A lush green lawn is a beauty to behold and sufficient moisture is one of the essential requirements. If you have a modern irrigation system installed, your irrigation specialist will program it to automatically water at the optimal time.

If you’re still watering by hand, there’s one very important aspect with which you should be concerned. Evaporation in its many forms is the enemy of lawn watering. Water can evaporate through the effects of sun, wind, high temperatures, and low humidity levels.

Daytime isn’t the best time to water the lawn. Late at night or early in the morning when air temperatures are cooler and the dew has fallen is preferable to minimize evaporation. Never water during the hottest part of the day. It’s a waste of water and can actually dehydrate the lawn and stress the grass.

Watering on windy days is also a waste of time, money and water. A light breeze isn’t a problem, but a strong wind will result in much of the water evaporating before it has time to soak into the lawn where it needs to be.

Most lawns require anywhere from 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week if you don’t receive sufficient rain. A rain gauge can be a valuable tool for monitoring how much rain has fallen and if your lawn is still thirsty. Most experts recommend watering until the moisture has penetrated six inches below the surface.

One of the reasons it’s a good idea to have an irrigation system installed by a professional is that the high-tech systems available now can be programmed to water at the proper time and they can even detect the amount of rainfall so lawns aren’t overwatered. They take the guesswork out of the best time of day to water the yard.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a beautiful landscape is ensuring it has sufficient moisture to thrive. Providing the water it needs when required can be a lot of time intensive work. It’s just one of the reasons that landscaping and irrigation go hand-in-hand.

Landscaping provides an aesthetically pleasing environment and adds value to any property. The same is true of an irrigation system. Modern systems are wonders of technology that are able to detect when plants need to be watered and can compensate for local rainfall to save property owners money.

Irrigation systems need to be installed and configured by a professional. They have the experience, knowledge and expertise to design an appropriate system, install directional sprinkler heads, program the system, and calculate the correct amount of water for different areas of the landscape. Drip irrigation can also be installed in appropriate locations.

When an irrigation system is installed, the designer will factor in a wide variety of elements. Those encompass soil types, different kinds of plantings, any areas where pooling or puddling are likely to occur, and runoff potential.

They’ll also configure the system so clients only water the soil and moisture isn’t directed to streets, sidewalks and walkways. An irrigation specialist will be able to adjust the water pressure appropriately so water is distributed in a uniform way.

Without the proper moisture levels at the correct times, everything from grass and flowers to bushes, trees and vines will wither and die. Conversely, too much water will drown them and lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can be expensive to alleviate.

For attractive and well-maintained landscapes, irrigation is a necessity. It eliminates the time and effort of watering by hand, saves water and money, and ensures the right amount of water is distributed in each zone. Irrigation ensures that every inch of properties are lush and green.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Keeping landscapes sufficiently watered during the dry season in Florida can be tricky without an automated irrigation system. Watering by hand or with a sprinkler and hose system can create far more problems than insufficient moisture in the ground. Irrigation during the drier, winter months is dependent on soil composition, type of grass planted, and the presence of shade trees.

More abundant rainfall during the summer months may have prompted homeowners to turn their irrigation systems off, while others are trying to control their irrigation systems manually. Without an irrigation system that can correct for rainfall and other variables, watering the landscape becomes a paramount concern. The University of Florida Extension Service recommends watering two days per week. That can be adjusted to tailor moisture to different areas.

Exact location is also a factor in watering and the type of plants within the landscape. If grass is walked on and the footprints don’t readily dissipate, the lawn needs moisture. Another sign is if the blades of grass are folding or the color is off. When those signs are present, ¾ inch of water should be applied. Make sure that all areas are being watered equally.

A good way to determine how long sprinklers should be run involves placing shallow cans or containers in various places around the yard. Run the sprinklers for 30 minutes and see how much water has accumulated in the containers. If they have ¾ inch, 30 minutes of watering is sufficient. If there’s ½ an inch, water for 40 minutes or 50 minutes if there’s only ¼ inch in the cans.

Watering should be performed early in the morning whenever possible at any time of the year to minimize evaporation. Following a measured water regiment for landscapes will keep them healthy throughout the winter months and save money on water bills.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

An irrigation system is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to have an attractive commercial property while saving money on the costs to maintain it. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t understand the importance of irrigation and still have visions of old-fashioned systems that were wasteful and expensive.

Modern irrigation systems are no joke. They’re highly complicated and complex systems that are carefully designed and planned. They contain automated systems to ensure the plants on a property have the proper amount of water without overwatering. The systems are designed to meet the needs of plantings that also take into account soil composition, land slopes, available water pressure, and drainage concerns.

There is also the type of sprinkler head to consider. There are multiple types, they emit different amounts of water, and will cause problems within the irrigation system and the health of the plantings. An irrigation professional will know how far apart to place each head for the specific needs of the property.

Wiring is required for the valves that determine how much water each zone receives and to shut off when the watering cycle is complete. One of the most important services an irrigation professional will provide is aiming the flow of water that comes from the sprinkler heads. Water will be directed toward plantings and not onto sidewalks or over curb edges. Some areas even have laws against watering sidewalks due to the potential for slip and fall accidents.

