Peacock
Irrigation
020 8464 9964
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to install my irrigation?
This will depend on the size of your garden,
the density of planting and the number of beds, pots and planters. A simple
system run from mains water might take 1-2 days. A larger system with
a water pump and reservoir tank might take 5 days. Extensive systems on
large properties can take up to 3 weeks.
When is the best time to have a system
installed?
We install systems throughout the year. In
spring and summer when plants and flowers are in full bloom, you may
have a clearer idea of the plants that require watering. In autumn and winter,
ground cover is less dense and it may be easier to install pipework
making the installation work quicker.
Will my lawn be damaged?
We do not necessarily need to disturb a lawn,
often sprinklers can be positioned around the border instead. If we do
need to lift turf, every effort is made to ensure that there is enough
soil left on the turf to keep it in good condition. Lawns will always recover,
the recovery time will depend on the type of soil, the season and the
length of time the turf has been lifted. You may be reasured by the fact
that we always make schematic diagrams of our irrigation systems to ensure
that pipework can be found again in the future!
What service is required after installation?
Your system should be shut down or "decommissioned" each autumn
as it is important to remove all standing water from the system to prevent
freeze damage. You may also wish for a start-up service or "recommission"
in Spring. Occasionally your system may need a service and we take
pride in our dependable maintenance service.
Will I have to shut off the system when it rains?
No, usually we will install an automatic rain sensor which
will turn the system off when it rains. It will automatically reset
itself when the rain ends so even if you are on holiday your system
knows what to do. We can also install rainwater harvesting tanks
to collect rainwater for use in your irrigation system.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
The best time to water is in the early morning or late evening.
This reduces evaporation and maintains sufficient moisture in the turf. In
addition, early morning watering reduces moisture related disease problems.
Make sure to adjust your automatic timers or sprinkler system to accommodate
the needs of your lawn when it gets hotter.
NB: Mowing lawns higher results in a deeper root system, and the
lawn will survive longer during a drought or water ban. Lawns with a lower
mowing height will develop a more dense canopy but the lawn will be less
hardy during drought.
How should I water my trees and shrubs?
Never water ornamental trees, shrubs and ground cover during the heat of the day - this can burn the leaves. Most of these plants require a great deal of water during their initial year. Water thoroughly at the base of the plant as needed, wet the plant's entire root system by watering over a large enough area. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated and remember that new plantings also require more and consistent moisture.
Further Information
Sprinklers tend to be used for areas of lawn or grass but
they can also be positioned to include surrounding borders.
In domestic gardens we generally install small pop-up sprinklers
in or around the lawn using underground pipework. This makes the
system invisible when not in use and the sprinkler 'pops up'
when watering commences. Typically we will set these systems to
operate early in the morning or in the evening when evaporation is
minimal.
Micro Sprays and Drip Lines are ideal for watering raised
beds, borders, baskets, pots, vegetable gardens, allotments,
greenhouses and poly tunnels. Drip lines are a very water efficient
way of watering, the drippers are spaced to ensure that each plant
or pot has a specific water supply.
We use a range of irrigation equipment and products including Philmac, Orbit, Antelco, Hunter, Hozelock, Gardena, Leaky pipe, Rainbird, Toro, Claber, Netafim, Holman and Geka. As an independent company we make use of a range of suppliers to obtain parts and products at competitive prices.
Kent ~ Irrigation Sprinklers Kent ~ Driplines Surrey ~ Rainwater Harvesting ~ Garden Watering Systems