Tag Archives: Landscaping

Why Do You Need an Irrigation Inspection?

The use of drip irrigation is an important tool for water conservation. To be efficient, however, drip systems need to be used properly and inspected regularly.

By now, your irrigation system should be up and running. If you started your irrigation system without a full inspection, it’s not too late to perform this step. In fact, this inspection should be performed periodically throughout the watering season.

When your system is turned on and charged with water, open the irrigation box or boxes and visually inspect the backflow preventer and the valves for leaks. The backflow valve is often located above ground, possibly under a cover.

If there are no visible leaks, run your system using the manual setting for each valve, one valve at a time. As the system is running, walk around the yard, checking for any wet spots in inappropriate areas. Move from plant to plant and tree to tree checking to ensure that water is dripping freely from each emitter. Pay special attention to the small lines running to each plant – animals seem to have an uncontrollable need to munch on these and often chew right through the lines.

Emitters come in various sizes and shapes but all serve the same purpose, gentle delivery of water to your plants. If water is shooting from the line, chances are good that the emitter is missing and needs to be replaced. If water is dripping too slowly from the line, the problem is a clogged emitter or mineral build-up. Remove the emitter and clean out any loose debris. If the problem is calcification, try soaking the emitter in vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits.

In the course of your inspection, be sure to cap any lines that are no longer in use. This will help to conserve water.

The advantages to the use of drip irrigation are many. Water is delivered directly to roots so there is little evaporation or run-off. Prevention of run-off means that weed growth is minimized and less fertilizer is required. Most notably, plants will thrive with a regular, consistent watering schedule.

Monthly monitoring throughout the growing season is important to identify irrigation problems before it is too late. Your plants will often tell you when your irrigation system is not functioning properly. Yellowing leaves that drop prematurely and plants that droop, even when surrounding soil is moist, are usually signs of overwatering. Under-watered plants often show distress through wilted, brown or pale leaves. Pay attention when you plants are telling you that there is a problem.

Popular in the mainstream market in the past few years are “smart” irrigation controllers which use sensors and weather information to manage watering times and frequency. Smart controllers are irrigation clocks that automatically adjust irrigation run times in response to environmental changes. They have the ability to turn off your sprinklers automatically during rain, high wind or low temperatures. Irrigation systems run by smart controllers have been documented to use up to 25% less water than traditional systems. Results have been so impressive that some communities have mandated the use of smart controllers in all new landscapes.

If you would like help inspecting your own irrigation system, or if you encounter obstacles, call a licensed landscaping company. The professionals at Vicente Landscaping will be happy to perform the task for you. If you are interested in the savings provided through the installation of a smart controller, they would be pleased to discuss that, or any of your landscape needs. Call the office at 928-636-1601 to set-up an appointment.

Join Vicente Landscaping and Belgard Pavers!

Vicente Landscaping Partnering with Belgard Pavers

Join Vicente Landscaping and Belgard Pavers at the 2022 YCCA Home Show

Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 1, Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
3201 N Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

The Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) is hosting its annual Home Show Friday, April 29 thru Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The event will host more than 200 vendors in the home and health industry to share their ideas, products, and services. No matter if you are a DIY person or would rather pay a professional, there is something you will want to check out at this free admission, indoor and outdoor event. Also, attendees may enter for a chance to win great raffle prizes. Raffle tickets are $1.oo each or buy ten and get three raffle tickets free. Stop by booths 27 and 28 for more information.

This year, Vicente Landscaping is partnering with Belgard Pavers featuring one of its largest displays. Vicente Landscaping is one of very few Belgard certified landscapers. At this year’s event, visitors will be the first to see the latest Belgard products; ARTFORMS™ and Geometric Pavers. ARTFORMS™ is a revolutionary system utilizes a large-format modular panel system to create infinite design possibilities with ease. High-strength concrete is mechanically fastened with stainless steel hardware creating little to no mess or disruption. Geometric Pavers offers dimension, style and a variety of colors that will surely improve the look of any home.

Don’t miss us at the 2022 YCCA Home Show – April 29, 30 and May 1. Friday and Saturday times are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Learn more at YCCA.org.

