Berardi Irrigation

Irrigation & Landscape Lighting Installations

Winterizing Your Irrigation System: What You Need to Know

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Why Does it Need to be Done?

Failure to properly winterize your system before the first freeze can cause damage to your system in multiple different ways. Water can freeze inside your pipes, sprinklers, and manifolds, which can mean expensive repairs. Check out what happens to your system in each case.

What Damage Can Be Caused?

Frozen Pipes

If your pipes are not drained before the first freeze, the water inside will most likely expand. However, since there is no room for the water to expand, this can cause pipes to crack or burst. Burst pipes can lead to a slew of problems including flooded lawns, flooded basements, damage to landscaping and even damage to your neighbor’s lawn. On top of all this, they are quite costly and difficult to repair since the pipes are underground.

Frozen Sprinklers

When the temperatures drop, water can also freeze inside the sprinkler heads. The pressure from the expanding frozen water can cause sprinkler heads to pop off. Water can also expand inside the plastic body, causing the sprinkler to crack down the side. Or, water can freeze inside the small supply tube. If any of these issues should occur, you would need to replace the sprinkler head entirely.

Frozen Manifolds

The Manifold consists of the main pipe and several attached valves that control the flow of water to the rest of the sprinklers. If water freezes inside the main pipe, it can crack the plastic and damage the valves. This can be avoided by draining as much water as possible from the manifold.

When To Winterize Your Sprinkler

Your sprinkler system should be winterized at least a week before the first freeze is expected. When the temperatures start to drop in the Fall, keep your eye on the forecast. Your lines should be drained or blown out using an air compressor to avoid damage.

Contact Berardi Irrigation

Need assistance winterizing your irrigation system in Canton, Braintree, Sharon, Randolph, or surrounding areas in MA? Contact Berardi Irrigation to schedule an appointment today.

Signs Your Irrigation System has A Leak

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Irrigation systems, when working properly, should keep your grass looking green and healthy all across your property. However, if there is some sort of malfunction in your system, you’ll quickly notice that something is off. If there is a leak in your system, there are a few different signs that can help determine that this is the issue.

Soggy Spot in Your Lawn

Irrigation systems are designed to water your lawn equally and thoroughly. If you notice that one spot in particular is accumulating a lot of water, making it feel soggy or muddy when you walk across, there may be a leak in your system. Before jumping to this conclusion, though, first eliminate the possibility that it could be a result of surface water accumulation because of a recess in the land. If this is not the case, it’s time to investigate the irrigation system and determine exactly where the leak is happening.

Plants and Grass Unhealthy Looking

In addition to the soggy feeling of the grass, there are other physical signs of your grass that may indicate a leak. Some of these telltale signs may include yellow patches or dry brown patches in another area. This could happen because the leak is limiting water accessibility in that area, and only distributing in a particular area, making it soggy as mentioned above.

High Water Bills

In order to determine if your water bill is unusually high,  you’ll need to have a prior knowledge of what your baseline is for each season. If you notice a spike in your bill, it could be a few different things. It could be that your water company has simply raised their prices, or it could be a leak. It’s important to review your water meter readings in comparison with the water bills. If the bill is high, in addition to the meter readings, there could be a leak in your system.

Contact Berardi Irrigation

If you’re concerned there may be a leak in your system, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional. Berardi Irrigation is well-equipped to provide you with repairs at an affordable price. Contact us today at 781-828-2029 to schedule an appointment!

 

How to Prevent Caked Soil

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It’s an all too common problem observed in fields: caked soil forms on the surface, creating a distinctive cracked appearance. Poor water infiltration and seed growth restriction as a result of caked soil can spell trouble in the form of substantially lower crop yields. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent cracked soil from forming, such as evenly distributing water, minimizing surface runoff, and limiting foot traffic around the affected areas. To learn how to best implement these practices to protect your yard, read on.

How Does Caked Soil Impact My Lawn or Garden?

Caked soil is defined as a hard, dry crust that forms on the surface of worked soils. This layer of compacted soil material can be caused by any number of factors, including:

  • Excessive traffic from vehicles or people
  • Improper irrigation practices
  • Lack of soil organic matter
  • Excessive tillage
  • Clay composition
  • Surface runoff

All of these factors work together to create an impenetrable layer on the surface of the soil that water and air have difficulty penetrating. As a result, seed germination and establishment are significantly hindered.

Routine Maintenance Is Key

The best way to prevent caked soil is to routinely inspect and clean your irrigation system for any physical or technical damages. Over time, dirt and debris can begin to build up within your sprinkler heads. This can restrict water flow and lead to poor distribution, which will in turn create patches of caked soil. By establishing a cleaning and maintenance routine, you can avoid this issue and keep your system in good working order. If you notice any broken pipes, leaks, or clogged nozzles, make sure to fix them as soon as possible. You should also regularly check the soil moisture content and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly.

Even Water Distribution Matters

Although cracked soil gives the impression of parched land, overwatering is actually a frequent culprit. For this reason, an even and light water distribution can be especially important. Caking often occurs when a field is watered too heavily at once, causing water to pool. This allows some soil particles to float up onto the surface of the water, leaving behind a harder, caked layer once the remaining water absorbs or evaporates. To achieve a more even distribution, low-pressure sprinklers or drip irrigation applies water slowly and evenly to minimize surface runoff and ensure that the water has time to penetrate the soil.

