water to enter the fixture. Water entering the socket will rust corrode the interior socket. In most case the components will oxidize and will no longer make the necessary contact with the bulb. It also makes it more dangerous to change the bulb.

Why you shouldn’t use them

• Exposed bulbs that get hot
• Sockets will rust when water enters
• Not approved for this application
• Not an attractive outdoor lighting fixture
• They are usually installed 24″ from the ground and if there aren’t any shrubs planted they can be very distracting and unappealing

Outdoor lighting fixtures that point upward should be encased in glass that should be properly angled toward a drain hole that will release the water. If you currently have these fixtures installed on your house you will have some maintenanceissues on your hands such as some of the following:

• Constant changing of bulbs
• unreliable performance
• possible shorts
• re-sealing fixtures to the home to prevent leaks
• Light angles that are too wide
• Unflattering light
• Low angle ability
• Too much concentrated light

If you need help or have questions about your Outdoor Lighting in Dallas please feel free to call us at 214-257-8155.

Landscape Lighting Dallas: Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Dallas

Your home is more than likely the biggest investment that you will ever make in one lifetime – which is the reason why it pays to pay attention to the smaller details like indoor and outdoor lighting. Lighting is not particularly expensive when you compare it to purchasing new siding, a wood deck and furniture, however it can make all the difference in how your home looks and feels. It can completely change your paint color, open up a room or make it feel more comfy. Outdoor lighting as well as indoor lighting fixtures have come a long way from the old brass gold colored fixtures. They are available in highly decorative shapes ranging form the insanely modern to copies of rare antiques.

Now you can’t  talk about fixtures without talking about bulbs, which are referred to as lamps. Lumen output, foot candles, energy ratings—all the terms can make you nuts. Make sure you visit a showroom to get a better understanding of what different light bulbs look like when lit. Fluorescent lights deserve mention and they have made many improvements to the color of the light but the have a long way to go. And although they conserve energy because of the mercury inside them, discarding them is an issue. You can find more about fluorescents here. Click here for an article on the Best bulbs by popular mechanics. Are compact fluorescents better? Click here for more. There are dozens of bulbs available.

Indoor Lighting

Lighting should work around your furniture. Figure out your furniture placement first and foremost. You can make your fixture a focal point, like a chandelier or use things like low voltage recessed lighting to high light other focal points. A lot of people think recess cans should be equally spaced when in fact the spacing is irrelevant to what you are trying to accomplish. If you have visitors that compliment your light spacing you need new friends. Highlight artwork, seating areas, graze textured walls or architecturally interesting areas-as for the spacing forghetaboutit.

Outdoor Lighting

Although there are some beautiful fixtures available for the most part you should see the result of the fixture without seeing the source. Care should be taken that there aren’t any glare or hot spots. You want your lighting to showcase your yard or home not smack your guest in the face with 20-50 watts of blinding light. Install your fixtures to highlight textures, artwork, interesting plants and colors. Installing lights in the trees to highlight focal points like fountains and statues below. First figure out what you what to light, then how much of it you want or need it to be lit and then you go shopping for the fixtures. Pre-packaged lights at the box stores are OK but overall the quality and effect is just not there. Solar lights have also come a long way but the light output still hasn’t reached the level of low voltage fixtures. In addition if the light is a deep shade it will not collect enough light to function properly.

If you have any questions or would like to request a Outdoor Lighting Demo please call us at 214-257-8155