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A well-watered lawn is the ultimate landscaping hack; it’s not only beautiful but also takes your home’s curb appeal to the next level. However, watering efficiency is a concern for many homeowners. While different elements of your lawn such as grass, flowerbeds, and trees have different watering needs, it is vital to learn a few tips to water them more efficiently.

Here are 4 essential sprinkler tips for your home

Time your sprinkler right

The ideal time to water your lawn is in the early morning. During this time of the day, you will lose less water to evaporation. The foliage will have time to dry during the day and make your landscape less susceptible to disease. Avoid watering during the heat of the day and at night.

Water by zones

The different plants in your landscape each have different water needs. Some require water almost daily, while others can go for a week or more. Having your system zoned properly can allow you to water on different schedules. Look for irrigation controllers that have multiple programs and you can devise a watering schedule that your plants will love, and you can enjoy the reduced water costs.

Practice interval watering

Watering your lawn frequently for short periods of time not only wastes water, but isn’t healthy for your lawn. Watering longer but less frequently, encourages deeper more healthy root growth and saves water in the long run as your lawn becomes less dependent on irrigation. Pay attention and look for runoff. Once water starts running off it is no longer being beneficial for irrigation. Dial back on the length of your run time if this happens. You can also look into aerating your lawn a couple of times per year to loosen tight clay soils and allow more water and air to penetrate the ground.

Ensure proper sprinkler coverage

If your lawn doesn’t have proper sprinkler coverage, you will have spotty growth and wasted water. Check your sprinkler coverage before each watering session. You can do this by placing measuring cups around your lawn and running the sprinklers for 10 to 20 minutes. Ideally, the water cups should have the same amount of water at the end of the session. If the water levels are too varied, adjust your sprinkler placement.

At Irrigation Outlet we supply high-quality irrigation equipment. Get in touch with us today for rotors, spray head nozzles, impact sprinklers and other irrigation supplies.

At the time your home was constructed, engineers calculated the proper grade (or slope) of the surrounding landscape, to make sure issues of saturated soil after heavy rains would not be a problem. The final grade can also add to the home’s aesthetic value, creating a visual contrast to neighboring homes. But, what happens and how do homeowners know if their property has an improper grade?

Signs that your home’s landscaping may not have the right slope will be evident if you notice the following:

• land does not seem to slope away from the home or slopes towards the home’s foundation
• wet, spongy places in the yard after rainfall, indicating a level grade (not properly sloped)
• water that pools near the home’s foundation and eventually enters the basement
• water stains in the basement, mold and mildew accumulation, or cracks in your concrete surfaces

If you notice these issues are evident on your property, there are a number of factors that can contribute to improper grade. In addition to workers laying an improper slope during the construction phase of your home, if you’ve had a landscaping renovation that added areas of mulch or dirt material for plantings – then the slope and drainage system may have been altered.

Improper grading issues can be difficult to determine with the naked eye, so always contact a professional contractor that can accurately determine if your home’s grading is the cause of water pooling or foundational issues. There are also many useful DIY products that can help reverse the water drainage issues created by a negative grade or a level grade.

Visit Irrigation Outlet for a complete line of drainage products that can catch and channel water away from your home’s foundation.

With the fertilizers and weed killers that are available on the market for homeowners, keeping a lush, green lawn that is free of weeds doesn’t have to be frustrating. But, before you launch this season’s landscaping projects, it helps to know what type of lawn grass you have, what kind of weeds are prone to grow, and what bug infestations are common for your location.

Once you’re ready to get serious about tackling the lawn problems, keep in mind that there are some do’s and dont’s concerning when to use fertilizer and weed killers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before using lawn products. And to prevent chemical burns, dried out grass, or worse – patches of dead grass, here are some helpful tips.

4 Tips on When to Use Fertilizers and Weed Killers

1. Determine if you need to use fertilizer by looking for stunted growth or yellowish blades of grass. Use a slow release fertilizer formula to prevent burning the grass upon application and to gain long term benefits.

2. Maintain a thick and full lawn to limit the growth of weeds. If you do need weed killer, avoid applications during extremely hot weather and avoid spraying young or new grass.