Why Should You Fertilize the Plants in Your Yard in the Fall?

Fall is the perfect time to nourish your exterior plants, shrubs and trees around your home. By fertilizing your plants, you are preparing your beautiful landscape for the colder, drier winter months. Fertilizing doesn’t just help temporarily, it has lasting benefits that will stretch throughout the seasons. While you can fertilize your yard year-round, experts agree the most critical time to perform fertilization is in the Fall. Why? Because you are applying specialized elements to the soil before the active Spring season.

If homeowners take the opportunity and apply fertilizer just before winter, they can create a healthy landscape for the Spring and Summer for the coming year. In other words, if you fertilize your yard in the Fall, you will have a more vibrant yard when Spring arrives. This will reduce the chance of developing plant diseases through the winter season. By preparing your landscape now, you are ensuring your yard will be healthier for the start of Spring.

Some homeowners may choose to opt-out of a fall fertilization to save money. Be careful! Ignoring an opportunity to fertilize in the fall could actually cost you more money and time down the road.

We encourage fall fertilization as plants store food in the root structure. Your trees and shrubs will use their stored reserves to battle the harsher, colder months until the Spring season. Remember this tip, nitrogen promotes healthy foliage and leaves.

Phosphorus or Phosphate stimulate root systems, vegetable and bud growth.

If you live in the pines, fertilization will help to strengthen your trees to better protect themselves from the damaging effects of the central Arizona bark beetle population. Homeowners are encouraged to pay attention to their yards. Watch for any plants that appear to be struggling. Early intervention can be the key to saving a plant stressed by insects or disease.

If you don’t know where to begin, learn more at www.VicenteLandscaping.com.

Cleaning & Sealing Pavers with Techniseal Cleaner & Sealer

As urban landscaping has evolved, concrete pavers have become an irreplaceable part of the modern backyard or garden. The versatility they provide is a major interest point for pavers; whether you use them around a hot tub or in front of a house, they are a great way for homeowners to bring a clean and polished look to their property. These pavers can last for lifetime if taken care of correctly. Therefore, it becomes incredibly important to ensure that the pavers have been thoroughly cleaned and sealed so that they last longer. To ensure proper installation of your pavers you must know the following information on cleaning and sealing the pavers!

The Right Time for Sealing Recently Laid Pavers

Experts recommend waiting at least for a year before sealing a recently laid paving job, but that is no longer necessary. Because they can face a full weather cycle in a span of 2-3 months, a wait of 60-90 days should be enough before getting started. This will allow any natural efflorescence to escape from the pavers. It also enables the pavement work to attain an optimum joint-stabilization level.

Preparing Surface before finally Sealing Concrete Pavers

The most vital element of perfect pavement work is preparing and cleaning the surface properly. It becomes incredibly important to remove any visible stains with the help of proper organic stain removers. We recommend trusted brands like Techniseal to achieve best results.

Tools Required for Successful Sealing of a Paver Surface

The two most popular methods for sealing pavers are rollers and sprayers. Both provide similar results in the end, but the major difference is that the sprayers require more time spent on preparation. Whatever method you choose, it is important to keep the saturation level in mind while sealing the pavers. The best method is to apply the sealant generously and wait for 4-5 minutes until the surface absorbs it. You should do this until a small portion of sealant is left on the surface to ensure the task is done properly. You can give it the final touch by removing any excess sealant through “back rolling” over the remaining product. Sealing pavers is a task that demands high accuracy and attention to detail. It is not like painting a wall where you can apply a second coat if you messed up on the first. It is important to be highly careful while doing the sealing job!

Is Annual Maintenance and Touch-up necessary?

High-quality products like Techniseal paver protector have been designed to last longer, but we always advise an annual touch-up. If taken care of properly, pavers can go years before they need complete resealing.

To ensure durable sealing, we recommend that you take time to plan, be thorough, and use high-end products. If you need assistance with this, or any other landscaping services, please visit VicenteLandscaping.com. We would be happy to help!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Techniseal, Pavers, Sealing, Sealing Pavers, Paver Surface, Concrete Pavers, Organic Stain Removers, Backyard, Driveway

Pretty Up Your Yard for the Summer!

