Spring Irrigation System Start-Up Guide in Memphis: Is Your Sprinkler System Ready?

A properly functioning irrigation system is critical when it comes to a thriving spring landscape. Water is the lifeblood of all living things and your lawn and landscape will require ample watering in order to perform their best.

But is your irrigation system ready?

You want to make sure that you prepare your irrigation for spring so that it’s ready to handle the warmer weather and the increasing water needs that your lawn and landscape will experience. Our humid, subtropical climate brings some hot spring weather…and even hotter summers!

To help you get started preparing, we’ve put together this spring irrigation startup guide.

We’ll cover the important things that you ought to know to make sure your system is ready to go. We’ll also share some Memphis sprinkler system tips that will help set you up for success.

Jump to:

• How to prepare irrigation for spring

• Upgrading to smart irrigation for seasonal efficiency

• Choosing an irrigation service in Memphis

How to prepare irrigation for spring

A spring startup service is an essential way to prepare your irrigation system for the coming spring.

Irrigation systems in Memphis are winterized to protect the system from damage. Hydroexpansion due to freeze can cause the sprinkler, pumps, pipes, and other parts to break or burst. But when irrigation zones are professionally winterized, they are protected.

Coming out of that state of winterization properly is important. WIth professional spring irrigation startup, it’s critical that the system is pressurized safely and that everything is optimized for the growing season.

What’s included in a spring startup?

A thorough irrigation startup should be performed by certified technicians who pressure-test lines, adjust and check all spray heads, and carry out minor repairs. Any more significant problems should also be diagnosed and quoted for maintenance.

Since a landscape is living and evolving, it’s also valuable to get recommendations for improvement based on the growth of the plants in your landscape. Often, adjustments may need to be made to ensure everything is watered optimally for the coming season and beyond.

What’s included in backflow testing?

Backflow testing is also typically part of spring irrigation startup.

Annual backflow testing is required by utility companies in order to ensure that your irrigation system is not contaminating potable water.

Backflow testing must be conducted by a certified tester approved by the State of Tennessee, Division of Water Supply. At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we have 5 certified backflow testers ready to help you with this important service.

Keep everything maintained with irrigation system inspection

Continuing to keep everything in optimal shape also means investing in routine sprinkler system maintenance so that problems can be identified early on, before they start causing issues with your lawn or landscape.

The key is to work with an irrigation repair company that has extensive knowledge and training and can diagnose all possible problems, even across various brands. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to prevent minor issues from becoming serious.

That’s important for the integrity of your property as well as your wallet!

Upgrading to smart irrigation for seasonal efficiency

In addition to discussing irrigation startups, it’s also worth mentioning that upgrades can be valuable money spent. Water is a precious commodity and you want to make sure that you’re not wasting any.

For that reason, you might be considering upgrading to smart irrigation for enhanced seasonal efficiency.

There are a lot of benefits to smart irrigation and upgrading your system prior to the start of the active growing season does make a lot of sense.

Some of the key benefits of upgrading to smart irrigation include:

• Maximized efficiency: Smart irrigation systems help ensure that you are getting the most possible efficiency out of watering by wasting as little as possible. With outdated systems, frustrating situations can occur, such as watering during a rainstorm or putting down more water than needed. But a smart system can assess water requirements and make adjustments so that water is not being wasted.
• Effective watering: In addition to efficient watering, you also want to make sure you are getting effective watering. A smart irrigation system can ensure the turf and plants are getting exactly what’s required for their optimal performance. Water is a necessity for all living things, and your lawn and landscape are no exception! You want to make sure that they are being effectively watered so that they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
• Money savings: With less water waste, you’ll save money, too. That’s important, as we know that investing in upgrading or adding smart irrigation can be expensive. But there are long-term cost benefits to watering your property more efficiently. As we mentioned, you can also protect your landscape investment by making sure it is always watered properly. The last thing that you want is to lose trees or shrubs due to improper watering. These are costly to replace.

Signs it’s time to replace your irrigation system

Some of the benefits mentioned above might be enough to convince you it is time to replace your irrigation system. But some homeowners want to know other signs that they might be in need of an upgrade.

The article we’ve linked above goes more into depth about when it’s time to consider a replacement. The decision is ultimately going to be specific to you and your situation.

But some of the signs to watch for, include:

• An outdated system with outdated technology
• Constant repairs
• Significantly and costly spikes in the water bill
• Poor coverage
• A struggling lawn and landscape, despite repairs to the system

If you are still unsure, an irrigation professional can help you to determine whether choosing to make repairs or to replace the system entirely makes the most sense. They can go through some of your concerns as they relate specifically to your situation and your property.

Choosing an irrigation service in Memphis

As you prepare your irrigation system for spring, it’s important that you have a strong irrigation service to partner with. There are certainly mistakes that can be made during the spring startup process, and you want to make sure this service is performed properly.

You have options when it comes to choosing an irrigation service in Memphis.

There are lots of companies offering irrigation services, but you want to make sure that you’re making a wise choice.

Getting the full benefits out of irrigation starts with proper installation. Since your property is unique, it’s important to work with a company that creates customized irrigation solutions.

At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, each of our installations is professionally and locally tailored to achieve the highest water efficiency and results possible.

In addition to irrigation installation, we also offer inspections and repairs, winterization, spring start-up services, and emergency services. Many companies offer limited irrigation services (such as only doing installation, but not maintenance, or vice versa). But it’s helpful to choose a company that can offer a full-range of comprehensive services. They’ll truly get to know your property and its needs that way.

If you’re thinking about spring startup services, or have any other irrigation needs, we’re here to help. We can take care of all of your irrigation so that all you have to do is enjoy your landscape!

At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are truly here for YOU. This will help you let go of your worries and feel confident that you are in good hands.

Are you ready to talk about a smart irrigation system for your Memphis home? Reach out to discuss your irrigation needs today.