Getting your irrigation system ready for the spring.

When getting your yard ready for the spring, it is important not to overlook your lawn sprinkler system.  Just turning the water back on to the system is not enough.  Checking to be certain that your irrigation system is working properly will ensure that your yard has a fighting chance for the coming spring and that you do not waste a lot of money and water in the process. A Charlotte lawn sprinkler repair company will be able to help in the following task:

• Checking that rotors are adjusted properly and rotating correctly.
• Checking that fixed spray heads do not have clogged nozzles.
• Inspect the backflow to be certain no leaks are obvious.
• Connect a pressure gauge to the system and check for any leaks in the system.
• Be certain that the individual zones are responding to the controller and evaluate the controller's programming and schedule. 

Depending on the type of irrigation system you have there are other things to keep in mind as well (i.e. a  pump or pressure switch).

When looking for a local irrigation repair contractor be certain that you use one that follows the minimum standards put in place by the NC Irrigation Licensing Board.   

Drainage and Storm Water

It is important to keep in mind that drainage and storm water removal and storage are very important factors in the landscape.  Unconstrained storm water can contaminate our lakes, oceans, and of course our drinking water.  Everyone homeowner should do there part to prevent this from happening not only for environmental reasons, but to prevent damage to your yard and home as well.

Storing this water should not be looked at a a hassle but a bonus.  This water can be stored in cisterns and used in your landscape or even to wash your car.  Charlotte irrigation and drainage professionals can assist in pointing you in the right direction.

NDS offers some of the following products:

Components of our residential stormwater systems include channels for hardscapes, catch basins and grates for downspouts and low spots in the landscape, Flo-Wells and EZflow for subsurface drainage, and pop-up emitters to discharge excess water as mandated by local regulations.

These can be install by a Charlotte drainage or irrigation contractor.

Keep Your Water

Charlotte area Irrigation professionals can install cisterns that can contain the runoff from your roof, driveway, patio, etc.  This water can be used in so many applications:  Drip irrigation, water features, water to wash your car, etc. 

Keep in mind that water is becoming more and more expensive and less and less available.  Be sure to protect your interest and contain the water that falls on your property and utilize it wisely.  To begin, harvesting rain water in the Charlotte area, be sure to contact a local Charlotte irrigation contractor.

Plants that Hold Leaves Year Round

Believe it or not you can have color in your landscape during the colder months.  As a Charlotte landscaping professional can tell you, there are several shrubs that will bloom or hold leaves even when it is cold. 

One of our favorite shrubs with red berries is the Nandina.  These shrubs can get up to 7 feet tall, but also come in a lovely dwarf variety.  Their greenish, yellow-red leaves provide beautiful color year round and they also produce red little berries throughout the year. 

Another favorite blooming shrub is the Camellia.  This beautiful plant resembles a rose but comes with more leaves and no thorns.  Blooming twice a year in the summer and winter the Camellia comes in several colors white, pink, rose-pink, light red, deep red, and red.  This shrub requires pruning as it can get up to 10 ft tall.

Finally a great plant well known around the NC coast is the Oleander.  This shrub can get 6 to 20 feet tall and holds it's leaves all year long.  The blooming period for it's flowers that range from white to hot pink is summer through fall.  One caution with this plant is that it is highly toxic if ingested.  Be sure to take the proper precautions if you choose to plant this shrub.

There are many other options for plants that stay green year round.  If you are unsure what to plant and how to care for your plants contact a Charlotte landscaping professional today.

What is Fertigation?

Fertigation is the application of fertilizers through an irrigation system.  For years it has been used in agricultural settings and is now being applied to residential properties.  Fertigation can be used to feed nutrients to your landscape or to correct issues such as a fungal outbreak.  Fertigation is a service that must be performed by a professional landscape maintenance company or a licensed irrigation specialist.  By feeding fertilizers through a water source, the water source must be segregated so that contamination into domestic supply is not an issue.  Also the right chemical balance must be well thought out so that the right plants get the right nutrients and chemicals are not over used.  The advantage to this technique is that large areas receive the nutrients they need and absorption of water is increased due to healthy root systems.  As this technique is implemented plants stay healthier, you need to water less, and overall use of chemicals is reduced.  It is a technique that is worth looking into if you have a large yard you are trying to maintain.  As stated above make sure you hire a Charlotte landscape professional to help with a fertigation project.

Preparing your Garden for Spring

During the winter months we tend to stay indoors and neglect our gardens.  Yet, it is very important to winterize your garden to prepare it for spring.  Not only does it lead to a beautiful healthy garden as temperatures warm up, it allows you to get outdoors and enjoy your landscape even when it's cold. 
In Charlotte, NC we have a lot of indigenous species that require pruning in the winter.  One of the most beautiful and popular varieties of shrubs is the Crepe Myrtle.  Late winter is the time for pruning this tree like shrub.  Not only does it help you manage the size of the plant, it promotes new growth and actually increases the amount of blooms.  We found a great step by step pruning guide for Crepe Myrtles from the Grumpy Gardner. 
Another shrub in our area that provides greenery all year long is the American Holly.  This plant has deep green leaves and provides red berries as food for birds and squirrels.  At full maturity the American Holly can get up to 20-30 ft tall.  It is recommended to prune these shrubs in late fall or early winter to manage it's shape and size.
Finally one of our favorite species of vine is the Carolina Jasmine.  This beautiful plant blooms little yellow blossoms mid spring and provides green leaves throughout the year.  This plant should be pruned after it blooms in the spring and winter.
Another very useful practice in the Charlotte region is to winterize your sprinkler system.  Many homeowners in the area do not consider it as our temperatures are fairly mild during the winter months.  However, water can freeze within your pipes, leading to cracks and costly repairs.  Unlike in your home, you may not notice the leak for weeks or months causing great damage to your lawn and plants via saturation (attracting fungi and bugs).  There are a lot of companies that advertise winterization for your sprinkler system.  We recommend shopping around for a licensed contractor that will clear your pipes and is willing to give you a price upfront.  Most winterizations go for about $100.