3. Avoid applying weed killer within 24 hours of expected rain. If the weather is dry, water your lawn a day prior to spraying, then allow 24 hours for the chemicals to act before watering again.

4. For feeding your grass with fertilizer, it’s best to mow the grass first. When weeding your grass with chemicals, do not mow 2-3 days prior to application and it’s best to cut the grass a day or two later.

For landscaping and irrigation needs, visit Irrigation Outlet for our complete line of chemicals and fertilizers to keep your lawn healthy and happy, year round.

A drip irrigation system can offer a number of advantages for your garden over other types of watering systems. It can maximize the efficiency of your garden by using less water and reducing the amount of nutrients leaching from the soil. Here are three tips to help get you started if you’re thinking about adding a drip irrigation system.

Drip Irrigation Selection Tips

• Plan Ahead: As plants grow and begin producing fruit and vegetables their daily water requirements increase. Figure out the maximum amount of water you’ll need to run through the system for the plants that you intend to grow. You don’t want to install a system in the spring with the wrong size of drip irrigation tubing only to discover that it doesn’t provide enough water in July!
• Consider Your Water Source: If you plan to set your system up to draw water from a pond or stream, you may need to install a filter system for it. A proper filtration system is important because drip irrigation uses small outlets that can become easily clogged by debris.
• Take Gravity into Account: If your water is changing in elevation from its source to your garden, it will affect the water pressure in your lines or hoses. Every 2.3 feet in elevation change results in a one-pound change in water pressure. Pressure increases by one pound for a downhill change in elevation (meaning stronger hose or piping is needed) or decreases by one pound for an uphill change in elevation (meaning you need a pump that can handle more pressure).

If you’re ready to try a drip irrigation system and have any questions call Irrigation Outlet today at 803-461-0561.

Landscape lighting provides an affordable way to enhance your home’s appearance. There are also many other benefits to landscape lighting, including improved safety and security. One of the best ways to implement landscape lighting on your property is to use LED landscape lighting. Here are three ways to get smarter with LED landscape lighting.

1. Enhance Curb Appeal

LED landscape lighting works with traditional lighting systems that are timer or light activated. As the sun starts to go down, LED landscape lighting comes on to enhance the curb appeal of your home as daylight fades. LED landscape lighting can be used to highlight special flowerbeds and shrubbery or garden benches and other seating areas.

2. Energy Efficiency

LED landscape lighting uses much less energy than traditional lighting options. Incandescent bulbs are being phased out by the government because of their excessive use of energy. LED lights are more efficient at using energy, and they can last for a decade. Instead of watching your energy bills get higher, LED landscape lights can help in controlling those electricity bills.

3. Safety and Security

LED landscape lighting provides a maximum of safety and security for your home. Some bulbs provide a 60-degree spread of light for your property. This level of illumination is enough to deter potential trespassers from even trying to access your property uninvited.

LED landscape lighting is attractive and warm looking. It is similar to traditional lighting, in the way that it lights up the area and the soft color that it emits.

If you are investing in landscape lighting, it makes sense to choose LED. For more information about landscape lighting, please contact Irrigation Outlet.

Your swimming pool should be more than just a place to cool off in the hot weather. With a few changes, it can become the focal point of your entire backyard’s hardscape. One of the best ways to transform the look of your pool area is to incorporate more underwater lighting.

Underwater illumination provides beauty and safety whether you are taking a late-night dip or gathering with your friends for an evening get-together.

Today’s modern lighting options allow homeowners to:

Extend Pool Usage Into The Evening Hours

The South is known for its famously hot summers, with heat extending into the evening hours. So why not enjoy your pool then too? Adding pool lighting will make the pool safer, improve visibility and allow you and your friends to enjoy a swim under the stars!

Improve Pool Safety

Safety is always a top priority for pool owners, especially when you have children and pets nearby. To improve visibility, especially for nighttime swimming, we recommend selecting white lights and placing them along your pool’s side walls and steps. Keep your pool area stress free by placing lighting in hard-to-see areas. This will also create a warm glow as the light gently filters up through the water producing a welcoming glow!

Create a Backyard Getaway

Choose underwater lighting directed upwards to help your pool take on an almost magical appearance. There are many color choices available, and some options allow the user to change the lights’ color and brightness remotely.

