You may find this valve in the ceiling, or along the wall. The key is to look for the yellow handle. This valve is in the on position and must be turned to the side to turn it off.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
What Does the Ball Valve Look Like
This valve is what shuts the water off to the the outside sprinkler system. If you can turn this valve off, you do not need to be home for your winterizing, assuming your valves are readily available.
You may find this valve in the ceiling, or along the wall. The key is to look for the yellow handle. This valve is in the on position and must be turned to the side to turn it off.
You may find this valve in the ceiling, or along the wall. The key is to look for the yellow handle. This valve is in the on position and must be turned to the side to turn it off.
Sprinkler Winterizing - When Should I do it?
Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your sprinklers. In Michigan, historically speaking, winterizing should be complete by November 10th based on temperatures. At this point in the season, unless you have new sod installed, there is no reason to even keep your sprinklers running. The temperatures coupled with the frequent rains we have, seem to keep everything moist and free from drying out.
As long as you get the sprinklers winterized by the time night time temperatures drop below freezing, you will be good to go.
What happens when you don't winterize on time? The backflow preventor (the device on the outside of the house), is engineered to blow the top off of it if the water freezes. That is the most common problem with not winterizing on time. TURN THE WATER OFF IN THE HOUSE TO THE SPRINKLERS. The valve usually looks something like the picture below (this valve is still open and must be closed). Sometimes you will see this valve in the ceiling. Once the water is off, at least the pressure to the outside will be cut off. If you have questions, call us at 586-323-0200 or email service@greengiantlawn.com after hours.
As long as you get the sprinklers winterized by the time night time temperatures drop below freezing, you will be good to go.
What happens when you don't winterize on time? The backflow preventor (the device on the outside of the house), is engineered to blow the top off of it if the water freezes. That is the most common problem with not winterizing on time. TURN THE WATER OFF IN THE HOUSE TO THE SPRINKLERS. The valve usually looks something like the picture below (this valve is still open and must be closed). Sometimes you will see this valve in the ceiling. Once the water is off, at least the pressure to the outside will be cut off. If you have questions, call us at 586-323-0200 or email service@greengiantlawn.com after hours.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
When should you fertilize new sod?
Your sod has been fertilized and taken care of for a whole year prior to it being laid on your yard. With that being said, if you do not keep up on the fertilizing, you will lose that dark green color.
Rule of thumb is to apply a good granular fertilizer after the first cut and every five weeks thereafter.
If you need assistance with fertilizing, we offer an affordable service that will save you time, money, and headaches.
Rule of thumb is to apply a good granular fertilizer after the first cut and every five weeks thereafter.
If you need assistance with fertilizing, we offer an affordable service that will save you time, money, and headaches.
First Cut After New Sod Installation
Once your new sod is installed, you must stay off of it for a minimum of three weeks, or until you can no longer tolerate it's growth. Once you can walk on the lawn, it is time to cut it. The first cut is always the hardest because you have three weeks of growth.
It is key to remember to cut your watering down a little in week two. Sprinklers typically are set to run three times per day with the new sod. Once into week two, start cutting down to twice per day and as you get closer to the three weeks point, cut it to once per day. Cutting long wet grass is not fun and will cause you a ton of headaches.
Lastly, it is advisable to cut the grass down, and then bag the clippings. Bagging clippings is only good on the first cut and should not be done every time you cut your lawn.
It is key to remember to cut your watering down a little in week two. Sprinklers typically are set to run three times per day with the new sod. Once into week two, start cutting down to twice per day and as you get closer to the three weeks point, cut it to once per day. Cutting long wet grass is not fun and will cause you a ton of headaches.
Lastly, it is advisable to cut the grass down, and then bag the clippings. Bagging clippings is only good on the first cut and should not be done every time you cut your lawn.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
When should I start my sprinklers for the season
The simple answer to when you should start your sprinklers is when the weather warrants it. We have to remember that you only need sprinklers to water your plants and grass. If neither of those things need water, than you do not need your sprinklers. Gauge the weather.
It does not hurt to have them ready to go for when it does get hot, but we typically don't recommend turning them on until at least April 15th. Even by then may be too early if it is cold at night. If it gets too cold, you run the risk of having freeze damage...in the Spring!
