The rain sensor, the electric valves, sprinklers that pop up, controllers that do many things, and plastics that can last a life time. All these things work together to do your work for you.

However, your irrigation system must be installed properly and maintained regularly to assure a green landscape. An irrigation system is exposed to car tires, snow plows, foot traffic, weed wackers, lawn mowers, children, and extreme cold and heat.

If you want a healthy lawn, remember these tips:

Water deep, not frequently. Shallow watering only wets the soil and water doesn't have a chance to soak in. This forces grass roots to grow to the surface for water, and allows the sun to steal your water through evaporation. The recommended amount of precipitation for lawn areas is 1/2" of water every 3 days. The experts say 1" of water weekly. We have experimented with this plan for over a decade on hundreds of lawns all over Rhode Island and nearby Masschusetts, and it works!

Measure your watering coverage. Do a "can test," using coffee cans or other flat bottomed containers. Place the containers on the lawn in various locations. Run the system for a set period of time, then check the contents of the cans. You should have the same amount in all the cans. If not, adjust the time up or down, and adjust the zones to acheive even coverage.

If you don't have the time or knowledge to check the system properly, program the controller accurately, and troubleshoot the system, don't do it yourself. A yearly service contract is the best way to make sure the system will continue to operate trouble-free.