How to Drain a PVB Backflow to Prepare for Freezing

The weatherman is forecasting that the temperatures are going to drop below freezing TONIGHT!
 WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!!! MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM HASN'T BEEN 
WINTERIZED FOR THE SEASON YET!!!
Almost everyone who lives in a colder climate has been in this position because the weather often changes overnight from Fall to Winter.

 That is why we are here to help with this simple How-To that will HELP PREVENT freeze damage at your PVB Backflow until you can have your sprinkler system winterized properly.

Call us today if you have questions and to get on our schedule to get your system winterized!

Please remember that we cannot guarantee that this will prevent freeze damage.

  This will simply increase your chances of avoiding freeze damage.

What is a back flow preventer?

Most sprinkler systems have a back flow preventer installed, and it is a very important part of your system to understand.  It is above ground making it susceptible to freeze damage which could result in expensive repairs or even water damage.  It is also a quick and convenient location to shut the water off to your sprinklers in case of a mainline break without having climb your crawl space.

If you don't have a back flow preventer, you should.  It protects outside contaminants from accidentally entering your drinking water.  Call or email us today if you would like more information.

Are you throwing money away OR jeopardizing your sprinkler system because of cold weather snaps?

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

WE ARE HERE TO SAVE YOU MONEY AND TIME!  

Introducing:

Toro Wireless Rain and Freeze Sensors -

Sophisticated water-management technology housed in a dependable device that is easy to use. 

MONEY SAVINGS

The sensor automatically STOPS your sprinkler system when it is raining or has been raining, so you do not waste money watering your lawn unnecessarily.  In addition, this sensor is also detects when the  temperature drops and automatically STOPS your sprinkler system saving you money by helping prevent damage to your system.

TIME

Your time is valuable, and we want to help you conserve it!  The sensor will save you many unneeded appointments to adjust and repair your sprinkler system because of weather and damage!

INNOVATION

All sensors are compatible with just about all electric timers with or without sensor      connections. Includes a large LCD that displays signal strength, temperature, low battery, and allows for easy programming like digital freeze sensor adjustments.

RELIABILITY

In addition to Toro’s highly regarded innovation, the Rain Sensor is backed by a three-year warranty.

PRACTICALITY

Sensor includes maintenance-free sensing disks and adjustable rain sensitivity.

**We are offering a special discount if you have your Rain & Freeze Sensor installed in the month of August!  

Call our office for details!!

Are you afraid to change the settings on your sprinkler clock?

So often, we have people call our office because they don't want to mess us the settings on their sprinkler clock but want to adjust their watering times because of weather changes or season changes.  

There is an easy solution that doesn't require changing the programming set up by your sprinkler technician!  

All you need to do is change your SEASONAL ADJUST percentage.  

Here's how:

As always, call our office if you have any questions.  We are here to help!

How to Adjust a Rain Bird Rotor Head

Sprinklers are a journey, not a destination, and as such, they frequently need to be adjusted.  Here is a tutorial that outlines the steps to adjust a Rain Bird rotor head.  

As always, call us if you have any questions.

Should I fertilize my lawn before starting my sprinklers?

Every year I get panicked phone calls from people about lawn fertilizer applications and sprinkler operation. They are panicked usually because their lawn fertilization company has just left and advised them to run their sprinklers at a specific time after the application; HOWEVER, they haven't had their sprinkler system started for the season yet!
Because it is very difficult to get on a schedule within that small of a time frame, I always advise my customers to be sure their sprinkler system is operational BEFORE your lawn fertilizer appointment.
SO, the answer to this question:

 Should I have my sprinkler system started before my first fertilizer and weed control application?
YES! 
Even if you know how to start your own sprinkler system, ALWAYS get it operational BEFORE you schedule your first lawn fertilization and weed control application.  

 Waiting until the day before or the day of your first treatment to turn your system on may result in finding out that something is broken and has to be repaired before you are able to run your system!

Call us today if you have more questions and to get on our schedule to get your system started!

Spring Sprinkler Start-ups for Bozeman, MT

Spring is here!

You may be wondering when it will be time to start up your irrigation system . . . There is not a magic date that your lawn will be ready.  Once the weather is staying consistently warmer, generally by the end of April or beginning of May, you will want to be on the schedule!

Let Us Help!

It isn't always as easy as just turning things back on from last year.  We will inspect your system to make sure that it is ready to go for the season!

What to Expect

We will perform a thorough check of your system.

Perform a visual inspection for any obvious signs of damage.

