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Choosing an Irrigation Controller; Which One is Right for You?

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Watering your landscape is crucial to keeping your plants healthy, green, and thriving. Ideally, you want to provide the perfect amount of water to each area of your landscape without going over and wasting a single drop. Many irrigation systems have a controller to help with this, though homeowners often need to ensure they are working as efficiently as possible.

Have you checked your irrigation controller recently?

Most water is spent on landscapes through an irrigation system, and having the correct controller can save you both time and money. Join me as we explore the different kinds of irrigation controllers on the market, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Traditional Controllers

Though less efficient, many homes continue to use traditional irrigation controllers due to their simplicity. There is always an adoption curve when it comes to new technology, and irrigation systems are no exception. 

Traditional controllers are often mechanical in nature. They are designed to provide water in increments. The Intermatic T8800 is an example of a conventional controller. It has limited features but is reliable and easy to use.

Programmable Controllers

Programmable controllers are the most commonly used irrigation controllers in homes. They offer more features than traditional controllers without connecting to the wifi. These controllers usually come equipped with LCD screens, buttons, and dials, making it easier to understand how the controller works. They can be set up manually and can control multiple zones. For example, Rain Birds 6-station irrigation timer allows changing the watering amount and frequency to six locations in your landscape.

Many of these styles of controllers are compatible with rain sensors which can automatically shut off your irrigation system when it detects rain. Programmable controllers are in the middle when it comes to features.

Smart Controllers

If your goal is to use water as efficiently as possible, a smart irrigation controller is the way to go. Units such as the RainMachine Touch HD-12, Rachio 3, and Orbit B-hyve are affordable for homeowners and have been shown to save the most amount of water compared to the other kinds of irrigation controllers. Smart controllers can seem overwhelming to some as they often need to connect to wireless internet and your phone’s Bluetooth. However, after the initial setup, these controllers can function independently. Smart controllers can usually control over 10 separate zones to maximize the efficiency of the water being used.

Unlike programmable irrigation controllers that require a separate rain sensor, smart controllers have access to the weather forecast because they are online. They can automatically adjust the amount of water used based on local weather patterns, saving you water and money while keeping plants healthy and green. If any changes need to be made to your watering schedule, there is a free app that you can download onto your smartphone, giving you complete control of the system even if you are out of town.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our staff is dedicated to delivering unique landscapes that 100% fit the needs of homeowners. Each yard is designed in-house by our landscape designer. Our expertise and experience in Long Beach, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Rossmoor & surrounding communities allow us to custom design the perfect landscape for you.

Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

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Are you Interested in a Water Feature as Part of Your Landscape Design?

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Just because the work at your Property is complete, doesn’t mean the work is done. Although you can hire the same company that did your work to do maintenance on your landscape, in between visits it’ll be up to you to keep your landscape looking vibrant and healthy.

Especially for plants that require specific watering needs that can’t be provided by a sprinkler system you’ll want to invest in fine touch watering tools.

Today we’ll go over some of these tools that you can use to help make yard work something relaxing and enjoyable.

Watering Can

Naturally the most iconic tool is a watering can, however don’t let the simplicity of the tool fool you. A watering can, can be an essential tool when gardening especially if there isn’t a hose nearby. Though watering cans deliver water in small drips rather than a heavy stream you would get from a garden hose. Whether it’s a vegetable garden or a flower garden, watering cans are a great way to provide your plants with just enough water to keep them healthy without the use of a sprinkler system. 

For parents, watering the garden with a watering can, can be a fun activity to do with their kids to teach them how to care for plants and flowers.

Water Wand

Much like a watering can, a water wand is used to deliver water more gently than just sticking your thumb on the end of a hose. Unlike a watering can, a water wand does require a garden hose to attach to. Though a major benefit of a water wand is that it more closely mimics rainfall. The spray is effective yet gentle enough to not destroy fragile seedlings, sprouts and flowers. The length of the wand allows for you to be able to water plants at the root without having to hurt your knees bending or crouching. It can also be used to water taller plants without the need of a step stool or ladder.

Garden Hose Nozzle

Though more of a generic watering tool compared to the water wand, the adjustable garden hose nozzle is commonly used in many homes. While doing the same jobs that a water wand does, an adjustable hose nozzle can be useful outside of just your garden bed usually because it can provide more water pressure. This water pressure can be useful when spot cleaning in between landscape maintenance visits, or removing pests from your vegetable garden without using chemicals.

Watering Globes

Not everyone has the time to water their plants daily, nor do they find it relaxing or enjoyable. Lucky watering globes can help give your plants water automatically without the need to physically go out and do it yourself. Though you’ll have to monitor the amount of water in the globes to make sure your plants don’t dry out. Fortunately many water globes retain liquids for 7 to 14 days depending on the size you choose. Watering globes can also add a splash of color  and liveliness to some plants, or you can purchase clear globes so as to not take away from the focal plant. Though lighter on maintenance than watering your plants daily, a water globes still needs to be cleaned regularly to make sure the opening is not impacted with soil though an agreement can be made with a landscaping maintenance company to inspect during their scheduled maintenance.

How would you feel with a yard expressly designed to fit your unique home and personality?

Our staff is dedicated to delivering unique landscapes that 100% fit the needs of homeowners. Each yard is designed in-house by our landscape designer. Our expertise and experience in Long Beach, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Rossmoor & surrounding communities allow us to custom design the perfect landscape for you.
Our team of experts carefully manages your project. Fill out our Landscape Design request for your landscape to fit your aesthetic. Call us at (562) 225-9460 or get a free quote for your project.

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