Add a Rain Sensor to Your Irrigation System

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Watering in the Rain: Why is my sprinkler coming on when it’s pouring rain?

Have you ever seen sprinklers running when it’s raining? The worst is when there is enough precipitation that the ground is saturated. The rain combined with the irrigation is causing the water to pool or run off wastefully.

So why does this happen on some properties and not on others? The solution is quite simple. A rain sensor added to your irrigation system can monitor the moisture levels and ensure that it is only watering when moisture is required.

We install, service and maintain irrigation systems and rain sensors in Strathmore and surrounding area.

I have an irrigation system but it doesn’t have a sensor, can I have one added after the fact?

The good news is that we can retrofit your system to work with a sensor.

But water is still relatively cheap, will adding a sensor really pay off?

A lot of factors play into this, including the cost of water in your area, how much rain you typically receive and the area that you’re watering.

We realize that overuse of water the odd time may not counteract the cost of a unit, but there is more to the story than a few bucks saved on your annual water bill.

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isn’t proper drainage, too much water can be harmful to plants, foundations and structures.

Keep in mind that the cost of water is only going up, and that a sensor will save you for many years to come.

The added bonus of a rain sensor is perception – do your part for the environment and stop watering in the rain!

I have a sensor but my sprinklers still kick in when there is rain forecasted for a few hours later.

Spoiler alert! A rain sensor is not able to predict that it will be raining in a couple of hours.

wiresless rain sensor Landscape Plus Hunter Rain Clik photo
Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor Unit

What is the quality of the unit and will I have an ongoing maintenance cost?

The unit installed by Landscape Plus professionals is an industry-leading wireless sensor that will do the job well and not become a make-work project for you.

 

What does it cost to get a rain sensor added to my irrigation system?

At Landscape Plus, we can provide and install a wireless unit to an existing irrigation system. We recommend including one with all new irrigation systems. Click here to order now!

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

patio paver

Paving Stone patio, driveway or walkway

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Set in Stone: Paving Stone Is An Affordable Way to Add Lasting Curb Appeal and Low Maintenance Function

Paving stones come in different colours and sizes and can be laid in several different patterns.paving stone

In the Calgary area (Strathmore, Langdon, Indus, Chestermere) we source products from reputable manufacturing companies to ensure quality. Our preferred suppliers have their options online at Belgard and Barkman. Tell us what you like; we take care of it from there!)

Surprisingly versatile, paving stones can be used for pathways, patios and driveways. The most crucial step is the preparation of the site. If this step is overlooked or rushed or ill-considered, expect problems down the road!

When you hire a crew from Landscape Plus, you can rest assured that the foundation is properly laid for a solid project that will last for years to come.

Here’s what you can expect from our crew:

  • The soil is excavated out to a minimum depth of 8″.
  • Crush gravel is used as a base material.
  • It is well tamped to make sure the base doesn’t shift in any way.
  • Once the grades have been set and the finished surface will have a sufficient slope for drainage the paving stones are laid on a bed of sand.
  • A retaining edger needs to be installed on the outside of the stone to keep them tight and avoid shifting.

And that’s just the prep work!

Finishing your paving stone patio, driveway or walkway

Once we have properly prepared the site, we get to work on the fun part, laying the patio stones into place. A polymeric jointing sand is spread and swept into the cracks while a tamper runs over the stone many times. This firms up the stone by filling in the cracks with the jointing sand. Then the patio is wet down with a mist to activate the polymeric agent and the paving stones can now be used for many years to come.

Unlike concrete, the stones can be lifted and any cracks can be filled to have a smooth surface at all times. A stone lasts for many years. The European cobble walks and roadways can attest to that! Check out some of our past projects on Facebook or Instagram.

What does it cost to get a paving stone patio, driveway or walkway?

At Landscape Plus, we typically charge $25.00* per square foot which includes the materials, labour and equipment. Click here to contact us and get a quote today!

*Price estimate for typical materials as per 2021. Rates subject to change. Travel charges may apply.

birch leafminer sample landscape plus

Birch Leafminer Systemic Injection Service

Posted by Landscape Plus on

An emerging treatment proves promising for birch trees

birch tree healthy landscape plus
Sample of a healthy birch tree

What is Birch Leafminer and does it occur in Southern Alberta?

