Lawn Service and Sprinkler Systems (broker, water, system)

[FayettevilletoHuntsville]

Originally Posted by nerdtron

I've been debating sprinklers as well. So far I've decided against it. They would be convenient at times but the startup cost is huge (for me at least). I've had sprinklers before and the maintenance was excruciating, but I ran them every day. The 4 inches of rain we got a year just didn't cut it.

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[weaverra]

Originally Posted by raptorfan

First post, woohoo.

Now that the temp has finally warmed up, I again face my annual dilemna of whether I want to outsource my yard work. How many do their own yard work and how many pay someone to do it for them? If you pay someone, what's the going rate?

On a semi-related note, who here has an inground sprinkler system? I am also contemplating putting one of those systems in because I'm tired of lugging my hose around the yard. I know in some years I never even pulled it out, but for those years when I do, I always wish I had an inground system.

Yes, I am lazy when it comes to yard work. I despise it.

How large is your yard and what type of turf is it?

[raptorfan]

Originally Posted by weaverra

How large is your yard and what type of turf is it?

My yard (back and front) is about 1/3 acre, or 13,000 sq ft or so. Grass is bermuda but it's all sod right now and probably dead because it was laid back in January and I haven't been watering or taking care of it. So not only am I looking at sprinklers to prevent this damage from happening, but probably looking at throwing more money out the window for being lazy. Ugh.

[LCTMadison]

Bermuda is dormant in the winter months....with the cold spells we have had, it seems to be just now starting to green up. Its probably not dead.

[weaverra]

Originally Posted by raptorfan

My yard (back and front) is about 1/3 acre, or 13,000 sq ft or so. Grass is bermuda but it's all sod right now and probably dead because it was laid back in January and I haven't been watering or taking care of it. So not only am I looking at sprinklers to prevent this damage from happening, but probably looking at throwing more money out the window for being lazy. Ugh.

I have a .38 acre lot and a 6 zone system. I don't know how much it cost to install, but you are probably looking at a few grand to install a system like this. It's the rainbird system. It works really well. We have about 40 heads. I believe the main lines are 3/4" PVC with t's and flex hose to each head. One thing I would recommend if possible is to have the ICV (Irrigation Control Valves) in one central location underground. Maybe two groups one in the front and one in the back. Mine are scattered across the yard and I have yet to find 3 of them.

[FayettevilletoHuntsville]

Originally Posted by raptorfan

My yard (back and front) is about 1/3 acre, or 13,000 sq ft or so. Grass is bermuda but it's all sod right now and probably dead because it was laid back in January and I haven't been watering or taking care of it. So not only am I looking at sprinklers to prevent this damage from happening, but probably looking at throwing more money out the window for being lazy. Ugh.

Yes, it could still just be dormant. I would go ahead and start fertilizing it and watering it regularly to see if you can get it to come back.....since we did have such a harsh, cold winter though and it did not have roots down in the ground (just in the sod) the cold could have killed it off in spots. I'm betting you could get it to come back though if you start taking care of it now since it is dormant in the winter months. You might consider hiring a chemical treatment service like Turf Doctors or Tru-Green and they will do a "lawn analysis" and tell you what needs to be done to it....that would be much cheaper than re-sodding the whole yard and even installing a sprinkler system. My first step would be hiring them and getting their opinion on what needs to be done to it. I would certainly try that before re-sodding. You could also over-seed the sod with Bermuda grass seed and keep it watered. Don't overwater though, lawns can have too much water especially if you see standing water in the yard.

[FatTails]

Originally Posted by LCTMadison

Bermuda is dormant in the winter months....with the cold spells we have had, it seems to be just now starting to green up. Its probably not dead.

Out of curiosity, do you know what type of Bermuda is planted by Breland?

[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by nerdtron

Out of curiosity, do you know what type of Bermuda is planted by Breland?

I was told it is hybrid bermuda. Whether that is correct or not I have no idea. This was from the guy during the walkthrough. Bermuda seed that you buy is standard bermuda and is different from my understanding.

[FatTails]

Originally Posted by NoleFanHSV

I was told it is hybrid bermuda. Whether that is correct or not I have no idea. This was from the guy during the walkthrough. Bermuda seed that you buy is standard bermuda and is different from my understanding.

Hmmm... not what I want to hear. Just thinking of the future if I ever desire to throw seed on my lawn for some reason. I've had St Augustine grass before but never Bermuda. What happens if you have two types of Bermuda? Do they duke it out for a few years until only one type remains?

[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by nerdtron

Hmmm... not what I want to hear. Just thinking of the future if I ever desire to throw seed on my lawn for some reason. I've had St Augustine grass before but never Bermuda. What happens if you have two types of Bermuda? Do they duke it out for a few years until only one type remains?

I guess. There's tons of info on the interwebs. From my understanding, the hybrid sods better, looks better, and is more "carpet like". However, common bermuda is easier to maintain. Of course, this is from what I've read.

I've heard of some folks around hear seeding fescue in the fall every year and let the bermuda take over in the summer.