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As a property manager or HOA board member, you know firsthand the challenges of balancing operational costs while maintaining a vibrant landscape. Irrigation costs can often feel like a constant uphill battle, especially in a city like Houston, where high costs are prevalent.
Understanding the factors that drive up irrigation expenses is crucial to finding practical solutions that not only save money but also promote sustainability. Let’s explore the challenges of commercial irrigation efficiency and several ways to optimize your irrigation practices so your landscape can thrive.
As a property manager or HOA board member, you know all too well how difficult it can be to reduce irrigation costs. But why does irrigation in Houston cost so much? Let’s look at what causes irrigation costs to soar in Texas so you can understand how to reduce irrigation water bills at your commercial property.
While there are several challenges to cost-effective irrigation here in Houston, reducing irrigation costs is a critical goal for businesses aiming to manage their resources efficiently and sustainably. Let’s look at some essential steps that can help you achieve significant water savings and cost reductions.
The first step to irrigation cost reduction is assessing your current water usage. At Monarch Landscape Management, we often review our commercial client’s water bills to analyze where and when water may be wasted before recommending any further changes like a smart irrigation system. Reviewing these water bills a year or so after implementing smart irrigation can help to see if repairs and updates have been effective as well.
Through monthly irrigation inspections with experienced and licensed irrigators, a landscape company can really identify what is causing inefficiency in your system. Here at Monarch, we analyze each zone and each and every sprinkler head within that zone to find broken or leaking heads and leaking lines. These initial inspections allow you to budget and plan for irrigation improvements in the future. As service continues, regular inspections can help prevent minor problems from turning into larger ones.
After an initial inspection and review has taken place, it is wise to address necessary repairs and take proactive measures to prevent water waste and reduce maintenance cost. Regularly checking for leaks, clogs, and broken sprinkler heads can significantly improve the efficiency of your irrigation system. Ensuring that all components are functioning correctly and adjusting sprinkler heads to avoid watering sidewalks or driveways can also prevent unnecessary water usage.
Seasonal inspections and adjustments can address changing plant needs and environmental conditions, ensuring that your landscape remains healthy and well-maintained year-round. By investing in regular maintenance and inspections, your business can not only save on water costs but also contribute to sustainable water management practices.
One of the most effective ways to reduce water usage and save on irrigation costs is by optimizing your irrigation schedule with a smart irrigation controller. Smart water technology, like Weathermatic, allows for the automatic adjustment features to adjust schedules in real time as weather patterns change to help reduce excess water usage. These advanced controllers utilize local weather data, soil moisture levels, and plant-specific water needs to create precise irrigation schedules, ensuring that your landscape receives the right amount of water at the right time.
Smart controllers can adjust irrigation schedules based on real-time weather data. For instance, they can delay or skip watering if rain is forecasted or if there is high humidity, preventing overwatering and saving money. These systems can also be tailored to the specific needs of different landscape zones. For example, shaded areas, sunny spots, and areas with different soil types can all receive customized water plans, ensuring optimal water distribution and plant health.
These smart irrigation controllers often come with features that track water usage as well, providing a valuable insight into your irrigation practices. By analyzing this data or partnering with a contractor that can help analyze it for you, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to further optimize water use.
Many smart irrigation solutions offer mobile apps and web interfaces, allowing you to monitor and control your irrigation system remotely. Here at Monarch, we handle managing these web interfaces, as learning how to operate the system can be challenging and time-consuming. From adjusting sprinkler heads to managing your smart irrigation controls, we’ve got the entire sprinkler system covered.
Sometimes, regardless of how efficient your watering practices are, there are plantings on your commercial property that struggle. Selecting drought-tolerant plants can be challenging, which is why we wrote an entire blog about it for you to reference, however, it can help significantly with irrigation cost reduction. Consider trying one of these native plants that perform well on Houston’s commercial landscapes:
Navigating the challenges of irrigation efficiency in Houston requires a proactive approach to water management. While we can’t alter Houston’s climate, there are numerous strategies you can implement to mitigate irrigation costs and promote sustainability as well.
At Monarch Landscape Management, we are committed to helping businesses and HOA’s in Houston achieve sustainable irrigation practices with cost savings. Our team of certified professionals is ready to analyze your system and explore innovative ways to reduce water usage without compromising your landscape’s quality. Together, we can make a positive impact on water conservation efforts and ensure a vibrant, sustainable landscape at your property for years to come.
Ready to enhance your irrigation system's efficiency and contribute to a greener, more efficient future? Get started by filling out our contact form.
Written By: Monarch Landscape Management
