Smart Sprinklers
You might have heard of timed sprinklers, programed to turn on and off for a certain period of time during the week. But smart lawn irrigation technology takes sprinklers beyond the realm of traditional timers. Smart sprinklers allow you the options of watering your lawn anytime, but you can also control how much water is used.These sprinkler systems can also be connected to an information stream that lets it know the weather pattern, and adjust watering accordingly. For example, if it is going to rain, smart sprinklers will not water your lawn. Some sprinkler systems also have sensors that monitor soil moisture, in order to reduce or increase watering on particularly wet and hot days respectively.
Studies have found that smart watering systems can save up to 20 percent on water use, and can reduce water lost from runoff by as much as 50 percent. With a lawn watering system that can eventually pay for itself, while saving you time spent programing, smart sprinklers will be making their way onto plenty of lawns this year.
Robotic Lawn Mowers
With roombas and other indoor cleaning robots, the use of robotic lawnmowers may come as no surprise to you. In fact, automated mowers have been around for years. However, 2013 brings with it new innovations not seen before in robotic lawn care.The automated lawn care firm Husqvarna offers a mower with zero emissions, no weather restrictions (it’ll mow rain or shine), and low noise emissions as well. The company Lawnbotts also offers self-charging models with similar features, such as an obstacle and sprinkler detection system. Both firms offer models that can handle hills, and have safety features for automatic shut off (i.e. tilt and lift sensors).
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Rotating Sprinkler Nozzles (RSN)
Innovations in sprinkler technology have also helped contribute to lowering water use, while increasing the amount of water that gets to your lawn. RSNs are similar to normal sprinkler heads, except the nozzle rotates as it emits water. Instead of putting out a thin mist of water, they put out larger water droplets in rotating streams. As a result, less water lost to wind than with traditional nozzles.RSNs can also reduce runoff, and can still provide even coverage if run on low pressure water systems. It’s been shown that as a result of these features, you can water your lawn more effectively with 20 percent less water. Depending on where you live, you can also qualify for a government rebate for switching to a RSN system.
Liquid Aeration
Aerating your lawn can provide many benefits, allowing water and other nutrients to infiltrate into the soil and roots of grass. Doing so can also lessen your lawn’s need for fertilizers. However, the traditional method has involved renting or buying aerating equipment that covers your lawn in unsightly plugs.New liquid aerators can provide you with the same benefits by simply attaching a plug-on to your garden hose. As a result, you can save money on the equipment and avoid creating an ugly lawn covered with holes.
Liquid aerators help loosen soil that is compacted, and create microspores that allow water and air into the soil. Many aerating solutions also include organic components to help the microbes in the soil of your lawn. Liquid aeration can also be done any time during the year, instead of having to wait until spring or fall.
With summers becoming increasingly drier and gas more expensive, an increasing number of people will be switching to these water-conserving and emission-free alternatives this year. Keep a lookout, because these new technologies may even make their way onto your or a neighbor’s lawn.
Mike PiwonkaAbout the Guest Author:
Mike Piwonka is the owner of The Grass Outlet in Austin, Texas. The Grass Outlet is a third-generation Austin turfgrass grower dedicated to providing quality sod to homes in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