Reattach any aspect of the system that was detached during the fall.

Check that all the valves are open. Connect the water source.

Carefully fill up the system with water.

Pressurize the system by sealing off all valves and the drain.

Check each station’s operation and analyze the overall functionality.

Make adjustments and repairs as necessary.

Set your sprinkler controller to water appropriately for the season.

Make suggestions for optimal performance.

Answer any questions you may have about your system.

Troubleshooting and Repairs

Over the winter, various things can happen resulting in needed adjustments and repairs.  
We will be able to check your system for:

Broken sprinkler heads

Blocked sprinkler heads

Clogged nozzles

Broken valves

Mixed spray zones

Ineffective nozzle/spray patterns

Improper water pressure

Lack of head-to-head coverage

and more!

Without a Stay Green Sprinklers technician  checking your irrigation system, you may run into problems.
We will do it the right way, the first time, so you are able to spend your summer having fun instead of dealing with your automatic irrigation system! 
There is also still time to take advantage of our Early-Buy Discounts for the season!  

Call or email us today to schedule your spring sprinkler start-up today!

Now that the snow is gone, we are starting and repairing sprinkler systems daily and would love to take care of yours too!

Call or email our office today to take advantage of these discounts before May 1st!

What Can I Do To Prepare My Lawn For Summer?

Spring is coming even though it may not feel like it quite yet!  

As the snow begins to melt, it is a good time to idea to rake your lawn.  Thatch is the build up of grass clippings and other material on your grass and the top of the soil.  It isn't necessarily a bad thing until it becomes too thick.  Generally, if the thatch is a half an inch or more, it will need to be raked.  If it it less, you can wait until fall to do a deep raking because a light thatch can actually be good for your lawn by holding in excess moisture.  However, this excess moisture is also what can lead to problems such as mold.  When you are checking your lawn's thatch, it is also a great time to check for areas of mold which will most likely be found in low-sun areas.  If your thatch looks okay, but you have areas of mold, it is a good idea to rake those areas to allow more airflow.

We hope you have found this tip helpful!

It's That Time Again! Early-Buy Sprinkler Postcards Are Out!

Each spring we send our customers postcards offering them our Preferred Customer Early-Buy Discount!  If you didn't receive your postcard, please let me know!  I would be happy to resend it or provide you with the pertinent information, so you can take advantage of these sprinkler savings!

Please call us if you would like more information!  We can't wait to get started for the season!

How to Drain a PVB Backflow to Prepare for Freezing

The weatherman is forecasting that the temperatures are going to drop below freezing TONIGHT!
 WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!!! MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM HASN'T BEEN 
WINTERIZED FOR THE SEASON YET!!!
Almost everyone who lives in a colder climate has been in this position because the weather often changes overnight from Fall to Winter.

 That is why we are here to help with this simple How-To that will HELP PREVENT freeze damage at your PVB Backflow until you can have your sprinkler system winterized properly.

Call us today if you have questions and to get on our schedule to get your system winterized!

Please remember that we cannot guarantee that this will prevent freeze damage.

  This will simply increase your chances of avoiding freeze damage.

What are the parts of a PVB Backflow Preventer?

Are you throwing money away OR jeopardizing your sprinkler system because of cold weather snaps?

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

WE ARE HERE TO SAVE YOU MONEY AND TIME!  

Introducing:

Toro Wireless Rain and Freeze Sensors -

Sophisticated water-management technology housed in a dependable device that is easy to use. 

MONEY SAVINGS

The sensor automatically STOPS your sprinkler system when it is raining or has been raining, so you do not waste money watering your lawn unnecessarily.  In addition, this sensor is also detects when the  temperature drops and automatically STOPS your sprinkler system saving you money by helping prevent damage to your system.

TIME

Your time is valuable, and we want to help you conserve it!  The sensor will save you many unneeded appointments to adjust and repair your sprinkler system because of weather and damage!

INNOVATION

All sensors are compatible with just about all electric timers with or without sensor      connections. Includes a large LCD that displays signal strength, temperature, low battery, and allows for easy programming like digital freeze sensor adjustments.

RELIABILITY

In addition to Toro’s highly regarded innovation, the Rain Sensor is backed by a three-year warranty.

PRACTICALITY

Sensor includes maintenance-free sensing disks and adjustable rain sensitivity.

**We are offering a special discount if you have your Rain & Freeze Sensor installed in the month of August!  

Call our office for details!!

Are you afraid to change the settings on your sprinkler clock?

