Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about landscaping in general here in the Colorado area. Below, please find our answers. And, for convenience, you may have all of our questions compiled in a single document, suitable for printing. If you do not see your question answered here, please contact us at your convenience.
We also have created a single document for all of your sprinkler-related questions, which is also available for download and printing.
Sprinklers
- How long should the zones run?
- How to maintain a sprinkler system?
- How do I drain my sprinkler system?
- How do I activate my sprinkler system in the Spring?
Lawns
- How soon do you mow newly installed sod?
- How often do I need to fertilize and apply weed control?
- What is aerating and when should I do it?
- How do I care for hydroseeded areas?
Seasonal
Watering
How long should the zones run?
Different types of sprinkler heads put out different amounts of water and should run for different amounts of time. Small pop-up heads generally need to run 10-20 minutes per zone and rotor heads need 20-40 minutes per zone. We recommend cycle and soak watering. The soils in Colorado Springs are mostly of clay content. Clay cannot absorb water as fast as sprinklers can apply it. The 12 minute run times for pop-ups can be broken into three separate times of 4 minutes each and started three different times at about 1 hour intervals. This allows the ground time to soak up the water and not let it run off into the street.
How to maintain a sprinkler system?
Your irrigation system is very simple to maintain. Periodically check each zone for proper coverage and that nozzles are not clogged. Visually check all heads when going through system. Heads should cover all grass areas but not overspray hard edges and beds if possible. Sometimes the lawn shape requires the heads to overspray some beds, but know what that coverage should normally be. As seasons change you need to adjust your sprinkler timer to apply more or less water as seasonal temperatures dictate. Summer months require more water than spring and fall. Also be aware of freezing temperatures overnight that will require draining your backflow preventer. This is quick and easy. For your convenience, you may download instructions on draining and activating your sprinkler system.
How do I drain my sprinkler system?
Draining your backflow preventer is necessary to prevent costly freeze damage. Follow the directions below to drain it out. Turn off the water supply valve for the sprinkler system (A). This is generally in the mechanical room of the house. A 3/4-inch copper pipe tees off for the sprinkler system on the upleg of the main water line after the meter before it goes into the hot water heater. Open all inlet and outlet drain valves on the backflow preventer (B and E). Turn inlet and outlet ball valve handles to a 45 degree position (C and D). Open drain valve near water supply valve to drain water back from backflow preventer. Some systems have manual drains in valve boxes outside that also need to be opened to help gravity drain the system. Other systems are equipped with automatic drain valves. For your convenience, you may download instructions on draining and activating your sprinkler system.
How do I activate my sprinkler system in the Spring?
Activating your sprinkler system is simple. Follow the directions below to start automatic watering with your system. Remember that it may get cold enough to do damage some nights and to drain your system overnight and activate it again next morning if so desired. Close all inlet and outlet ball valves on the backflow preventer (those that were left at a 45 degree angle). Close any manual drain valves in valve boxes in the ground. Close all inlet and outlet test cock valves on the backflow preventer. Close the drain valve near the water supply valve for the sprinkler system. Slowly open the water supply valve to let water gently flow into the pipes. If the water is turned on full blast, damage may occur to excessive force by the water. Slowly open both inlet and outlet ball valves on the backflow preventer. Some water may flow out of the top of the bell housing on the PVB. This is normal. If it continues for several minutes try turning on an individual zone to release pressure. If that does not work, close the inlet ball valve and call our irrigation technicians for a service call. For your convenience, you may download instructions on draining and activating your sprinkler system.
How soon do you mow newly installed sod?
Your lawn should be mowed 10-14 days after being installed. It is more important for it to become established and get roots growing rather than to worry about the top growth. Turn off the sprinkler system a day before you mow to let the soil dry out to prevent the mower from causing ruts in the wet turf. Water immediately after mowing and return to the watering schedule. Do not let the grass get too long or it will be "shocked" and show signs of stress. Mow fescue and bluegrass to a height of 2 1/2" - 3 1/2". Cut no more than 1" of new growth per cut. Grass uses less water when the blades are longer rather than shorter. It shades the soil beneath to keep it cool and moist which reduces evaporation.
How often do I need to fertilize and apply weed control?
Fertilize your sod after the first mowing and every six to eight weeks thereafter using a well balanced fertilizer formulated for the Colorado Springs region. This type of fertilizer can be purchased from your local sod farm, nursery or garden center. Weeds are generally not common in new sod. In the event that a few do appear, spot spray with a broadleaf weed control and always follow the directions on the label. Never use roundup in a lawn area as it will kill everything it touches.
What is aerating and when should I do it?
Aeration is performed to alleviate compaction in the soil. Soils in lawn areas that receive heavy traffic get compacted and water and air cannot get to the roots as needed. Aerating pokes holes in the ground to allow the water and air to get down into the root zone. Aerating should be done in the spring and fall as necessary. When aerating, locate all sprinkler heads to prevent possible damage.
How do I care for hydroseeded areas?
Native seed areas and hydroseeded areas need water in order for the seed to germinate and become established. It is important that the soil be moist; not saturated but also not allowed to dry out. It typically takes 10-14 days for seed to germinate, then several more weeks for it to grow and become established. The germination time is most critical. If water is applied regularly for some time then the soil is allowed to dry out, the seed will die and new seed will need to be sown for any grass to grow. Water several times a day for short intervals over the first few weeks to ensure proper germination. Sprouts will emerge and grass will begin to grow and fill in. After the grass becomes established it should not need much if any supplemental watering. Native areas can be allowed to grow and not be mowed or can be mowed 2-3 times a season for a more manicured look.
