How To Prepare For Spring!

The official start of spring is less than 10 days away. As the weather is beginning to warm, we are requesting that you call to arrange your spring turn appointment. Spring Turn On’s is a labor-intensive service that requires a great deal of time and expertise to perform correctly. Please schedule in advance and allow us the time and flexibility. Our goal is to have your system function properly by Memorial Day. 

Its been a long winter and many clients forgot a few key aspects of operating their systems I made a list of the most popular frequently ask questions: 

Frequently Ask Questions

When is the best time to turn on my sprinkler system? 

I would recommend that you activate your system now and have ready for when you need to begin watering. Activating the system now and inspecting will allow time for repairs, upgrades, and adjustments. 

When should I begin watering? 

Most clients with established lawn and landscaping can begin watering mid-May/ Memorial Day. If you are establishing a new lawn or landscaping, then you can begin watering, as necessary.

What time should I begin watering? 

Best time to water is early in the morning. We normally set the start time at 2am to activate the cycle. This allows the cycle to run through its total time and be complete before your early morning routine. Watering in early morning provides the most efficient use of water as the air is calm with little or no wind, better water pressure, and least conflict with water usage in the home. 

How often should I water? 

Watering every other day is normally beneficial. Some variables to consider are soil type, sunlight exposure, and requirements of plant material. Lawns typically require the most water and at a greater frequency. 

How much water should I water?

How long should you run your system? Normally, April and May should be 50% and less than your running time for July and August. For example, if your run your spray zones for 10 minutes and your rotary zones for 40 minutes during the summer than in the spring run spray heads for 5 minutes and rotary sprinklers for 20 minutes. The variables being soil type, temperature, amount of sunlight, turf type, and landscape. 

Do rain sensors really work? 

Yes! Rain sensors are set to shut down your system when they are receiving ¼” of rain or more. Sometimes it may rain and be less than a ¼.” In that case the system will not shut off, and you will see the system on and operating. Sometimes it starts raining at the same time the system is operating and if the rain sensor may have not received enough rain to shut down the system. If your rain sensor is 5-10 years old or older and you notice that it is not working under any circumstance, then I would recommend replacing it. Best bet is to upgrade your controller to a smart controller that predicts the amount of rain fall and automatically prevents watering. 

Is it worth upgrading my controller to a smart controller?

Yes! Smart Controllers provide you with control of your irrigation system and its scheduling anywhere that you have a good Wi-Fi connection. This includes scheduling, operating manually, and reports on operation. It will also adjust your watering based on temperature, evapotranspiration, and rainfall. Testing has determined that smart controller will save you 20-50% of water usage. They pay for themselves within the first 5 years. 

If I begin watering now will my grass turn greener sooner? 

Your lawn comes out of dormancy in the last few weeks of April. Turf will begin to turn green when the soil temperature increases and there is more sunlight. 

Do I need water after fertilizer treatment? 

The short answer is – yes. If you fertilize in April, then you can rely on mother nature and rainfall. It typically rains 2x-3x per week in April and automatic watering is wasting water. Also, most fertilizers are released slowly and do require extra water to speed up the process.

Do I need to water after applying grass seed? 

Grass seed does require watering to germinate and begin growing. The issue with applying grass seed in April is the soil temperature is to low to allow for quick germination. It depends on the type of grass seed. Rye germinates quickly. Blue grass and fescue germinate in 2-3 weeks. Once you seed and begin watering, you must be consistent and keep watering. Do not let the grass seed dry out. 

What are the water restrictions for 2026? 

Nassau County has odd/even day watering. Odd number homes can only water on odd calendar days of the month. Even number homes water only on even days of the month.

Certain villages and water districts have stricter regulations.

Suffolk county requests you follow odd/even day watering. Please check with your water district and town/village for the regulations that apply to you. 

I am sure I missed a few questions, if so, then please send your question to rsilverman@rainrich.com.

A beautiful landscape is a valuable investment and the cost to maintain a sprinkler system that sustains a healthy landscape is far less expensive than replacing lawn, shrubs, and trees. To learn more please visit our website at www.rainrich.com.To arrange an appointment please call the office at 631-423-2211 or click here. To contact me directly please email me at rsilverman@rainrich.com. We look forward to serving you!