Watch Out for Clay Composition

Clay often acts like a sponge, absorbing water when it is plentiful, then shrinking as it dries. The drying process can result in those distinctive, hard cracks that can completely prevent plants from pushing up to the surface, undermining crop yield. It’s important to remember that soil exists in gradient layers. Topsoil is the dark, nutrient-rich layer that sits at the top. Topsoil’s rich composition and low clay density make it ideal for water absorption with minimal shrinkage. Aerating and top-dressing this layer with additional microorganism-rich humus soil, such as compost, can help improve your soil’s texture and minimize the risk of clay composition shrinkage.

Minimize Surface Runoff

When soil becomes completely saturated, water–whether irrigated or stormwater–will turn into surface runoff. Soil can then be carried away from your field, stripping it down to the subsoil, which will crack and cake more easily. To prevent this, consider installing a drainage system that will direct water away from the field. Alternatively, you can create berms or swales–shallow ditches–that will guide water around your field. Another way to minimize surface runoff is by installing a boom irrigation system. These machines help to decentralize water application, creating an even spray of small water droplets rather than high-pressure sprays, improving the water’s infiltration rate.

Limit Foot Traffic Around Affected Area

If caked soil has already begun to form, it’s important to take measures to prevent further damage. One way to do this is by limiting foot traffic around the affected areas. Caked soil can be very fragile, and even light footsteps can cause cracks to form and worsen. If you must walk on caked soil, we recommend using a board or piece of plywood to distribute your weight evenly.

Contact Berardi Irrigation for Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation Installation in Canton, MA

If you’re looking for more information about caked soil or irrigation systems, don’t hesitate to contact Berardi Irrigation. We provide lawn maintenance and irrigation installation services in Canton, MA and the surrounding area. With over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you keep your lawn healthy and prevent compacted soil. Give us a call today at (781) 828-2029, or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.

Lawn Maintenance For the Fall

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The temperatures are starting to drop, the humidity is finally decreasing and the long days of summer are quickly coming to a close. With Fall just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you will keep your yard looking its best, while preparing for next season. It can be easy to neglect your outdoors as the harsher weather approaches, but it is just as critical to keep up with maintenance throughout the Fall season.

  1. Don’t Stop Watering

– Now that cooler weather is approaching, watering in the Fall helps your lawn recover from the stress of high summer temperatures, and gain strength for the cold winter ahead. This is especially important if you have a cool-season grass, meaning that this is a strong period of growth for your lawn. Therefore it is critical that your grass is getting the nutrients it needs to grow. You should continue watering your lawn up until the ground freezes in late Fall.

  1. Fertilize in the Fall

– For an exceptional looking lawn, a good rule of thumb would be to fertilize 4 times a year. However, if you’re going to choose only once, Fall is an optimal time. Aim to apply the fertilizer approximately 3 weeks before the last mowing of the season. Fertilizing in the morning will allow the morning dew to deliver moisture and help turf absorb the fertilizer. This gives your lawn energy and nutrients for the grassroots as they multiply in cooler weather before the grass goes dormant. The roots also store food for the winter, which will give the grass an initial growth spurt when it starts to show in the spring.

  1. Cut Grass Short

– When it is time for the final cut of the season, you’ll want to set your mower to cut 1-½ to 2 inches. This will help lessen the chance of snow mold forming in the winter. It’ll also ensure that tall grass blades won’t lie down and smother the new grass growth next spring. Be sure to also rake up any dead leaves before the first snowfall, as they’ll just become soaked and weigh heavy on sprouting grass below.

  1. Winterize Sprinkler System

– To avoid damage, cracking, and freezing over the winter, contact a professional to winterize your sprinkler! The professionals at Berardi Irrigation are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service.

Smart Irrigation Month

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Water conservation is an issue that is typically overlooked in our everyday lives. While the earth is made up of nearly 70% water, only about 2.5% of it is fresh. When you think about all that water is used for- Consumption, plumbing, bathing, cleaning, irrigation, and more, this is a very small percentage. While there are many ways you can contribute to water conservation, efficient irrigation systems are where we place our focus.

In the peak months of summer, you may see your water bill starting to rise. Between the scorching hot temperatures and lack of rain, you’ve probably started to water your lawn more frequently. For this reason, the Irrigation Association chose July as “Smart Irrigation Month” to promote the social, economic, and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation systems. It’s important to remember, even in the heat, to still follow best practices for watering your lawn efficiently! Here are a few tips to remain eco-friendly, while keeping your lawn vivacious and green all summer!

 

    • Consider soil type– Depending on your type of soil, water will be absorbed at different speeds. Aim to soak your soil 6 inches into the ground, to reach a healthy grass root. Time how long this takes in your yard, and use this duration each time you water. If you’re overwatering for your soil type, this can cause runoff and therefore wastewater.
    • Optimal location– Place your sprinkler in a place that it is only watering your lawn, plants, and greenery. Setting it up in an area that will water your driveway, cars, sidewalk, patio, or house, will waste a sufficient amount of water.
    • Don’t overwater- Even when it hits extreme temperatures outside, be careful that you are not overwatering. Remember to saturate the roots, and give the soil time to dry. Overwatering can cause weed growth, disease, and fungus in your long.
    • Timing is key– Watering early in the morning is always the best time to water. If you’re watering during the day, the heat could cause losses of up to 30 percent due to evaporation. Be sure to not waste water through evaporation, by setting your timer before the sun fully rises.
    • Shorter periods of time- Not only does the time of day matter, but the length of time too. Soil needs time to absorb water, in order to not produce runoff. Therefore, it’s better to water for 5 minutes, 3 times, rather than 15 minutes at once. This gives the soil time to dry before completely saturating.

 

 

 

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1049 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021
781-828-2029
gberardi@comcast.net

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