Modern irrigation systems are programmable and will be set to water during the late evening or early morning hours. Water during those times results in maximum absorption for plantings, while aiding in preventing the growth of mold, mildew and fungi. The high-tech systems also have sensors that detect when rain has fallen and will prevent irrigation from commencing until the soil is dry enough.

Commercial irrigation systems eliminate the work of watering and the guesswork of trying to determine if plantings have received enough moisture. They reduce water usage and costs, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance for any type of commercial property.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Excessive rain, overwatering, and poor drainage can result in fungal growth in lawns. It can appear as a white looking dust or brown spots. A fungal lawn infection may also display as patches of gray, black, yellow, orange, red or purple areas. When wet, it may have a greasy or slimy appearance.

Preventing and treating fungal lawn infections is a multi-step process and while the average homeowner can address some problem on their own, it’s always best to call in a professional. There are multiple types of fungus and additional problems may need to be remedied.

One of the first steps is identifying if thatching has occurred. It’s a combination of dead and/or built up grass, stems and roots that are produced faster than they can decompose. It heats and dries out quickly, robbing grass of the moisture it needs. Thatch can also provide a breeding ground for fungus and insects.

Thatching can happen after extensive rains, improper watering habits, and in hot and humid climates. The wrong fertilizer, compacted ground, the wrong grass for the soil, and mowing grass too short can all lead to fungal diseases.

It’s important for lawns to be properly aerated by loosening the soil and it’s a task that should be done every 1-2 years. Motorized and non-motorized lawn equipment is available to do the job. Aeration allows water, fertilizer and air to penetrate below the surface, reach the roots, and nourish the lawn. Individuals that are doing it themselves should thoroughly water the lawn 1-2 days before aerating.

If fungus is detected in the lawn, folk remedies range from baking soda and neem oil to compost tea for small patches, but they can also damage the lawn. A lawn or landscaping service is experienced in treating the fungi that affects lawns and can apply the correct fungicide based on the severity, type and soil condition.

Lawn fungus can happen anytime, in any weather conditions, and to lawns that are well-cared for. There are numerous types of fungal infections that can damage lawns and the best solution is to consult with a specialist. They will have the experience needed to diagnose and treat the fungus effectively.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

When to Call in the Pros

Irrigation systems are a wonderful convenience that saves water, energy and eliminates the need for tedious watering tasks. However, problems with landscape irrigation systems can arise. The trick for homeowners is identifying when a simple fix is available and when to call in the professionals.

Ideally, homeowners should be inspecting their irrigation systems each month for broken heads, especially after mowing. Soil settles and even small changes can expose a sprinkler head to clipping by a mower. A broken sprinkler head wastes a tremendous amount of water and that translates into dollars on monthly water bills. It’s a problem that needs a professional.

Misting is also a common problem that’s usually the result of too much water pressure. Inexpensive pressure reducers can be purchased and installed by homeowners that will maintain the optimal 30 psi.

Few things are more frustrating than finding the irrigation system working while it’s raining. It’s a problem that’s easily remedied with a wireless rain sensor. Models are available that can be installed by the homeowner.

Modern irrigation systems include a controller that can be programmed to deliver water to landscapes on a regular basis. Depending upon soil composition, runoff can be a problem if water is applied to fast. Just engage the cycle and soak feature. Older irrigation controllers don’t have many of the abilities of modern systems, in which case it’s a good idea to call in a professional landscaper to upgrade the system.

Many individuals are eschewing conventional irrigation and calling in professionals to install drip irrigation systems. They can use up to 50 percent less water, save on water bills, eliminate runoff, and prevent soil erosion. They include all the modern conveniences available with state-of-the-art irrigation systems. They’re eco-friendly and are beneficial for aiding in the control of fungal diseases that can be especially prevalent in hot, humid climates.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Despite a tropical-leaning climate, many Florida residents discover that their lawns begin to dry out and may even suffer from the dreaded brown out syndrome. For those that want a lush, green lawn but don’t have the time or patience for hand-watering, irrigation is the optimal solution.

Quantity

A lawn requires at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week to maintain health, even during the winter months. Daily watering doesn’t supply enough water and it’s time-consuming to do it by hand. Deep watering 2-3 times per week provides the best results, but it should be done as early in the morning as possible for grass to take full advantage of the moisture.

A good rule of thumb is that if a six-inch screwdriver can’t be pushed into the lawn, it’s too dry. Homeowners will need to know how much water they’re placing on the lawn to know how long to water. RCH Landscaping company in Boca Raton are lawn experts with 20 years of experience in keeping Florida lawns in top condition and maintaining a pleasing appearance with convenient and cost-effective irrigation systems.

Frequency

The amount and frequency of watering depends on multiple factors ranging from the soil type and grass species to the presence of trees and bushes. Early indicators of insufficient water include grass blades that fold in an effort to conserve moisture and lawns that have a blueish-green appearance. Footprints that don’t disappear in the grass is another sign that the lawn isn’t adequately hydrated.

Irrigation systems

The high-tech irrigation systems that are now available can be programmed to deliver a specific amount of water, during specified times, and for a set period. Irrigation specialists have the knowledge and expertise for the complicated and complex calculations required to install and set up an automatic watering system.

The advantages of an irrigation system are many. They save owners time, effort and add value to properties. They’re also environmentally friendly since they operate at the optimal time of day and conserve water by only delivering what’s necessary, thereby providing savings on water bills.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760