Tag Archives: Water meter

5 Tips for Creating Water-Wise Landscapes for Northern Arizona’s Natural Beauty

Northern Arizona’s stunning landscapes, with its arid climate and breathtaking vistas, call for responsible and water-wise landscaping practices. Preserving the region’s natural beauty while conserving water is not only crucial for sustainability but also contributes to the resilience of the local ecosystem. In this blog, we will share five essential tips to help you create water-wise landscapes that harmonize with the allure of Northern Arizona’s enchanting environment.

Embrace Native Flora:

Native plants are perfectly adapted to Northern Arizona’s unique climate, making them ideal candidates for water-wise landscaping. Incorporate indigenous species like desert cacti, drought-resistant wildflowers, and shrubs that thrive in low-water conditions. Native plants not only conserve water but also support local wildlife and add an authentic touch to your landscape.

Choose Drought-Tolerant Species:

Expand your plant palette with a selection of drought-tolerant species that complement the native flora. Look for plants that can withstand hot and dry conditions while adding color and texture to your landscape. Some excellent options include lavender, Russian sage, yucca, and agave. Remember to group plants with similar water needs together to optimize irrigation efficiency.

Install Efficient Irrigation Systems:

Maximize water efficiency by installing a well-designed irrigation system. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses, which deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions can further reduce water waste and ensure your plants receive the right amount of hydration.

Utilize Mulch for Water Retention:

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to conserve water in your landscape. Applying a layer of organic mulch around plants helps retain moisture in the soil, reduces weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Organic materials like wood chips or compost make excellent mulch choices for your water-wise garden.

Design with Sustainability in Mind:

Thoughtful landscape design can significantly impact water conservation. Create functional and appealing outdoor spaces that minimize water usage. Incorporate hardscaping elements, like permeable paving or decorative rocks, to reduce the need for thirsty turf areas. Additionally, consider adding shade structures, like pergolas or gazebos, to reduce water evaporation and provide relief from the intense Arizona sun.

Conclusion:

Creating water-wise landscapes in Northern Arizona is a responsible and rewarding endeavor. By embracing native plants, choosing drought-tolerant species, and utilizing efficient irrigation systems, you can design a landscape that not only showcases the region’s natural beauty but also conserves precious water resources. With the help of mulching and sustainable design practices, your water-wise garden will thrive while promoting ecological balance in this captivating arid environment.

Remember, every effort counts in preserving Northern Arizona’s unique charm. By implementing these five tips for water-wise landscaping, you play a vital role in safeguarding the natural beauty of this exceptional region for generations to come. Let your landscape be a testament to the harmony between human habitation and the captivating allure of Northern Arizona’s breathtaking scenery. Contact Vicente Landscaping to see how we can help you with all of your landscaping needs at 928-636-1601.

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.

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.