So often, we have people call our office because they don't want to mess us the settings on their sprinkler clock but want to adjust their watering times because of weather changes or season changes.  

There is an easy solution that doesn't require changing the programming set up by your sprinkler technician!  

All you need to do is change your SEASONAL ADJUST percentage.  

Here's how:

As always, call our office if you have any questions.  We are here to help!

How to Adjust a Rain Bird Rotor Head

Sprinklers are a journey, not a destination, and as such, they frequently need to be adjusted.  Here is a tutorial that outlines the steps to adjust a Rain Bird rotor head.  

As always, call us if you have any questions.

Should I fertilize my lawn before starting my sprinklers?

Every year I get panicked phone calls from people about lawn fertilizer applications and sprinkler operation. They are panicked usually because their lawn fertilization company has just left and advised them to run their sprinklers at a specific time after the application; HOWEVER, they haven't had their sprinkler system started for the season yet!
Because it is very difficult to get on a schedule within that small of a time frame, I always advise my customers to be sure their sprinkler system is operational BEFORE your lawn fertilizer appointment.
SO, the answer to this question:

 Should I have my sprinkler system started before my first fertilizer and weed control application?
YES! 
Even if you know how to start your own sprinkler system, ALWAYS get it operational BEFORE you schedule your first lawn fertilization and weed control application.  

 Waiting until the day before or the day of your first treatment to turn your system on may result in finding out that something is broken and has to be repaired before you are able to run your system!

Call us today if you have more questions and to get on our schedule to get your system started!

Spring Sprinkler Start-ups for Bozeman, MT

Spring is here!

You may be wondering when it will be time to start up your irrigation system . . . There is not a magic date that your lawn will be ready.  Once the weather is staying consistently warmer, generally by the end of April or beginning of May, you will want to be on the schedule!

Let Us Help!

It isn't always as easy as just turning things back on from last year.  We will inspect your system to make sure that it is ready to go for the season!

What to Expect

We will perform a thorough check of your system.

Perform a visual inspection for any obvious signs of damage.

Reattach any aspect of the system that was detached during the fall.

Check that all the valves are open. Connect the water source.

Carefully fill up the system with water.

Pressurize the system by sealing off all valves and the drain.

Check each station’s operation and analyze the overall functionality.

Make adjustments and repairs as necessary.

Set your sprinkler controller to water appropriately for the season.

Make suggestions for optimal performance.

Answer any questions you may have about your system.

Troubleshooting and Repairs

Over the winter, various things can happen resulting in needed adjustments and repairs.  
We will be able to check your system for:

Broken sprinkler heads

Blocked sprinkler heads

Clogged nozzles

Broken valves

Mixed spray zones

Ineffective nozzle/spray patterns

Improper water pressure

Lack of head-to-head coverage

and more!

Without a Stay Green Sprinklers technician  checking your irrigation system, you may run into problems.
We will do it the right way, the first time, so you are able to spend your summer having fun instead of dealing with your automatic irrigation system! 
There is also still time to take advantage of our Early-Buy Discounts for the season!  

Call or email us today to schedule your spring sprinkler start-up today!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET THIS GREAT DEAL!!

Now that the snow is gone, we are starting and repairing sprinkler systems daily and would love to take care of yours too!

Call or email our office today to take advantage of these discounts before May 1st!

What Can I Do To Prepare My Lawn For Summer?

Spring is coming even though it may not feel like it quite yet!  

As the snow begins to melt, it is a good time to idea to rake your lawn.  Thatch is the build up of grass clippings and other material on your grass and the top of the soil.  It isn't necessarily a bad thing until it becomes too thick.  Generally, if the thatch is a half an inch or more, it will need to be raked.  If it it less, you can wait until fall to do a deep raking because a light thatch can actually be good for your lawn by holding in excess moisture.  However, this excess moisture is also what can lead to problems such as mold.  When you are checking your lawn's thatch, it is also a great time to check for areas of mold which will most likely be found in low-sun areas.  If your thatch looks okay, but you have areas of mold, it is a good idea to rake those areas to allow more airflow.

We hope you have found this tip helpful!

It's That Time Again! Early-Buy Sprinkler Postcards Are Out!

Each spring we send our customers postcards offering them our Preferred Customer Early-Buy Discount!  If you didn't receive your postcard, please let me know!  I would be happy to resend it or provide you with the pertinent information, so you can take advantage of these sprinkler savings!

Please call us if you would like more information!  We can't wait to get started for the season!