BLOGS

Protecting Your Water Supply – Backflow Prevention
When water flows in the opposite direction than intended, contamination of drinking water can occur. This backflow, caused by a loss of pressure in supply lines or an increase of pressure on the user’s end, can introduce contaminants into water lines. There have even been instances of worms getting into drinking water this way! This is one of the reasons to contact a licensed professional such as Nations Outdoors to ensure you have an effective backflow prevention assembly in place. We have trained professionals who can install this equipment and test your system to make sure it conserves water and protects our drinking water from intrusion, as well as installing new irrigation systems.
Water Conservation – Irrigation System Tune-up
Tune-ups will not only help in repairing leaks or preventing damage, but it will also help conserve water, thus saving you money on your water bill. There are several ways to conserve water both inside and outside. Always remember to follow the schedule provided by your county. This is much easier if you have a programmable irrigation system. A programmable irrigation system allows you to set it and adjust the run-time based on various conditions. It’s good to know that most lawns typically only need up to one inch of water per week. Conservation is particularly important during the spring and summer months when drought conditions can arise. Your irrigation system is no different than any other expensive investment such as your car, pool, or AC system. You expect them to be reliable and in order for this to occur it’s important for homeowners to maintain and properly service their irrigation systems annually. Proper care of your system will help run it to run more efficiently, which will also provide you with better results in your garden and lawn without wasting water.
About Nations Outdoors
Nations Outdoors is a family-owned and operated business that is fully licensed and insured. We provide system design, new sprinkler installations, modification or retrofitting service irrigation repairs, and irrigation maintenance. Please give us a call to schedule your appointment today.

How much water does my lawn need?
For most Florida soils, 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water per application is enough to replenish the grass. During the summer months, up to an inch of water per application can be needed. This is where a correct sprinkler system could come into use. Sandy soils could use more watering from your sprinklers than silt or clay.
How does watering your lawn change throughout the year?
In central Florida, the suggested sprinkler watering schedule averages two days a week, with an irrigation run time that varies by month.
During springtime expect to water your lawn 1-2 times a week, summer 2 times a week, fall 1-2 times a week, and in winter 1 time a week.
Do I have to water my plants separately?
Depending on the area of your plants, your sprinkler irrigation system may be enough. Shady garden beds don’t dry out as fast as sunny spots, so you may have to adjust your irrigation system accordingly.
Need a way to test coverage?
Place several shallow flat bottom containers (ex. tuna cans) around your yard in each sprinkler zone. After the sprinkler system completes its cycle, use a ruler to measure the depth of the water in each container. Increase or decrease the amount of time the sprinkler system runs based on the measured amount of water you find.