Stay Inspired!
Follow us for tips on sustainable landscaping and irrigation.
Smart Ideas
Sustainable water solutions tailored to your garden’s needs
A reliable and efficient irrigation system in Seattle is the key to a thriving and sustainable landscape. We do installations, maintenance, start-ups and winterization of irrigation systems. Contact us to get your irrigation system performing optimally today!
Contact Us for a QuoteOur experts will assess your landscape and provide a tailored irrigation plan. We consider plant types, soil conditions, and water efficiency to design the perfect system for your garden.
Water usage is a hot topic when it comes to irrigation and landscaping. In general, less is more when it comes to sustainability in watering, with that being said, there are factors that add a bit of complexity to that. For instance, in a rehabilitation effort, even native plants need supplemental water after being moved. And what about the sustainability of your personal life – there is something to be said for living in a lush, beautiful environment.
Seattle Sustainable Landscapes can help you navigate your options including designing your landscape in a way that doesn’t need as much water, ideal drainage systems, building more water-efficient irrigation systems, storing water, and some alternatives to irrigation.
Plan to start winterizing about one week before the first hard freeze, when the temperature may dip below zero degrees.
If weather patterns are uncertain or you’re in a new climate, you can always get a head start by winterizing in early Fall.
The grasses on your lawn will herald the first signs of winter, as they become dormant, stop growing and lose color.
Continue reading below for more information on seasonal irrigation maintenance and all our irrigation services.
A traditional sprayer is a type of sprinkler that produces a single jet or mist of water that is sprayed over a wide area. These sprinklers are often used to water larger areas – typically in lawns.
A spray rotator is a type of sprinkler that rotates as it sprays water over an area. These sprinklers typically have a nozzle or spray arm that rotates in a circular motion, spraying water in a circular pattern. Spray rotators are significantly more water efficient – manufacturers claim a 30% savings as the tight streams do not lose moisture to the wind and heat as opposed to the mist that comes from a traditional sprayer.
There are many benefits to using drip irrigation systems, including:
By replacing a spray irrigation system with drip lines, you can save water, improve plant health, and reduce the risk of disease.
As a sustainable landscape business, we typically recommend drip irrigation for plants – it is the most efficient way to get the correct amount of water to the roots of your plants without water waste. For lawns, sprayer rotators are still an efficient solution. A traditional sprayer is an old technology that served its purpose for decades but the time has come to move over to spray rotators. They are a significantly better option for lawns. Sprayers of all types get blocked by plants near the heads and often do not distribute the water to the roots, it lands on the leaves and other areas. The best type of sprinkler will be a combination of either drip or Spray Rotator or both depending on the needs of your plants and the size and layout of your landscaping.
There are several steps we can take to make your irrigation system more water-efficient:
You should regularly inspect your irrigation system for leaks or broken components, and fix them promptly to avoid water waste. Consider joining our annual irrigation maintenance plan to stay on top of potential issues.
We can help you choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions and are able to survive dry periods. Drought-tolerant plants will require less irrigation, reducing water usage. Native plants are a key component of sustainable landscaping.
A soil moisture sensor can help you determine when your plants need water and when they are sufficiently hydrated, avoiding over-watering. We can help you source and install a sensor to help with this.
A smart irrigation controller can optimize your irrigation schedule based on factors like weather, plant type, and soil moisture levels, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. Rachio is a popular brand for smart controllers, as they have moisture sensors throughout the Seattle area and eliminate the need for step 3.
Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water waste and evaporation. They are especially useful for plants that require frequent watering, such as vegetables or herbs.
Spray rotators use about 30% less water for your lawn, helping to conserve resources.
By installing these systems, you can make your irrigation system more water-efficient and use water responsibly in your landscaping. This helps to conserve resources, protect the environment, and keep your plants healthy. Call Seattle Sustainable Landscapes to get started with your irrigation project.
One thing that we love to do is repurpose existing Sprinkler Systems. Reusing an existing system and updating it with smart controllers, drip lines and spray rotators is a fantastic way to utilize existing materials and reduce water usage.
There are several reasons why it can be more beneficial to repair an existing sprinkler system rather than replace it with a new one:
Proper winterization prevents freeze damage. We blow out lines and shut down the system safely.
We'll turn your system back on, check for leaks, adjust heads, and ensure everything is working efficiently for the growing season.
We also specialize in sustainable landscaping techniques that reduce the need for irrigation, such as xeriscaping, rain gardens, and native plantings. Learn more about our sustainable landscape design.
"Seattle Sustainable Landscapes transformed our outdated sprinkler system into a water-efficient drip system. Our plants have never looked better!"
"Professional winterization service. They came out promptly and ensured our system was protected before the freeze. Highly recommend!"
Ready to upgrade your irrigation system or need winterization? Reach out today!
Get in TouchFollow us for tips on sustainable landscaping and irrigation.
Smart Ideas