smart array controller makes landscaping easy
Although some of the more elaborate irrigation timers you can buy to regulate water in your garden may be a little pricey, buying a good timer or controller really will save you both water and money. This year the Los Angeles area has been gifted with slightly over average rainfall. Although many folks think we are getting a lot of rain it’s only because we’ve become habituated to low-rainfall winters with so many years of drought. Yet despite the groups of storms that have trundled through the area saturating soils, many residents have not considered turning off their irrigation. This leads to huge amounts of wasted water running off into the sewers – water we will desperately need come the dry season. The wasted water also means unnecessary higher water bills. Making the soil more sodden can also rot the roots of garden plants that will have to be removed and substituted come springtime. More expense. Too much water can clog drainage and cause erosion. Yet more expense to deal with. So perhaps there really is some wisdom in investing in a smart irrigation timer.
Smart timers have sensors that will turn on irrigation when you need it and shut it off when you don’t. Many times the surface of the soil looks dry, but there is still plenty of water below where the plant roots reside and watering is not needed. Installing a smart irrigation timer means you never have to guess whether you need to water or not. In fact, you can get on living your life without even having to think about the weather. These controllers will handle the worry for you and save you the money you’d spend on wasted water and water damage to your landscape.
Check out the video below. I stopped into the Aqua-flo booth last week at the CLCA Landscape Industry Show last week and got a chance to talk to Ignacio from our own Santa Clarita Aqua-Flo branch about smart irrigation timers. You might find some of this information useful in making your garden a more beautiful and water efficient extension of your living space. And in addition to saving yourself money in the long run, you’ll be helping Los Angeles save precious water as our population continues to drain limited supplies.
What is the aprox cost on a timer system like the one that Aqua Flo has that can detect the weather?
Hi Marlene. Good question. Most smart array controllers start at about $300, depending on the brand. They can get pretty expensive for the fanciest ones, but the savings in labor, utility bills and peace of mind may well be worth it.