Commercial irrigation is no small investment, but the benefits are far-reaching. Built-in timers, soil moisture sensors and rain sensors ensure your business’s landscape is watered automatically and only as needed so you’ll save time and water.
Designing a system that does all this requires expert knowledge. While you don’t have to know all about sprinklers, pipes and valves to find a reliable commercial irrigation company, knowing what to do and what not to do during the planning phase will help you get better results.
Don’t Make These Common Mistakes
Don’t jump at the cheapest offer — It’s always tempting to opt for the lowest price, especially when the offers you’re getting seem more or less the same. With an issue as complex as commercial irrigation, though, pinching pennies isn’t a good idea.
Typically, low bidders are able to offer cheap services only because they cut corners. They may install sprinkler heads too far apart or install sprinklers with different watering rates in the same area, resulting in uneven watering that causes brown spots. They may install sprinklers that water sidewalks and other surfaces, wasting water and creating an inconvenience. They may skip installing a backflow prevention device, leaving you to take care of the job later.
Don’t leave it up to a landscaper — Landscapers have an excellent understanding of plant watering requirements, but that doesn’t mean they know how to design irrigation systems. These systems must be carefully planned so the coverage area of each sprinkler reaches but doesn’t overlap the coverage area of the ones nearby.
The system must be zoned correctly so each part of your landscape receives the precise amount of water it needs. The average landscaper isn’t trained in selecting commercial irrigation equipment or designing the layout.
Don’t forget about cleanup — Installing a lawn irrigation system requires excavating the lawn or garden to lay the piping. A conscientious company will re-sod or re-seed any grass removed. Many companies use a vibratory plow to excavate with minimal damage to your landscaping. When this equipment is used, most lawns spring back to normal within a few weeks.
Don’t skip checking references — Any company that’s installed a few irrigation systems should be able to provide you with at least two references from satisfied customers. Don’t be shy about asking for references and don’t hesitate to contact those references.
When you get in touch with former customers, ask if the job was completed within budget and on schedule, if post-installation clean-up was satisfactory and if the system performs as expected.
Don’t accept inferior equipment — Many contractors favor a particular manufacturer for quality and range of products. Sticking with one highly regarded manufacturer also allows the contractor to develop in-depth knowledge of the product line. That said, some inexperienced contractors offer a limited range of products because that’s all they know. Regardless of the manufacturer they prefer, knowledgeable contractors will be able to explain why the equipment they plan to install is the best choice for your needs.
How to Find a Reliable Irrigation Company
Do plan ahead — The type of irrigation system that’s right for your landscape depends on the landscape design, the amount of watering required and the soil type. Get familiar with these factors in your landscape so you’ll have a clear idea of what you need your new irrigation system to do. Also note any potential problem areas, such as hills or groups of trees.
Read up on sprinkler irrigation vs. drip irrigation. Sprinkler systems are often used to water lawns and other large expanses of vegetation, but they require a certain amount of water pressure to operate properly.
They also lose around 20 percent of the water they carry due to run-off and evaporation. To save water, you may want to use stream rotors rather than traditional pop-up spray heads
Drip irrigation is another option. These systems are more water efficient and require less water pressure. They’re well suited to landscapes that have relatively few plants or groups of plants spaced far apart.
Do investigate the costs — When you provide information about your landscape and watering needs, a commercial irrigation expert can suggest one or more options that will keep your lawn and garden vibrant and require minimal maintenance from you. Unless they know your budget, though, the expert is likely to suggest the ideal solution without regard to cost.
To get suggestions for options you can afford, you’ll need to give the commercial lawn irrigation contractor some idea of your budget. This way they can suggest cost-saving alternatives that still get the job done. Your landscape’s size, your water pressure and flow rate, the type of system you want and the number of watering zones involved all affect the cost of the system. Be prepared with this information when you estimate your budget.
Do check the paperwork — At a minimum, your contractor should hold a New Jersey Landscape Irrigation License. The contractor you work with should also be sufficiently insured and bonded. If the company doesn’t hold workers’ compensation insurance, you could be held financially responsible for any injuries sustained by the installation workers while they’re on your property. Bonding is also important. This protects you in case the work isn’t completed in full or isn’t completed to your satisfaction.
Do discuss payment — You should never have to pay in full for your irrigation system before the work has been completed. Beware of any company that requests full payment up front. If you pay in full before the work even starts, it’s likely to take longer to sort things out if the job isn’t completed or if it doesn’t meet your approval.
Most companies request 30 to 50 percent of the total as a deposit before they’ll start the job. The remaining amount is due after your final approval of the completed installation.
Some companies offer installment plans as well, so if you’re on a tight budget, ask about financing.
Do ask about the warranty — A reliable commercial irrigation company guarantees their work in writing. Before you choose a company, find out what guarantees and warranties apply. A one-year warranty on parts and labor should be the minimum. On more durable components, a five-year guarantee is preferable.
Check whether you’re covered only for defects in materials or workmanship or if force majeure damage, such as fire, flooding or vandalism, is also covered. Many warranties don’t cover damage from these events. Damage or component failure due to changes in water volume or pressure, or due to clogging caused by debris in the water supply, may also be excluded from the warranty.
Before you set out to find a commercial irrigation expert, get clear on your needs and your budget. Put together a short list of expert commercial irrigation companies in your area and start checking references.
Once you’ve found a lawn irrigation company you’d like to work with, get a detailed estimate. With careful planning and research, you’ll find a company that can install an effective commercial irrigation system that’s easy to use and keeps your landscape beautiful.
All Pictures are Courtesy of Hunter Industries.