The spring season has begun and the Rain Rich Team is busy turning on systems and designing and installing new irrigation systems for Long Island residential and commercial properties. There are several new and not so new products and techniques that we will be implementing and suggesting to our clients. The following are a few of the more popular items:
Smart controllers: Cloud based technology has finally made its way into our market and several companies have introduced smart controllers to manage watering. These controllers can be programmed and managed from anywhere in the world as long as you have a strong wifi based connection. I like the Hunter Pro-HC controller as it is a weather-based controller that will automatically increase or decrease your watering based upon temperature and rainfall. The controller connects to a local weather station to obtain information. You can also connect a water meter to read information of water usage and if you have a broken pipe, missing sprinkler head, or electrical problem it will send you a notification alerting you to a problem. It is estimated that your water savings will be anywhere between 25 -50% when programmed properly. Of course, if you don’t have a well-designed system or a system that is plagued with repair problems it will not save you any water. These controllers are easy to use and set up. They make a great replacement for an older outdated clock. You can check your program at anytime from your smart phone and also turn it on manually from anywhere.
Drip Irrigation: I have been designing and installing drip irrigation systems for many years. They work great, water efficiently, and are low maintenance. Ideal installation is for perimeter plantings, areas that have low pressure, areas that cannot have water spray onto areas that do not require water, windy areas, and heavy soils that do not allow for rapid water infiltration. They are inexpensive systems that last for many years and can be easily managed.
Drip for pots: Each year we install more systems for decorative pots that are displayed at front entrances, patio, and pool areas. We have installed systems for window boxes on houses. They are simple and easy to install. They can be combined with existing zones or installed separately. They really take the hassle of having to hand water every day.
Fertigation systems: Although not a new technology, micro dosing fertilizer each time you irrigate is highly efficient and good for the environment. Each time you irrigate a small amount of fertilizer, bionutrients are injected into the sprinkler system and distributed to your landscape. Plants and turf absorb the nutrient and very little or none is washed away or non-available. The bio nutrient is great for the soil and builds up beneficial soil organisms that are necessary for plant health. All our products are organic and natural.
Cycle and Soak: This is not a product it is a method for applying the correct amount of water over a longer period of time. This technique works great for many properties that cannot handle the typical watering cycle. Basically, we program the system to deliver the correct amount of water each day in two or threes cycle with a few hours in between cycle. We know the importance in the relationship between soil, plants, and water and each program is customized for individual landscapes and properties.
Drainage System: Due to an increase in the amount of heavy rainfalls we receive each year we are frequently asked if we can help to prevent basements and yards from flooding and, yes, we have great products and technology to remove water and safely discharge to another area or the ground.
Landscape Lighting: Landscape Lighting is on the increase and all the lighting has moved to LED’s. LED’s last longer and cost much less to operate. Besides providing safety and security, the coloring has improved and is a fantastic way to make your landscape look great in the evening. Each year we install many lighting systems and service/repair existing systems installed by others as we have all the wire tracking and fault indicating equipment to make any repair.
In addition to the above, Rain Rich also provides lawn care and landscaping services. To learn more about our services please visit our website at www.rainrich.com or call us at 631-423-2211 or click here.