Spring is the time to jump start your landscape. Start with a thorough spring cleaning of all unwanted debris. Fertilize all turf and plantings. We suggest a slow release granular fertilizer from a local nursery or garden center. Edging your lawn (cutting grass away from hard edges and beds) is a great way to give your property a clean look and great curb appeal. All American does not recommend aerating until the second season after sod installation at the earliest. When aerating and/or edging, locate all sprinkler heads throughout lawn area to prevent damage. Prune all shrubs and trees of any dead, broken, or unwanted branches to give a well manicured appearance. Most plants in this region look best with their natural growth habit and don't need to be sheared. Cut branches back to another live branch when pruning. This can be done to thin out a plant or reduce its overall shape and size. All dead material should be removed to prevent disease and insects from causing further damage. If perennials and ornamental grasses are a part of your landscape, cut them back to the height of the new growth appearing at the base of the plant; approximately 4-feet 8-inches above the ground. All plantings, including your lawn, are dependent on weather patterns and temperatures. Patience is important because not all plants leaf out at the same time. Springtime watering is essential to all your plants and lawn. As the weather permits, (above freezing temperatures) water with a hose or your sprinkler system. If watering with your sprinkler system, always be aware of possible freezing temperatures. If the forecast calls for below freezing temps, your backflow preventer will need to be drained.
Summer is a great time to sit back and enjoy your landscape with minimal chores. After adjusting the zone run times for rising temperatures, start thinking about that second application of fertilizer. Familiarize yourself with any local watering restrictions and how to deal with possible drought conditions. The city of Colorado Springs Utilities is an excellent resource for this. Visit Colorado Springs Utilities for help with these types of questions. Also the Colorado State University cooperative extension can provide helpful information for many horticultural needs. During the heat of the summer, your lawn may show signs of stress and may not have a picture perfect appearance. This is a normal reaction for the plant. Continue watering within possible restrictions and as cooler temperatures return your lawn will recover. Although the appearance is a bit more "shaggy", keeping your grass longer is healthier for it. Longer grass blades shade the soil and keep the root zone cooler and moister by reducing evaporation. A height of 3" is recommended for this reason. The goal for watering is for less frequency and longer run times. This watering pattern promotes deeper root growth which reduces drought stress because the roots can reach more available water than just what is near the surface. In addition, always maintain a sharp mower blade so the grass blade is cut rather than ripped.
Fall season is the best time of year in our opinion. All your trees, shrubs, and lawn have had all summer to thrive and put on new growth, maturing all the while. Your landscape can now relax and prepare to go dormant for the winter months. Start preparing your landscape for a restful winter by applying that last application of fertilizer. Trim back all perennials to a few inches above ground and mulch over them to prevent them from drying out. Clean up all the fallen leaves and debris. Reduce your sprinkler run times according to the weather conditions. Fall is the time to winterize your sprinkler system. The backflow preventer must be drained anytime the temperatures will be below freezing. Before the ground freezes (generally in November) it is best to blow out the sprinkler system with compressed air. This gets all the water out of the pipes and protects the in ground components from possible freeze damage.
Winter is an important time for your landscape. The Colorado Springs region does have mild temperatures in the winter months and it is typically the windy season. Plants can lose moisture through desiccation (drying out) of the branches. Winter watering is of utmost importance to your landscape and neglecting it can void your plant warrantee. When temperatures are well above freezing get a hose out and slowly apply water to all the plants. A slow trickle is best for the soil to be able to absorb the water. Evergreens are still using and transpiring water so definitely make sure all of them are watered and as long as you are out there it is best to water all the plants. The grass will also benefit from winter watering. Come springtime it will green up quicker and have a healthier look.
How much water should I apply to new sod?
It is very important to keep your new sod moist. It is under stress from being harvested from a sod farm and having its root system cut. Water stimulates new roots to grow and helps get the sod established in its new location; your yard. You don't want the sod to be too soggy, but more water is better than less. Pay attention to the weather forecast as hot temperatures and wind will dry out new sod quickly. New sod should be watered 2-3 times per day the first few days. Over the next week it should be watered 1-2 times per day depending on the time of year. (cooler temps in spring and fall require less water, hotter temps in summer require more) After 10-12 days only water once per day preferably in the morning when there is less wind. After 17-19 days only water once every other day. Finally after 24-27 days water once a day 2-3 times per week or as water restrictions govern.
How much water do plants need?
Trees, shrubs, and perennials need to be kept moist but not saturated in water. Pay close attention to the moisture of the soil at the base of all plants. Move the mulch or rock aside and feel with your hand to see if the soil is moist, dry, or too wet. Change the watering schedule to adapt to the particular needs of the conditions. Remember to place the mulch or rock back to cover the exposed soil.
Occasionally drought conditions are present in the Colorado Springs region. Watering restrictions may be put in place by local authorities so be aware if you are only allowed to water on certain days at certain times. Deep infrequent watering is the healthiest watering pattern for all plants. This promotes deep root growth that allows the water to reach more available water than just what is near the soil surface. Bluegrass lawn is surprisingly drought tolerant. Although it appears brown and stressed during high temperatures, it is merely going dormant to protect itself. When enough water is applied and temperatures cool off, it will green back up nicely. Plants may suffer from drought as well. They will not put on as much if any new growth in order to survive through the season or until more water is applied. Flowering may be reduced as well in order to protect the plant as a whole. Flowering takes more energy and plants are smart and do enough to survive rather than thrive. If there is dieback due to drought, prune out all dead material to prevent disease and insects from causing further loss.