August 2008 Newsletter
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Do you know what a Smart Irrigation Controller is? No? Well, don’t feel bad. Lots of
people don't. A Smart Irrigation Controller can save you money with very little time
and effort. Smart controllers are irrigation clocks that automatically adjust irrigation
run times in response to environmental changes. Smart controllers use sensors and weather
information to manage watering times and frequency. As environmental conditions vary,
the controller increases or decreases irrigation. Smart controllers have the ability to
turn off your sprinklers automatically during rain, high wind or low temperature.
Smart controllers reduce outdoor water use by an average of 15 to 30 percent. They also
reduce over watering, which can cause fungal disease and insect problems.
There are different types of Smart Irrigation Controllers. Some communicate directly
with weather satellites to find the information needed to adjust the watering schedules
and others sample the air temperature and humidity and use that to adjust watering. Both
systems need to be installed and programmed by a professional landscape contractor. The
outcome is a much better watering schedule.
These controllers are only as good as the rest of your irrigation system. If you are
investigating the installation of new irrigation controllers, be aware that you will
probably need to make some upgrades to the rest of your system as well. New irrigation
heads to best cover the type of plants you currently have may be required, as well as
other system modifications.
Some of the benefits of these new controllers are:
- Reduces financial and legal liability
- Saves money on water bills for common areas
- Prevents water damage to communities, homes and hardscapes
- Visually improves landscape overall
- Protects local water resources
- Increases customer satisfaction
With water costs skyrocketing and the need for conservation high, now is the time to save
where we can. Installing a system that knows when to water based on the weather can save
money and time. Many local water departments are offering great rebates, so check with
AllScape to see what is available.
Maintain Now or Pay More Later
There are several components of preventive maintenance that are important to your property and that will help preserve both appearance as well as property values.
Light fixtures, and light poles too, need to be inspected on a semi-annual basis to avoid costly repairs or accidents. A qualified contractor needs to evaluate the light poles and fixtures, as well as the mounting hardware. One should look for signs of rust and electrolysis, as well as assuring that the overall operation and appearance of the lighting device is acceptable.
Also critical components for you to inspect annually are concrete, asphalt, and roofs. Concrete needs to be inspected annually for cracks and raised areas, as well as degradation of the surface. Raised areas, developed over time, can create a trip hazard as well as impact the overall aesthetics of a community. Asphalt areas need to be resealed (“seal coated”) every three to five years to insure the integrity and the appearance of the common roads and parking lots. Deferral of necessary upkeep only serves to prolong the inevitable - - at cost (in dollars as well as property value) that is more often than not far greater than sacrificing to do what is right and necessary in a timely fashion. Determination, rather than procrastination, is the most efficient and money-saving path for the wise property manager to follow.
Davis Construction has years of installation and maintenance experience in concrete construction. We will be happy to inspect your concrete areas for no charge. Call us to set up an appointment.
Davis construction created this detention pond at a new housing development
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Update Your Property
Because many properties have existed over a quarter century, landscaping in many older
communities is showing signs of aging. Over the years, landscaping has gone through many
trends. Remember the popularity of railroad ties? Or bark as ground cover? Or painted concrete?
Many HOAs across the country are currently considering different ways to update and enhance their
landscaping in order to maintain curb appeal and timeless beauty. Upgrading a community's appearance
through landscaping is a good financial investment that can enhance the common areas and increase
the quality of life in an association.
So, what are a few ways an established community can renovate and upgrade its landscaping panorama?
Here are some tips:
Establish a regular program to replace plant material. Select new plants that will
tie in to your present landscape configuration. Also, choose plants that will bloom at different
times of the year, so there is always some natural color around to brighten the view. To spruce-up
the place, try adding some seasonal color to your entry and monument areas.
Shrubs have a relatively short life span of around ten (10) years. They are often
replaced or removed because of declining health or incorrect location (i.e., a sun-loving shrub
planted underneath a tree is not a good idea). During replacement, it is a better idea to update
with drought-tolerant shrubs, which can thrive in either sunlight or shade and also will bloom during
the year. In most climates, these include Chinese Molly, Indian Hawthorne, or Nandina. It is also
good to have these evergreen-type shrubs near entryways and walkways where many people,
including prospective tenants, must pass.
Converting small lawn areas or other greenbelt areas to ground cover or dwarf shrubs will often reduce maintenance and water costs plus the area will still stay “green” most of the time. Among favorite ground covers when converting turf areas to shrub beds are Liriope Spicata or English Ivy Generally speaking, shrubs have a deeper root structure than turf, thereby requiring less water and saving money. Properties with a well-conceived water conservation program can save money and better protect the value of their property.
Tree replacement is also a major part of landscape renovation for older communities. Years ago, many communities planted Ficus and Bradford Pear trees, which can grow enormously and crack curbs and gutters, lift sidewalks, and create hazards. Picking a good replacement tree is important. When considering the different types of replacement trees, research to find out just how big the tree will be in 10 to 15 years and ask about the required maintenance. A tree that drops leaves in the autumn can mean a bigger mess and greater maintenance expenses. An evergreen-type tree is usually best to avoid leaf litter.
Our thanks to everyone who answered our customer survey last month. With your feedback we will make more services available to meet your growing needs.
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