BENEFITS OF FERTIGATION

“Fertigation.” While the word may sound Greek to some, this method of strategically applying fertilizer via an irrigation system is far from novel. The agricultural and nursery industries have been reaping the benefits for years. And although it can offer many advantages, including significant water savings and reduction in both contractor labor and plant mortality rates, customers are slow to embrace this more environmentally friendly option.

A average fertigation system to homeowners start at $450 parts and installation this cost is for a backflow device, fertigator, assorted fittings and labor. Compared to average cost of the proper granular fertilizer (that is always a chemically created product and is not safe for the environment), of $600 a year.

The benefit to the consumer is a fertigation start up is a one time charge, up to a 30-60% reduction of water use and once the fertigator is in place the homeowner only pays a monthly maintenance of $55.00 per month the service includes the following.

• Install organic fertilizer into injector
• Clean the injector
• Water Management (adjust the irrigation control monthly based on evapotranspiration)
• Provide a monthly or quarterly report on water use.

What really sells fertigation is when the homeowner visit some of the properties with fertigation systems to view how thick the turfs are and the beautiful annuals.

For nearly two years Jamel Taylor, owner of Taylormade Landscapes in Las Vegas, has been aggressively marketing the advantages of fertigation systems. And it seems to be working. “Out here in the summer heat it’s an easy sell when your grass isn’t green but your neighbor’s is because of a fertigation system,” Taylor’s region as with our coastal windblown, salt filled air climate is ideal for these systems because of the dry climate and the fact that everyone in the area already has an irrigation system in place.

SUMMARY OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT

33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. (1972)
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. "Clean Water Act" became the Act's common name with amendments in 1977.

Under the CWA, EPA has implemented pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. We have also set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters.

The CWA made it unlawful to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters, unless a permit was obtained. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls discharges. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.

NEW FERTIGATION SERVICES

Recently we became franchise owners of EcoFertigation Inc. (EFI) products.
What is Fertigation?
Fertigation makes yards and fields both beautiful and healthy. By using the next generation of green fertigation injector systems that combine organic based fertilizers, animal repellents and pesticides through an existing highly efficient irrigation system. EFI fully supports its systems with training, field assistance and on going product development. EFI is the only company that combines these elements to enhance the ecosystem while saving water and your money.

With the combination of EFI and our Water Management Service we may guarantee up to 60% reduction in irrigation usage all while keeping your lawn and garden beautiful.

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

THE PROPERTIES THAT WE MAINTAIN
Commercial Properties
Chipotle Mexican Grill Pacific Beach
Eat Drink & Sleep Hospitality Management (Gringo's Cantina and Moondoggies)Torrey Pines Property Management (Su Casa Townhomes PB, Cary Manor Encinitas, Jupiter St. and Neptune St. Leucadia.

Residential Properties
Chelsea Ave., Waverly Ave. Birdrock, La Jolla.
Desert View Mt. Soledad, La Jolla.
Emerald St. Pacific Beach.
Country Club Lane Coronado Island.

WATER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Water Management Services help cut water costs with high-efficiency techniques.

Our water management Program was established 2009 and helps reduce landscape water usage.

• We perform a water audit.
• Create a budget.
• Introduce advanced irrigation technology.
  

Words to the Water Wise

The amount of water your landscape needs differs considerably depending on the climate and season. However, there are some guidelines that work year round.
· Allow lawn areas to dry out slightly between waterings.

· Because soil compacts over time, have your lawn aerated at least twice a year. Aeration pulls out plugs of soil and opens the pores so air and water can get in. Over time, aeration may actually reduce the amount of water plants need because they are getting the benefit of every drop.
· In general, new plantings will require more frequent waterings than older plants with more established root systems.

· Roots will grow only where they can get water. Shallow watering results in shallow root systems that can dry out more quickly during hot spells. When you water, water deeply.

· Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is critical. Muddy or soggy soil is a sign of trouble.

· To keep soil from drying out too fast around shrubbery or in flowerbeds, apply a layer of compost where unprotected earth is exposed to the sun.

· To prevent overwatering trees in the lawn area, keep grass about two feet away from the trunk.