Are you a nature lover? Do you love to spend time in your backyard during the summer? Spring and summer are the times when you can make the most out of your backyard. You can make it your cozy escape with loved ones, or a delightful garden retreat where you can enjoy peace and solitude! Implementing a few of these ideas can transform your boring backyard into an at-home getaway. Read on to learn more!

For Greener Grass Water Deeply, But Not Too Often

For those Prescottonians who sport a green, grassy yard. When you water your grass regularly, but only for a short period of time, the roots will not grow deep enough into the soil. This prevents grass from getting enough nutrients from the soil, making it more probable to die if you skip watering for a span of 2-3 days. However, when you water your grass deeply but not too often, the roots go as deep as 4-6 inches, causing them to get almost all the required nutrients and water from the soil, resulting in a lush green and delightful lawn!

Apply Weedicides in Mild Weather Conditions

Weedicides are absorbed through the leaves and then transported throughout the plant. When the weather is cold, weeds are generally dormant so the weedicides would produce negligible effects on them. The best time to use a weedicide is during mild weather, because this is the time when weeds are growing, and weedicides can eliminate them properly! Apply the weedicides when it is least probable to rain, so it does not wash away the weedicide before it can work!

Get Creative with the Vines

If directed properly, some vine plants can transform the look of your backyard completely. You can use vine supports to assist vines in growing where you want them to.. With a little creativity, vines could transform your whole backyard into an inviting, natural retreat.

Flower Bed Stones- The Game Changer!

Want to add a finishing touch to your garden’s landscape? We recommend lining the border of your flower bed with stones. Bed edging helps with defining and containing, making your garden more visually appealing, and protecting your garden from movement, wind or rain.

Custom Decorations and Designs

Want to make out the most of your backyard this spring and summer? There are so many other things that can be done to transform your outdoor area into the backyard oasis you deserve! If these tips seem overwhelming, or if you do not have the time/skills/expertise, then we recommend hiring a professional! Vicente Landscaping can offer a unique design for everyone in every price range. Visit VicenteLandscaping.com today if you want help preparing your backyard for summer!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Greener Grass, Grass Maintenance, Grass, Summer Yard, Flower Beds, Weedicides, Vine Plants, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Irrigation Zone, Water meter, Irrigation Lines, Spring Irrigation Maintenance

Fertilizing Plants – Wake Them Up for The Spring!

Is the garden-enthusiast in you excited about spring?! Lighten up the landscaping of your Prescott, AZ home with a delightful spring garden. Gardening is a task that requires thorough attention to detail, especially when it comes to working with fertilizers. We are here to educate you on the proper use of fertilizers to wake up your gardens and get a perfect spring blossom!

Why do the proportions of fertilizers matter?

Fertilizers are useful for your plants only if used in the right quantity. If used in excess, these fertilizers may cause environmental damage! This is where it becomes highly important to know about the fertilizers you are using, and the right way to use them.

The numbers and letters mentioned on the fertilizers may seem foreign, but they are important when it comes to understanding and making choices on how to fertilize your spring garden. This may seem complicated, but don’t worry! It is not rocket science, and we will be explaining it in a way that everyone can understand and benefit from. You would need to know about the following things before you can choose the right fertilizer. So, let’s dive in!

1. What Does the NPK Mean in The Fertilizer Context

While many of us have learned about soil structure in science class, it can be easy to forget the complexities when it is not something we are consistently practicing. We can help you brush up on this knowledge and better understand how to care for your plants this season, and in seasons to come.

First we will cover NPK. NPK is an acronym that stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, all of which are vital nutrients for plant growth. This is the most common combination of ingredients in most fertilizers, with varying ratios of each. Let’s break it down:

Nitrogen – Plays a major role in protein supply and imparts the green color to the plants.
Phosphorous – Important for plant and root growth.
Potassium – Helps with food manufacturing and water transport.

Keeping in mind the hot and dry conditions of Prescott, AZ it becomes highly important to make a good selection of fertilizers which have NPK in the correct ratio.

