With the hotter, longer days of July, it is important to make sure that irrigation systems are operating effectively, to insure plant and turf survival, and efficiently, to insure water conservation.

As we head into the most critical part of the year for landscape irrigation – the need is at its greatest, the supply is at its least – even experienced professionals can benefit from reminders on how to keep their clients systems' operating efficiently.

• Check the systems for leaks and clogs.
• Clean the filters if it has been more than six months since they were last cleaned.
• Make sure that the timers are set properly for the longer, hotter days.
• Consider replacing traditional timers with smart controllers.
• Make sure that the spray head setup is optimized for the seasonal changes that have occurred such as plant height and density as they get bigger and may block coverage or as they start to wilt in the heat and need less coverage.
• Consider replacing your existing spray sprinkler heads with MP rotators, which deliver water at a slower pace, with bigger drops so the water is absorbed more slowly and less is lost to evaporation.
• In vegetable and flower beds, consider replacing spray head sprinkler systems with drip irrigation systems, especially ones with built-in emitters.
• If a drip irrigation system is already installed, make sure to flush out the lines to remove the buildup of sediment.

These efforts will help make sure that your clients' landscaped areas remain verdant and might even reduce their watering bills.