Which will suit your needs better?

People, in increasing numbers, have been purchasing rain sensors of late. These systems conserve water, save money and time, and help you maintain a beautiful lawn by preventing over or under watering. For those with budget concerns, a wired rain sensor provides the basic functions for a less expensive price. But, if one can afford the more expensive wireless, or remote rain sensor, those folks will have a much broader range of options. After a few months, the wireless system will have paid for itself.

A wired sensor is inexpensive. It requires no battery replacement. However, because the system is wired, it limits the distance where the rain sensor can be located. This system requires you to run the wire between the sensor and the irrigation controller. This means mounting the wired sensor in a place that will allow you to run the wire where it could be at risk to being cut by a weed wacker or other device and, unfortunately, can be unsightly.

Remote or wireless rain sensors have many features that make it attractive to a lot of homeowners. Wireless sensors can be placed up to five-hundred feet away from the sprinkler system. Since there is no wiring, it makes the installation look nicer and is easier to install since you do not need to be concerned about running wire from the sensor to the irrigation system controller. The remote systems also allow for adjustable rain sensitivity, which allows one to set the sensor for a particular climate and variable water needs. Wireless rain sensors also offer several water conservation settings, a system override, rain delay features, and back-up modes in case of power outage. Because these many features are available, the wireless devices cost more than a wired sensor.

Pros and cons: Wired systems can't accommodate large areas and the wiring can become an issue. Remote systems require battery replacement and are not cheap. However, the cost of installation can be recovered within a few months by saving on water and utilities.

​Check out our recently completed job, landscaped with black obsidian rock.

Hurr Vasa will help you develop an innovative and practical design concept that reflect the needs and features of your property.  We can design it all from patios, decks and retaining walls, to water features and irrigation systems. 

Sprinkler blowouts are necessary to avoid damage to your sprinkler system, inside and outside of one’s home.  If the water is not removed from the system, it will freeze and as ice expands it will crack pipes in the ground, as well as causing damage to your back-flow device.  If water not drained inside the house, it can cause damage to water lines inside of the house causing flooding.
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Freeze damage repairs can be very costly, to avoid this give Hurr Vasa Sprinkler and Landscape a call today to schedule your blowout before the first hard freeze in Northern Colorado. ​

We specialize in hardscape design and installation, like this custom flagstone patio! Give us a call today and schedule a free estimate. 
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​Schedule your Fall sprinkler blow-out today! It's important to make sure all of the water is out of your system before the first hard freeze in Northern Colorado. 

Here is a recently completed job we did in a new neighborhood.  Looking for low maintenance and lower water bills? A Xeriscape back yard might be perfect for you!   ​

The key to watering success is being educated on your plants watering needs.

• Water cycling- Water  in 10-15 minute intervals for each zone, allowing the water to soak in before applying more.  For example, water for 15 minutes at 10 pm, and again two hours later at midnight, and again at 2 am.   There is a "soak" cycle on most sprinkler systems that will allow you to soak certain areas of the lawn. Soak cycles are recommended for Colorado clayey soils so that water can better penetrate to the roots.  This will give the ground ample time to soak up the moisture instead of creating  surface runoff.  Soak cycles save water and money!
• Zone by exposure- Exposure to sun, heat and wind also play a huge part in water requirements. Irrigation zones should reflect exposure levels. Areas in full or partial shade may have lower irrigation needs than areas in full sun. As a rule of thumb, if a shady area is in the rooting zone of large trees, water use will be similar to full sun as the roots of the tree will be pulling water from the soil. 
• Drip irrigation- Drip systems can reduce water usage by 50%. You can have them installed in flower beds, shrub beds, small fruit beds and vegetable gardens. 
• Be water wise- Water at night or in early morning hours. Water between 9:00 pm and 9:00 am to avoid water evaporation. During rainy weather, shut off sprinklers manually - or install a rain gauge, which can take care of that job for you.
• Evaluate dry spots- You can easily find out which spots aren't getting enough water by taking a few identical, straight-sided, flat bottomed cans (like soup, or vegetable cans) and placing them in the areas of your yard you are unsure are getting enough water. If the dry spots are getting significantly less water, it's likely a water delivery problem (like a malfunctioning head or design problem). If similar amounts of water are being delivered to all areas if could be a soil/plant related problem (like thatch and root damage). 

Don't hesitate to call us with any questions regarding your lawn! ​