Create a dream-like look by adding under cap color-changing LED lighting to your pool. The source of under cap light is almost invisible so all you and your guests will see a pool of color as the light reflects off the water’s surface.

Take the first step to design your own oasis speaking with the pool lighting experts at Irrigation Outlet. Call (803) 461-0561 to speak with an expert about lighting projects for your new or existing swimming pool.

Sprinklers make watering your yard quick and easy, but they need do need to be maintained. If you notice any of these three signs, it may be time for a repair.

Signs You Have to Repair Your Sprinkler Heads

Uneven watering of your lawn.

Does your lawn have areas which are oversaturated while other spots remain bone dry? This is a clear indication that there is something wrong with your sprinkler system. Most likely, the problem is due to the faulty rotation of your sprinkler head, but there may be other causes. Check to make sure you set the zone control correctly before repairing or replacing the sprinkler.

A sky-high water bill.

If you have a set watering schedule, and you notice that one month’s water bill is higher than usual, there is a good chance you have a leak somewhere. Often you can catch a leaky sprinkler head before you wind up paying next month’s water bill by inspecting your lawn for puddling or by observing lower water pressure.

Your sprinkler fails to spray water when you turn it on.

This is an obvious sign that something is not right. A common cause of this problem is a clogged valve. Other indications of a blocked sprinkler are reduced water pressure or an erratic water spray. If you notice these signs, turn your sprinkler off and call a professional to avoid damaging your system.

The watering experts at Irrigation Outlet can help you with all your sprinkler issues. Call (803) 461-0561 for assistance.

Keeping water away from your home’s foundation can prevent many water-related problems including foundation erosion, dampness and basement flooding. It can also save you on costly repairs.

However, here are few ways you can avert the dangers of water creeping around your house’s foundation:

1. Make sure the ground around your house slopes away from the foundation

This is the number one way in keeping water away from your house. When the ground around your house slopes away from the foundation, runoff water flows away from the home instead of seeping into its base.

2. Ensure there are no water pools near your foundation

During the rainy season, check around your house for pools of water that collect near the foundation. You can also use a garden hose to spray water around your home during the dry season. If you note any pools of water, drain them and fill those holes with dirt, sand or gravel to prevent water from collecting at these points again.

3. Install a rain gutter system

Without a rain gutter system or proper drainage, water running off from your roof will fall on the ground near your foundation. Install a rain gutter system to ensure that this water is collected and prevented from coming close to the house’s foundation.

4. Build a barrier or dig a trench

If you note that water flows towards your home from a particular direction during heavy rains, you can build a barrier to block it or dig a trench to divert its flow.

Contact the professionals at Irrigation Outlet today for more details on how to keep water away from your house’s foundation.

The first impression visitors get when they see your home is of your front yard. Most homeowners tend to think that to keep a healthy lawn requires the use of excessive water, pesticides, and fertilizer but it is much easier than that.

Below are some easy steps to ensure you have the greenest and healthiest lawn in your neighborhood;

Mow According to Grass Type

The most basic lawn care trick is simple yet keeps your lawn looking healthy. The performance of your grass depends on the height at which it is mowed. Be sure to check those numbers according to the type of grass growing in your yard.

Aerate the lawn

The soil beneath the grass will over time become compacted. Compacted soil has poor water drainage, poor air circulation, and poor nutrient absorption. Soil organisms such as earthworms cannot establish in compacted soil. You can aerate the lawn by using a core aerator and punching holes 2.5 to 3 inches deep in the ground.

Water the lawn deeply and less often

Contrary to popular belief, watering your lawn a few minutes every day of the week will not help your lawn. To grow a healthier lawn, you need to water the grass deeply, at the correct time of day, and make sure not to over-water. By doing so, the roots of the grass grow deeper into the soil helping your grass stay greener even in the driest month. You need to evenly water your lawn with 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. You will need a reliable irrigation system to achieve this.

For a reliable irrigation system, contact Irrigation Outlet where you will find different irrigation products to meet your needs

Your commercial building is the calling card for your business and sometimes the first impression that customers will have with your company. Using properly placed and well-designed landscape lighting is the perfect way to help your business stand out aesthetically providing your customers with a pleasing first impression. When designing your business landscape consider these three beautiful ways to make your company building standout.

