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Landscaping Tips

The TIPS section of our web site is for you our customers.  Lavicka Works, Inc. wanted to have a place on our web site where our customers could go to find help or obtain answers to questions you may have on a variety of topics.  For example, caring for your new lawn or landscaping,  trouble shooting  and proper care of your irrigation system.  We hope you find these tips helpful.  You may also contact us with any questions you may have.

Watering is the most important factor in establishing a new lawn.  Newly seeded lawns that are watered regularly germinate more quickly, establish more densely, and crowd out potential weeds more effectively than non-watered lawns.  A example  of a good watering schedule can be found below:

• These times may increase or decrease depending on rain and or temperature.

Watering newly seeded or hydroseeded lawn whether it is planted in spring, summer, and fall.

When watering your newly seeded or hydroseeded lawn in the spring you need to water 2-3 times daily until the grass reaches 1”. The soil should stay darkened at all times but there should not be run off or puddles as this will cause seed to wash away.  After the grass reaches 1-2 inches in height water only once per day but double the water time zone. Continue the watering schedule until the seasonal weather changes.

When watering your newly seeded or hydroseeded lawn in the summer you need to water 2-4 times daily until the grass reaches 1-1 ½ inches in height.  The soil should stay darkened at all times, but there should not be run off or puddles as this will cause the seed to wash away. After the grass reaches 1-1 ½ in height water only once per day but double the watering time per zone.  Water once a day for the rest of the summer.

When watering your newly seeded or hydroseeded lawn in the fall you need to water 2-3 times daily until the grass reaches 1-1 ½ inches in height.  The soil should remain darkened at all times but there should not be run off or puddles as this will cause the seed to wash away.  After the grass reaches 1-1 ½ inches in height water only once per day but double the watering zone.  Continue this schedule decreasing in the watering as weather becomes cooler.

• For a newly seeded or hydroseeded lawn in any season these times and schedules may increase or decrease depending on rain and or temperature. Use common sense when watering your newly seeded lawn and your lawn will look amazing.

When watering a newly sodded lawn in the spring or fall water at least 2 times per day for the first 3 weeks. Starting the 4th week water once a day until seasonal weather changes and requires an adjustment in the watering schedule.

When watering a newly sodded lawn in the summer water 2 times per day for the first 3 weeks.  In the 4th week and subsequent weeks water only once per day but double the water time per zone and continue this throughout the summer or until seasonal weather changes. A good example of watering sod is listed below.

• These times may increase or decrease depending on rain and or temperature
• A good test to see if  you are applying enough water to your newly sodded lawn is to pull back a piece of sod that is not adhered or rooted. Check to see that the soil underneath is damp but not saturated.  If the soil is dry or saturated you will need to change your watering schedule.  Perform this test in different locations of your yard. Once you have done this test a few times and your sod is adhered or rooted you will have a feel for its regular watering needs.

Newly planted shrubs needs to be watered everyday. A good example of a watering schedule for shrubs and flowering shrubs is listed below.

• Watering times can vary and may need to increase and or decrease depending on rain and or temperature.

Watering a newly planted trees
Newly planted trees need to be watered everyday.  A good example of watering schedule for trees is listed below.

• Watering times can vary depending on increase or decrease depending on rain and or temperature.
• Watering is the responsibility of the owner.

Irrigation System

Trouble shooting Irrigation system
• Check the 9V battery- Replace every season before using in the spring.
• Check the irrigation to the RUN position
• Adjust the heads with the irrigation key which you have received upon installation

Sprinkler Zone/Valve won’t shut off
This problem deals with the valve.
Here are the most common causes.

• The valve is already manually turned on.
• A pebble or piece of debris is preventing the diaphragm from closing all the way.
• The diaphragm has a tear in it and so isn’t closing all the way.
• The solenoid has gone bad and is stuck in the open position.

Always have your irrigation winterized in the fall to prevent damages caused by freezing water in the lines on and back flow preventer or RPZ

As spring arrives and your lawn needs to be irrigated; turn the system to RUN and the irrigation system should begin its watering schedule. If repairs are needed you can call and schedule an appointment and we can send out one of our highly skilled technicians to service the irrigation system. There is a fee that will be included in your bill.  For further assistance on trouble shooting you can visit Hunters Web Site www.hunterirrigationservice.com that has 24 hours a day question and answers in trouble shooting your irrigation system.