2. What do the 3-Number Ratios Tell Us?

Fertilizer companies denote the NPK elements in the 3-Number Ratio form. This set of numbers tells us the percentages of NPK. For instance; a 10-20-10 ratio means that a 100-pound bag of fertilizer contains 10 pounds of Nitrogen, 20 pounds of phosphorus, and 10 pounds of potassium; which gives us up to 40 pounds of nutrients.

The Right Combination of Fertilizer Numbers for Spring

Fertilizing your garden is the best way to wake it up from its dormant state after a long winter. Proper fertilizing prepares your garden for the growth season. We are broadly classifying these gardens in three categories so that we can provide the best insights for you:

1. New Gardens- These generally require more care. Don’t ruin them with over-fertilization, but instead take a gentler approach. As they have probably stood for a long time without any major vegetation, they are already rich in nitrogen. When determining what fertilizer to use for new gardens, look for something with an NPK ratio like, low-high-high.

2. Established Gardens- As these gardens have stood the test of time, they may require more nitrogen in order to maintain their lush, green look. We recommend going for a fertilizer option with an NPK ratio of high-low-low to offer the maximum amount of benefit.

3. Damaged Gardens- If your garden has faced a long span of dry/cold winter conditions, then you can replenish it with an NPK ratio of high-low-high.

Final Note of Advice for Getting the Best Out of Your Garden for Spring

A beautiful garden is usually well-managed and planned. You can get the best out of your Prescott garden this spring by availing highly efficient and cost-effective landscaping services provided by Vicente Landscaping services; who have proved their legacy in landscaping over the 25 years of their golden service!

Tags: Prescott AZ, Prescott Arizona, Leaks, Irrigation, Irrigation Systems, Cracks, Spring Cleaning, Cracked Pipes, Vicente Landscaping, Northern Arizona, Valves, Landscaping Company, Landscaping, Irrigation Zone, Water meter, Irrigation Lines, Spring Irrigation Maintenance

Turning on Irrigation – Check your System for Leaks!

The main component of any well-managed garden or yard is the irrigation system. These irrigation systems stay almost invisible most of the time, but it is incredibly important to check these systems for leaks. Checking or fixing these systems for leaks not only just saves you money, but also helps to avoid wasting water.

Ready to Check Your Systems for a Possible Leakage – Let’s get Started!

In areas like Prescott, Arizona where the spring climate is dry, it is especially important for homeowners to prevent water wastage due to irrigation leaks. The most primal step of checking any water leakage is to check your water meter. Now look at the low flow indicator carefully and observe if it is moving (when not using water) inside and outside. If it is moving in the given test condition, then there is a high possibility that your irrigation system has a leak. The next thing to do would be to find the main sprinkler system’s valve and shut it off. This valve can be anywhere, maybe it is inside your home coming off the main water line, from your water meter, or it can be outside your home near your water tap; in any of the cases try to shut off the valve as soon as possible. Now take a look at the indicator, and if it keeps moving, then the leak is most likely inside your home. If the indicator stops moving, the leak is likely in your sprinkler system’s pipe.

Determining the Point of Leakage

For determining the irrigation zone that may have a possible leak, you may use the following steps:

Go to your controller and turn on water for one of the irrigation zones
Observe the following factors – do you hear the water moving? Do you see water bubbling up from the ground? Or do you see any wet spots or water pooling on the ground?
If any of these criteria are met, that zone likely has a water leakage that should be fixed as soon as possible.
Repeat this process for every zone to ensure proper functioning of your irrigation systems.

If in the above process you find a leak in your irrigation system, we recommend contacting a certified professional. If you are located in Prescott, AZ or the surrounding parts in Northern Arizona, please consider Vicente Landscaping for these services!

Measures to prevent Irrigation System Leakages

Exposed pipes may develop cracks, causing possible leakages. Keep an eye on these or take steps to properly cover them.
Be careful while mowing your lawn, as lawn mowers may cause damage to your irrigation systems if not used properly.
Check your system for loose fittings. Sometimes simple measures like tightening the joints between pipes or tightening sprinkler heads is enough to stop or prevent a leak.