Landscape Maintenance
The Irrigation Mistakes Costing Commercial Properties Thousands
A well-maintained irrigation system is crucial for commercial properties, ensuring plant health, conserving water, and reducing costs. For property managers, irrigation efficiency can mean the difference between a thriving landscape and expensive repairs. David Cerda, Irrigation Superintendent at Southern Botanical, shares the most common—and costly—mistakes he sees in commercial irrigation maintenance and how to prevent them.
Common Irrigation Mistakes That Waste Water & Money
One of the most frequent issues on commercial properties is improper irrigation repairs. “Often, we see systems where repairs weren’t made with the original design specifications in mind,” says Cerda. “For example, a zone designed for 6-inch pressure-regulated spray (PRS) heads with 12-foot nozzles may end up with mismatched nozzles over time. This leads to overspray onto hardscapes or dry patches where plants don’t get enough water, negatively impacting landscape health and curb appeal.”
Another major issue is the lack of hydrozoning, which groups plants with similar water needs together. “Different areas of a landscape have different watering needs,” explains Cerda. “If a zone waters both drought-tolerant plants like Red Yucca and flowers with high watering needs, one will be overwatered, and the other will be underwatered. This inefficiency not only affects plant health but also drives up water bills—something every property manager wants to avoid.”
How to Tell If Your Sprinkler System Is Overwatering or Leaking
Property managers should be on the lookout for these signs that their irrigation system needs attention:
- Water runoff: If you see water running down sidewalks or parking lots, there’s likely a leak that needs urgent attention.
- Low pressure in zones: This can indicate a pipe break, clogged filters, or malfunctioning valves, leading to uneven watering and potential plant loss.
- Consistently saturated areas: A spot that stays wet regardless of the time of day may signal a leaking valve, which can lead to soil erosion and safety hazards.
- Unexplained spikes in water bills: This is often the first sign of hidden leaks that could be costing your property thousands.
“If you suspect a leak, one of the easiest ways to check is to look at your water meter when no water is running. If the meter is moving, you’ve got a leak somewhere,” Cerda advises. Upgrades may also be necessary if the system lacks smart technology, or has excessive misting and over spraying.
How Regular Maintenance Can Save Water & Money
Routine irrigation inspections can significantly reduce costs and prevent major failures before they happen. Southern Botanical provides comprehensive assessments that go beyond checking for broken sprinklers.
“We assess the controller, backflow device, weather sensors, air cards, water meters, and provide recommendations for improvements,” Cerda explains. “On large commercial properties leaks can go unnoticed until the next water bill arrives. Regular inspections help prevent that.”
Water-saving irrigation tips, such as using pressure-regulated spray heads and matched precipitation rate nozzles, can improve efficiency.
Combatting Texas Drought Landscaping Challenges
Texas summers are brutal, and a malfunctioning irrigation system can lead to plant loss within days. Implementing smart irrigation technology and proactive maintenance can help commercial properties stay resilient during extreme heat.
“A well-maintained system is less likely to break during extreme heat,” David notes. “If a system isn’t providing head-to-head coverage—where one sprinkler’s reach overlaps with the next—you’ll see dry spots in the landscape. Our inspections help identify and fix these gaps before they become a problem.”
Smart irrigation technology, such as rain sensors and flow meters, enhances sprinkler system efficiency by adjusting water output based on weather conditions and real-time data. These upgrades conserve water and prevent costly landscape damage.
Why Choose Southern Botanical for Commercial Irrigation Services
Southern Botanical’s irrigation repair services ensure optimal landscape water management for commercial properties. The team prioritizes water stewardship, helping property managers implement long-term solutions to improve efficiency and lower costs.
Southern Botanical understands the unique challenges property managers face when selecting the right commercial irrigation company. “For new clients, we install SmartLink controllers at no cost—clients only pay for the subscription, thanks to our partnership with Weathermatic. We also provide detailed inspection reports with notes and photos, ensuring complete transparency.”
Investing in commercial landscape irrigation improvements is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs and preserve property value. Regular inspections, smart irrigation technology, and proactive irrigation system maintenance can help prevent costly issues before they arise.
For expert commercial irrigation maintenance and tailored solutions, contact Southern Botanical today!