It does not hurt to have them ready to go for when it does get hot, but we typically don't recommend turning them on until at least April 15th. Even by then may be too early if it is cold at night. If it gets too cold, you run the risk of having freeze damage...in the Spring!
Sprinkler Start-up Service - What is it and can I do it myself?
We are asked all the time by our clients if they can start-up their own sprinklers. The short answer is yes....if you know how or have the time. But, by having our sprinkler technicians perform the service, there are many benefits.
A spring start-up is when the sprinklers are activated for the season. To activate the sprinklers, there are a few valves that need to be opened completely, and a few valves that need to be closed completely. If you know how to do that, then turning the water to pressurize the system is easy. Once the system is pressurized, you must run through the zones to make sure all of the heads are popping out of the ground, rotating properly, and functioning as intended. If you are familiar with sprinklers, then it is a breeze.
If you are not familiar with sprinklers or how they function, it does not hurt to have us do the work for you. Typical things that may be missed are: heads buried under the grass from the winter, leaks in lines, improper adjustment, heads not popping up all the way, valves not open all the way which decreases pressure to the system, and more. All of these issues can cause high water bills and/or dry plants or grass.
So for those clients that do not mind doing the work and are familiar with starting their sprinklers up, we're glad you know how. For those of you that do not have the time or would like our expertise, please call us now at 1-888-411-5296.
A spring start-up is when the sprinklers are activated for the season. To activate the sprinklers, there are a few valves that need to be opened completely, and a few valves that need to be closed completely. If you know how to do that, then turning the water to pressurize the system is easy. Once the system is pressurized, you must run through the zones to make sure all of the heads are popping out of the ground, rotating properly, and functioning as intended. If you are familiar with sprinklers, then it is a breeze.
If you are not familiar with sprinklers or how they function, it does not hurt to have us do the work for you. Typical things that may be missed are: heads buried under the grass from the winter, leaks in lines, improper adjustment, heads not popping up all the way, valves not open all the way which decreases pressure to the system, and more. All of these issues can cause high water bills and/or dry plants or grass.
So for those clients that do not mind doing the work and are familiar with starting their sprinklers up, we're glad you know how. For those of you that do not have the time or would like our expertise, please call us now at 1-888-411-5296.
First Fertilizer Treatment Start Date
Typically, the first lawn treatment is applied near the end of March and into April. But, as we know, this winter had been quite snowy and it doesn't look like the normal scheduling is going to apply this year.
The first lawn treatment is a granular fertilizer plus crabgrass preventer designed to start the greening of the lawn and prevent crabgrass from popping up. When the ground is cold, however, crabgrass is not going to come up, so applying the first treatment too early may not be effective.
We anticipate that the first treatment will begin the week of April 14th. By applying it then, we know that the treatment will be effective in greening the lawn and preventing crabgrass.
The first lawn treatment is a granular fertilizer plus crabgrass preventer designed to start the greening of the lawn and prevent crabgrass from popping up. When the ground is cold, however, crabgrass is not going to come up, so applying the first treatment too early may not be effective.
We anticipate that the first treatment will begin the week of April 14th. By applying it then, we know that the treatment will be effective in greening the lawn and preventing crabgrass.
Monday, March 17, 2014
12 Months Special Financing Now Available for your sod or sprinkler sprinkler project
We understand that new home construction and ownership takes cash and credit that either you do not have at this time or do not want to use on your sod and sprinkler project. So, we have decided to once again offer a new 12 month interest free if paid in full by the end of the term finance program to our clients. The program does require approved credit and there are minimum monthly payments required. All interest will accrue and will be become payable if the balance is not paid in full by the end of the 12 months. Please see the terms and conditions.
As always, cash, check, or credit card are welcome, but you now have the financing option. For more details, speak with a sales representative.
As always, cash, check, or credit card are welcome, but you now have the financing option. For more details, speak with a sales representative.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
When do we start installing sprinklers and grass in the spring?
Weather plays a huge (an I emphasize), huge part in when we start. In order to install sprinklers, the ground must be able to support a 2000 lb machine. When the ground is frozen, it will support the machine, but the pipe won't go in the ground. Historically, once the ground thaws and dries a little, which is typically in April, we can start our work.
We have started as early as March 15 in years past, but it does not look like that is going to happen in 2014.
