The 2023 Season is upon us! With the days getting longer and the sun getting higher in the sky, a lot of things are changing. We are getting fragments of spring every week with warmer weather peeking through.  All of these things that are familiar signs of spring.
So with the changing of the environment and the optimism that has invoked us to realizing the ancient feelings of life and a new beginning. In just a few weeks there will be a frenzy of activity in our industry. Consisting of people wanting some sort of change so they can experience  their spaces in a new way. So from a Landscape Service Provider looking out, here is a bit of advice.
The first thing to do if I was a consumer and I had these ideas of change and a newness to my outdoor space at home I would first get a sense of my budget. Get realistic with how much you have to spend. Understanding one’s budget is most likely the best thing to get done first. 
Don't play the age-old game of ' I have a number.' You know the one where you have thought of a number and someone has to keep guessing until they get it out of you.  That is a tiresome game and it is a waste of everyone's time.
Many times have I had this happen to me in the world of sales. The clients who do this somehow think that if they are discreet with their 'number' that somehow, they will get some sort of deal. This is far from the truth; a lot of contractors will cut out margin or labor to meet monetary budgets and will often times find themselves upside down on a job.  They will do one of two things; ask for more money or stop showing up. I have heard horror stories, so be upfront with your budget.
The second thing I would do would be to secure a designer. Some form or fashion of commitment will most likely have to be made to get any contractor to sharpen their pencils.  This builds trust between the Designer and yourself.  A token of commitment means that something will happen, and if you are certain, you want the job done, why not.  For example, here at Hurr Vasa we/I ask customers who are certain they want to build something, but need my help, I ask them sign a design contract.  This contract is an estimation of how many hours I think it would take to produce a drawing and cost estimate based off of the size and scope of the project. The dollar amount of the contract is fully refundable toward the project's budget, since we are going to do the job.....right?!
I have only once had to invoice someone for the contracted design contract amount, it is 99.99% always taken off of the project.

Finally, make sure you trust the person and company with whom you are engaging with. Treat the initial consult as an interview. See if you have good mojo! I can say that From Education, being a laborer, and all of the landscape in my life for the last 25 years that I know the technical jargon, what the installers will take more or less time to do, and how to solve that problem that you have about 10 different ways, and the other ones that could be created from an unrealistic design.  So, trust your designer, and vet the business, as you know how to do.

By securing a designer/company, having a good rapport, being realistic with your budget, and following through, makes for a great install and everyone is happy. Have a great 2023 Landscaping Season!

Hurr Vasa Sprinkler and Landscape is always here to help!
-James L

​Schedule your Spring start-up today! It's important to make sure your system has survived the winter, and that all of your heads are firing correctly for a waste free season.

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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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!   ​