Irrigation

The Top Choice Austin Landscaping Blog

How to retain water in your landscape

By Nolan Gore / June 27, 2024

Despite consistent watering, your grass and plants are likely showing the strain of a long, hot Austin summer. What can you do? Luckily we’ve still got a few tricks up our sleeves to retain water — saving whatever moisture we can so your ground and plants don’t dry up. 1. Don’t waste water: inspect your irrigation…

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Why Do You Need Mulch?

By Nolan Gore / June 20, 2024

Why do you need mulch in your flower beds? Especially here in Austin? To answer this question I went through several possible acronyms to describe why you need mulch. I ended up with… SIPS! (PISS didn’t seem like it was appropriate – though it may have been more memorable). Here’s why you need high-quality, native,…

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Multi-Stream Nozzles for More Efficient Irrigation

By The Top Choice Team / June 7, 2024

As you prepare your sprinkler system for the growing season, it’s worth considering an upgrade to multi-stream nozzles. These innovative nozzles can save water, improve coverage, and operate more effectively in low-pressure situations. Scott Ingalls, irrigation manager at Top Choice Lawn Care, explains the benefits of multi-stream nozzles and why they might be a smart…

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Adjusting Sprinkler Spray Pattern for Optimal Coverage

By The Top Choice Team / May 23, 2024

As you get your irrigation system up and running this spring, it’s important to check that your heads are providing proper coverage (i.e. adjusting your sprinkler spray pattern). Misaligned or clogged nozzles can lead to brown spots in some areas and overwatering in others. Here are some tips from Scott Ingalls, irrigation manager at Top…

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Spotting and Fixing Irrigation Leaks this Spring

By The Top Choice Team / May 14, 2024

As you fire up your sprinkler system for the first time this spring, it’s important to check for any leaks that may have developed over the winter. Catching and repairing leaks early can save water and money and prevent damage to your landscape. Here are some tips from Scott Ingalls, irrigation manager at Top Choice…

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How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding in Austin

By Nolan Gore / April 15, 2024

Why did God make mosquitoes? They suck (literally and figuratively).  Mosquitoes are not just annoying – they can also put your health at risk by transmitting diseases. That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites in your yard and protect your loved ones. Let’s discuss practical tips and tricks for…

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How to Winterize Your Backflow Preventer (Video)

By The Top Choice Team / January 5, 2024

Folks around the country will often shut off and drain their irrigation systems entirely before the winter, but because we rarely get deep freezes, that’s not really necessary in Central Texas. However, we still need to protect any above-ground exposed equipment: pipes, pumps, filters, and backflow preventers! Proper insulation and winterization are especially important this…

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How to Winterize your Irrigation System in Austin

By The Top Choice Team / January 2, 2024

Why do we winterize? We want to take care of our irrigation systems. Often times there are breaks in our systems after a long hard winter. Everyone knows that water expands when it freezes – we need to take this into consideration when we are preparing for the cold months. Make sure your system is…

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Austin Gardeners’ Winter Landscaping Checklist

By The Top Choice Team / December 29, 2023

Howdy, Austin gardeners! Winter has settled in, and it’s time to ensure your yard is prepped for a successful spring bloom. In this winter landscaping checklist, we’re dishing out tips and tricks to keep your garden in top-notch shape. From freeze protection to leak detection and strategic tree care, let’s make sure your yard thrives…

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Check Out this Austin Backyard Makeover

By The Top Choice Team / November 14, 2023

With a growing family of six, Bob Smith (a very fake client with a very real house) moved into a new home earlier this year. Things have been working out great, but the backyard left a little something to be desired. With little to no shade, grass, or landscaping, it was a dust bowl in…

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