Illuminate Paths and Walkways

Illuminating darkened pathways and walkways can help increase the safety of your employees and customers as well as reduce your risk of accidents and injuries when approaching and leaving your building. Pathway lighting can also add the perfect ambient lighting and draw the visitors attention to the main entrance of your building even if they are just passing by.

Draw Attention to Unique Building Features

Directional landscape lighting is a fantastic way to highlight some unique or standout features of your building that may not be as noticeable during daylight hours. Consider adding spot lighting to areas of your building such as logo signage, unique architecture structures, or the entrance to help guide customers into your building.

Highlight Key Landscape Features

A well-landscaped business property can provide a relaxing and inviting environment for customers and create a professional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment. Adding underwater lights to water features or spotlighting manicured trees and flower beds can create a unique atmosphere which can be accentuated when the sun sets.

If you are interested in learning more about how landscape lighting can help your business stand out, or would like to purchase the perfect lighting to enhance your building’s exterior, contact Irrigation Outlet today.

Planting a vegetable garden at home is a simple way to save money on quality produce. Impressively, a single tomato plant can yield approximately 10 pounds of fruit in a single growing season. Additionally, gardening is a great excuse to escape reality and spend quality time outdoors. These key first steps to a healthy vegetable garden should help you grow produce that even surpasses the quality of vegetables found in grocery stores.

Tips for a Healthy Vegetable Garden

1. Decide What Vegetables to Plant.Think about what vegetables are regularly consumed in your household, and research whether those plants are suitable for your climate. Also, remember plants like peppers and tomatoes provide produce throughout the season, while others produce a single vegetable.
2. Pick the Right Location for Your Garden.Your garden will most likely need to receive full sun or nearly full sun. It should also be located near a convenient water source, since hauling buckets of water back and forth is definitely less than ideal. Good soil is also extremely important. In fact, the success of your vegetable garden starts with the quality of the earth. Make sure it is moist and well-drained.
3. Plan the Layout.The layout is largely dependent on the vegetables you choose, but make sure you provide ample space for each plant. As you plan where you are going to place your veggies, consider the space required for a drip irrigation system to keep them properly watered.
4. Care for Your Garden.Your plants will need a steady supply of moisture. For in-ground gardens, this may mean watering your garden about twice a week. Many watering systems have a timer built in so your garden will get the water it needs. For raised beds and potted plants, you might need to water every other day. You will also need to pull weeds regularly, as weeds compete for nutrients with your plants. If your soil is not high-quality compost, think about using a light fertilizer for maximum success.

Following these simple steps should have you on your way to a successful and healthy vegetable garden. For any further questions, contact the experts at Irrigation Outlet.

Your lawn is the first impression you make on your visitors and having a well-manicured and beautifully kept yard can increase the value of your home and make your home stand out. To keep your lawn looking amazing controlling crabgrass is vital. Check out these three worth-it tips to prevent crabgrass from invading your lawn.

Keep Your Lawn Mowed to the Appropriate Length

Schedule regular lawn mowings and keep it a consistent length with what is recommended for your grass type. To prevent the emergence of crabgrass choose the highest length that is recommended as crabgrass requires sufficient light to germinate, so keeping the ground shaded can prevent the germination of crabgrass in your yard.

Fill in Thin Areas With Grass Seed

Open patches and thinning grass areas are the perfect space for crabgrass to take hold and spread throughout the lawn. The most efficient way to combat the spread of crabgrass is by withholding what it needs to germinate and spread. Filling in these areas will limit the places it can take root and prevent the amount of sunlight it will receive.

Water Heavier in Longer Intervals

Once your lawn is established, you will want to water your grass on a regular schedule in longer intervals with heavier amounts of water versus more frequent waterings for shorter periods of time. Watering this way will help your lawn develop turf grass which can help reduce your risk of crabgrass taking root and spreading throughout your lawn.

If you are looking for more information on how to avoid crabgrass from taking up permanent residence on your lawn contact Irrigation Outlet to find out more information or find the products you need to solve your crabgrass concerns.