Birch Leafminers are sawflies, which are closely related to bees and wasps. They are among the most common insect pests affecting Birch trees in North America.

Native Birch varieties include Paper (aka Canoe Birch or Silver Birch), River, Bog (aka Dwarf Birch or Swamp Birch).

Areas inside the leaves are consumed by the larvae, affecting the leaves’ ability to produce food. Browning of birch leaves is apparent annually in mid-July and August, but the leafminers have been feeding inside the leaf tissue since early spring. Wikipedia

Are your trees infected with Birch Leafminer?

birch tree in winter landscape plus
Birch trees provide visual interest in winter due to their infamous bark

Calgary and Strathmore area homeowners are reporting Birch Leafminer as an issue in recent years. If you’re not sure if you have it, check birch trees for tell-tale brown patches on the leaves. This is evidence that caterpillar-like larvae are feeding inside your tree.

If I have an infected tree what can I do?

It is possible that left untreated, the Birch Leafminer infestation will be taken care of naturally as populations of wasps eventually get the sawflies under control. However, repeated infestation over a number of years can weaken the affected tree so intervention might be desired.

It is always a good idea to keep your birch healthy by ensuring it’s well-watered.

Landscape Plus is currently working with an arborist who will provide a service to treat your birch tree with a systemic insecticide. This relatively new treatment is a systemic injection, which looks promising with two-year effectiveness in combatting Birch Leafminer.

Is there a certain time of year that the systemic injection must be done?

The treatments must be done in mid to late May, so book now!

Did you know? The peeling bark of the Birch tree will add winter interest to your landscape.

gardening prize package 2021

10 Days of Isolation – 2021 Gardening Prize Package

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Landscape Plus “10 Days of Isolation” Facebook & Insta Contest

Enter to win a 2021 Gardening Prize Package*, Valued over $300!

The prize package is fully transferable and the winner will be announced the week of April 26th, so it could make a great Mother’s Day gift!

In order to win you must:

  1. Be a resident of Alberta age 18 or older
  2. Like/follow our Facebook page or Instagram page
  3. Tag a friend who is interested in gardening   
  4. Watch our Facebook page to Like, Share & Comment on the daily prize announcements to increase your odds of winning

Contest details:

Starting Apr 16, 2021, Landscape Plus will post one prize daily for ten days. Each day, you can like, share and comment on the prize post, each action is an entry to the contest. We use third-party software to randomly select one person daily from all actions on the post, this person’s name will be entered into the final draw (assuming all other criteria are met, #1, 2 & 3 above).

Contest closes on the 10th day (April 25th, 2021) at midnight. The week of April 26th, one name will be selected to win ALL TEN prizes. The prize is transferable, the winner will be contacted and asked if they wish to receive the prize or gift it. This information will be announced and shared on our social media pages.

*The 2021 Gardening Prize Package includes a cumulation 9 items + delivery & instructions for use of your gardening prize package. In a series of 10 social posts, we will reveal the complete prize package. PLEASE NOTE: Not all items will be exactly as pictured. Upon randomly selecting the winner from contest entries, we will contact the winner to arrange free delivery IF you are within Strathmore, otherwise, you will need to arrange for pickup/delivery of your package and instructions will be given over the phone.

The contest is closed to Landscape Plus employees, subcontractors and affiliates. Any activity by Landscape Plus and/or its affiliates on the campaign posts will not be included in the draw. Click here to contact us with any questions or concerns.

 

Hardscape & Softscape: What is the difference?

Posted by Landscape Plus on

There is a lot to consider when it comes to landscaping your commercial or residential property. Ideally, a well-designed landscape incorporates a balance between the hardscape and softscape & that both elements are proportionate to the property size. So what exactly does each entail?

Hardscape is the structural, heavy-duty aspects of landscaping. Decisions will be around shape, foundation and drainage system of the yard. This usually entails hard materials such as concrete, bricks, and stone which makes it the more expensive part of your budget. It is also more permanent than soft landscaping and requires hiring a professional with the right experience and equipment to put everything in place.

Many of your outdoor lifestyle features are hardscape such as paths or patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, gazebos and decks. Landscapers will help to ensure that there is a flow to these elements so you, your family and guests can relax and enjoy the different areas.

Continue reading “Hardscape & Softscape: What is the difference?” →