Doubtless you have noticed how the new buzz phrase on everyone’s’ lips is green living.  This important movement has begun to affect every aspect of our lives. Organic foods, hybrid vehicles, and earth friendly house building materials and techniques are just a few ways it has changed things for the better. What you might not realize is that your landscaping can be installed to supply support to the earth as well.  Especially if you aren’t familiar with sustainable landscaping, finding a qualified professional is going to be your best option.

Sustainable Landscaping

Making the choice to hire an experienced landscaper has lots of benefits.  In addition to helping you choose the design, plants, and irrigation for your yard, he or she will also be able to help with the very important permits.  Believe it or not, you should really get permission from the city before you dig into the yard.  You might be hitting power or water lines.  The utility companies usually aren’t very happy when damage is done to their property even if it is on your land.  Good landscapers are used to helping clients take care of this step.

Another element of sustainable landscaping that you can’t help but notice is that the plants are chosen to grow well in your region and often have a dual purpose.  For example, it’s not unusual for a landscaper to suggest certain plants because they are good for a particular species of insect or animal.  Most plants used in this type of landscaping are grown organically in the nurseries as well.  Once your landscaper has the plants in the ground and is giving you instructions on how to care for them, you can bet he or she is going to instruct you to use only non toxic pesticides in your yard.  This is better for the plants, the native wildlife, and most importantly, you and the earth.

If you are interested in carrying your green habits a little further, sustainable landscaping might be right up your alley. 

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While caring for your sprinkler system is important regardless of the region of the country you live in, those of us in the regions with really cold winters have to be especially vigilant.  If you miss the annual blowing out of the sprinkler systems events, you are in serious danger of a massive headache when your system won’t work in the spring or financial problems with permanently damaged equipment.  It is really much easier just to take the time to properly care for this aspect of lawn care and be done with it.  Here are a few things to keep in mind during the process:

Many sprinkler systems come with the guarantee that they are self draining.  While this technology has gotten better over the years, it still isn’t the best bet for blowing out sprinkler systems.  You may want to make sure your system is cared for properly yourself without relying on possibly faulty features.  It doesn’t cost much to winterize the system and you can rest easy all winter knowing your sprinkler system will be just fine come spring.  That assurance alone is worth money in the bank.

Blowing Out Sprinkler Systems

After you have turned off the water from the main valve, and be sure to mark it clearly once you find it, it’s time to manually drain the lines.  You can usually do this by opening the backflow preventor or hose bib.  It’s a nice start to the project.  Make sure you perform this chore when it is warm enough not to matter if you get a little wet.

Most people prefer to use an air compressor for blowing out sprinkler systems.  This helps to ensure that the lines are dry and there is no debris or rocks caught in any of the sprinkler lines.  A small air compressor can be used, but for speed and power you may want to go with one that can deliver at least 50 to 60 PSI of cubic feet per minute.  Larger ones will get the job done even faster.  You can always hire a professional to take of this chore for you if you are pressed for time or simply don’t feel up to the job.

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