But why is an automated irrigation system important to maintaining a landscape.  The answer is that all plant material, but particularly ornamental plants, require supplemental watering to keep them looking fresh and alive.  In order to protect your initial landscape investment, maintenance must occur, including irrigation to ensure plant health.  Without irrigation, there would be significant plant losses and those that survive would be stressed by the end of the summer season, much more susceptible to injury from insect / diseases.  Over-watering can contribute to problems as well, not to mention the waste of a resource and the cost. 
 
To maximize the benefit while controlling costs and conserving water, your irrigation system needs to be regularly checked out to make sure it is operating correctly.  Just as important is the programming of the irrigation controller to match evaporation as the season progresses.  And then efficient water distribution (sprinkler head and nozzles) to put down a uniform application at a controlled rate so as not to flood and run off the area being watered.  Drip irrigation works great for certain plants in the right situation to minimize evaporation and promote root development.  Your Teufel Account Manager can arrange for a water audit to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency.    
 
Next month we will talk about new concepts in sustainable landscape practices and how even more water can be conserved by embracing this totally new approach to landscape maintenance.