As for sod installation, the rules are very similar. The difference is, with grass, we need to make sure the grass is green before we bring it to you. Nobody wants sod that is brown and still dormant. Looking back over the years, we have been able to install sod as early as April 15th, and as late as May 15th.
The sooner the snow melts, the sooner we will be able to let the ground dry up and get working on the projects.
We have started as early as March 15 in years past, but it does not look like that is going to happen in 2014.
As for sod installation, the rules are very similar. The difference is, with grass, we need to make sure the grass is green before we bring it to you. Nobody wants sod that is brown and still dormant. Looking back over the years, we have been able to install sod as early as April 15th, and as late as May 15th.
The sooner the snow melts, the sooner we will be able to let the ground dry up and get working on the projects.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
New Construction Project Order
We are asked all the time what order a new construction home should have its outdoor projects performed.
Start by having any concrete work or patios done, which include decks. If you will do a patio in the future, but want the sod and sprinklers done now, that is not a problem. We would ask that the area for the patio be planned out in advance and we will work around it.
Next, have the landscape installed. If planting the plants isn't in the budget or the time of the year is bad, outlining the bed location does the job. If the beds are outlined, the irrigation and sod can go in based on the layout. It is important to define the landscape areas because sprinkler head placement is based on the beds. In addition, once the sod is installed, it is very tough to remove. By having the beds laid out, the sod only goes in the areas it is supposed to be once the project is finished.
Next, the sprinklers.
Lastly, the sod.
By following this order of projects, your installation will go smooth and your additional costs will be minimized.
Start by having any concrete work or patios done, which include decks. If you will do a patio in the future, but want the sod and sprinklers done now, that is not a problem. We would ask that the area for the patio be planned out in advance and we will work around it.
Next, have the landscape installed. If planting the plants isn't in the budget or the time of the year is bad, outlining the bed location does the job. If the beds are outlined, the irrigation and sod can go in based on the layout. It is important to define the landscape areas because sprinkler head placement is based on the beds. In addition, once the sod is installed, it is very tough to remove. By having the beds laid out, the sod only goes in the areas it is supposed to be once the project is finished.
Next, the sprinklers.
Lastly, the sod.
By following this order of projects, your installation will go smooth and your additional costs will be minimized.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
When Should You Be Getting Estimates for Sod and/or Sprinklers?
Now is a great time to get a quote on sod and/or sprinklers. Though the snow is very deep, we still have the ability to quote your new sod or sprinklers. The best way to do it right now is by using the plot plan you have. Most new homeowners get a plot plan at some point in the building process, or at the closing.
If you send the plot to service@greengiantlawn.com or upload it at our website, we can get you a quote typically within hours of receiving the plan. It helps to draw where you may have a patio, a walkway, or landscape. If you aren't sure where you will put those items, we can give you a ballpark estimate until you are sure. At least you'll basically know where you stand for budgeting purposes.
Now is a good time to get the quotes because the turnaround on the quotes are quick. When the season gets busy, it can take a couple days, or even a week. But, even with that quick turnaround, we still are one of the quickest estimates in town.
Get us those plans soon, and lets get you on the schedule.
If you send the plot to service@greengiantlawn.com or upload it at our website, we can get you a quote typically within hours of receiving the plan. It helps to draw where you may have a patio, a walkway, or landscape. If you aren't sure where you will put those items, we can give you a ballpark estimate until you are sure. At least you'll basically know where you stand for budgeting purposes.
Now is a good time to get the quotes because the turnaround on the quotes are quick. When the season gets busy, it can take a couple days, or even a week. But, even with that quick turnaround, we still are one of the quickest estimates in town.
Get us those plans soon, and lets get you on the schedule.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
The Snowiest Month in Michigan.....Ever
I can't believe we just experienced the snowiest month in the history of the state. To be honest with you, it wasn't even that bad. The Green Giant Services team got the job done again and handled it with efficiency and professionalism. I'd like to thank all who worked hard to make this thing go and thank all of the clients for being patient.
Let's hope this thing ends soon, but by the looks of it, that may be just a dream. We know that one day, usually in March or April, the weather will change for the better and we will all forget about what we just went through.
Michiganders have very short term memories when it comes to weather.
Let's hope this thing ends soon, but by the looks of it, that may be just a dream. We know that one day, usually in March or April, the weather will change for the better and we will all forget about what we just went through.
Michiganders have very short term memories when it comes to weather.
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