Environmental Insights

We all feel the increased cost of groceries lately, and analysts predict prices will continue to grow for the foreseeable future.  One of the significant factors driving this is an incredible rise in fertilizer costs, due to raw material scarcity and rising fuel costs.  In most cases, farmers have to make an economic decision to either reduce fertilization levels or skip an application altogether, resulting in lower yields.  It's a lose-lose proposition, but it doesn't have to be.

Irrigation systems are one of those things that people don’t think about while they’re working. It’s only when there’s trouble that people pay attention to them. But like virtually everything else in this world – our homes, our cars, even our relationships – in order to keep things working properly, they do need a little TLC.

Having a beautiful property is an investment in planning, planting, and maintaining it. Doing it right is a financial investment, but like any investment, if you manage it right, it will pay dividends for many years to come.

If you’re a property owner or manager, then chances are you’ve heard the phrase “smart watering” before. Though not exactly a new concept, smart watering systems have exploded in popularity in the past five years, with people all over the world looking to improve the efficiency of their landscapes. 

Many landowners swear by this money-saving irrigation method, both to reduce water waste and to improve the long-term health of their plants and lawns. In this article, we'll explore the science and benefits of smart watering systems, and show you how to get the most from your smart water system. 

There is a common myth that running a business sustainably is expensive. It’s an understandable misconception. In recent years the market has exploded with overpriced products claiming to be eco-friendly, on the condition that businesses pay big bucks for installation and upkeep, not to mention the fees should something go wrong. 

When you picture the perfect outdoor space, what do you see? Greenery? Flowers? Shaded areas? Perhaps a bubbling boulder, or a small pond? Each of us has different ideas about what makes a space great, but the chances are, they will all share one thing in common: life. 

Georgians know how to handle the heat. Summers in Georgia regularly move the mercury well past 100 degrees. Drought conditions, sometimes lasting weeks, are not uncommon.

While most of us are able to watch the dog days of summer from our air-conditioned living rooms, our plants, lawns, and gardens have nowhere to go.

‘But plants love the sun,’ you might say. Sure, you’re not wrong. But it is important to remember that plants only love the sun if they’re getting enough water.

Erosion control is a major concern on construction sites for a wide variety of reasons: safety, aesthetics, cost control, and environmental concerns. There are many ways to address and prevent erosion problems, many of which I addressed in detail here. But today I’d like to delve a little deeper into the concept.

Water is essential to life, and vital to the progress of civilizations. It is delightful to sip on a hot summer day or to watch falling gracefully into a fountain basin. However, water becomes an insidious foe when it decides to start pouring into your basement or collecting in sodden pools on your lawn.

Drainage, therefore, is a constant concern in the landscape. There are various devices designed to direct water over and through the landscape. Sometimes the terms can get confusing, so today I’d like to clarify the difference between three of the most common water diversion mechanisms: trench drains vs. French drains vs. swales.

Spring is undoubtedly the most exciting time of year in the landscape. The full creative energies of Mother Nature are bursting forth, with new blooms and new growth everywhere. And all that lush plant material calls for a lot of water! Which, of course, means you’ll want your irrigation system tuned up and ready to handle the job.

Just as with any other mechanical system, it’s very important to inspect your irrigation system regularly. An irrigation inspection, or irrigation audit, will help you discover and avoid problems such as leaks or broken components that could cause damage to your landscape and/or raise your water bill.

You can inspect your irrigation system yourself, if you feel comfortable doing so and have the time. Otherwise, contact us for a professional irrigation system inspection.