Many Long Island residents may not realize that our region is currently experiencing one of the driest periods in recent history. In fact, Nassau County is on pace for one of its driest years in more than 130 years of recorded weather data. Combined with below-average rainfall totals from last year, much of Nassau County is now experiencing moderate drought conditions. Areas stretching from New Jersey south through the Delmarva Peninsula are facing even more severe drought classifications. Several unseasonably hot weather patterns this year have only intensified these conditions.
As a result, many homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy, green lawns and thriving gardens. In fact, we’ve received numerous calls from customers looking for ways to combat the effects of prolonged dry weather.
While we’re always happy to schedule a service appointment to evaluate and adjust your irrigation system, it’s important to remember that increasing watering schedules will result in higher water usage at a time when utility costs are rising.
Before making significant adjustments to your irrigation program, we typically recommend taking a measured approach. Start by identifying areas of your landscape that are showing the greatest signs of stress.
Next, observe and troubleshoot your system. A clogged nozzle or a sprinkler head that isn’t popping or turning properly can often be the culprit.
If everything is functioning properly, we might need to adjust your sprinklers to increase run-time and overlap coverage. While an optimized system has minimal overlap, dry conditions often demand a greater level of overlap to ensure good results.
If all else fails, it might be time to update your system. Older installations may no longer match your current landscaping needs, and additional lines and sprinkler heads can help target problem areas that are struggling with lower rainfall totals. A drought is a great way to assess unexpected gaps in your coverage, and installing one or two additional sprinkler heads can help plug those gaps.
In our next post, we’ll take a closer look at Hydrawise smart irrigation technology and explain how a wi-fi connected system can help you conserve water while keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful, all from the convenience of your phone.