· Periodically use a shovel or spade to check the moisture content of the soil below the surface. Even if the surface appears to be dry, the soil at root level (six to eight inches deep) might be quite moist.

Drought Recommendations From The Lawn Jockeys
Landscaping is an important part of any community, not only from the joy it brings, but the quality of life that it provides to humans and other species as well. Plants positively alter our environment, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, protect the land, provide us food, create oxygen and sustain life. As our climate changes we need to protect our plants, adapt to our changing environment and make choices that benefit us all and preserve our future.
The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you make smart choices and protect the environment using your area’s mandated water reductions. This advice can help your landscape survive this year’s drought and help you prepare for predicted future water shortages.

Water Trees First
If trees are lost, it increases the surrounding temperature making everything hotter. They are also expensive to replace. Many surrounding plants depend on them, because trees offer shade and protection for some lawns and other plants that may not survive the hot sun without them. In addition, they are often homes, shelter and/or food to birds and animals, which could possibly die if they perish.

Some Ways to Maximize Water & Help Protect Your Trees
· Drill several 4" wide holes about 24-30" deep around the base of the tree being careful not to damage large roots. Fill the holes with compost, which will allow the water to reach the roots of the tree.
· Another option is to put your garden hose on a timed, low drip and get the water down deep. You can also install a temporary drip system tied into a hose bib or use a soaker hose on the surface to slowly water the base of the tree.

What Can I Do Now To Prepare For The Drought?
· Mulch heavily all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.
· Mow grass (Fescue, Rye, Kentucky Blue Grass) higher: 3-3.5" to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture.
· Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
· If you intend to prune, do so before April or don’t prune. Pruning stimulates growth, which needs more water. Existing growth will also provide additional shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture.
· Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.
· Fix or replace any broken sprinklers and repair leaks.
· Keep your lawn as healthy as possible. A healthy lawn will survive better. Many lawns can go very dry and still come back.
· Attach a water efficient spray nozzle to your hose and use it to mist your lawn to build up humidity for a few minutes at the end of the day.
· Check with your local water agency for possible rebates on low water usage irrigation products.

How To Maximize Landscape Watering During A Drought
· Start watering earlier and finish before 9 a.m.
· Set your spray irrigation timer to run half the normal time and run a second cycle at least half an hour later. This will dramatically reduce runoff. Clay and other soils will only absorb so much water and anything beyond that point is wasted water. Average time should be 5 minutes or less per cycle on a level site.
· Consider a smart controller, which monitors the weather and adjusts watering accordingly.
· Soil may look dry, but may still have plenty of moisture. If a 6" screwdriver goes easily into the soil then wait to water.

What If I Can Only Water One Or Two Days Per Week?
· Program your sprinkler time for multiple start times with run cycles about 5 minutes each. Repeat the cycles 3-4 times at least 30 minutes apart. If runoff occurs, reduce minutes per cycle.
· Mow lawns higher and less frequently. Do not take off more than 25% when mowing.
· Help your trees get more water as mentioned above.

How Can I Maximize My Landscape Water Savings?
· Check regularly for leaks and then fix them immediately.
· Incorporate existing water saving technology into your irrigation system. New sprinkler heads and smart controllers maximize water savings.
· If you have a water meter, learn to read your meter. It will help you determine if you have a leak.
· Turn on each sprinkler zone and see how much time it takes to start generating runoff for each zone. Round sprinkler time down to the nearest minute and set that time as your maximum run time for each station. Program your controller for multiple run cycles.
· Runoff means wasted water. No runoff means the water is being absorbed by the soil.

How Can I Prepare For A Drier Future?
· Make sure your irrigation system is efficient, pressure regulated and consistently up to date with the latest water saving technology.
· Study your landscape and the local community. Examine the long-term survivability of your current landscape and consider incorporating climate appropriate plants.
· If your area is at risk for fire, consider adding native fire retardant plants and learn how to protect your property.
· Study your environment, the animals that exist within the landscape and your long term needs to help you make good ecological choices.

Irrigation/Water Management Services

In 2010 we recently received our provisional status as irrigation/water managers. The course was provided by the California Landscape Contractors Association, I worked hard to understand the test and finally passed it in March.
http://www.clca.org

New Corporate Identity

We decided to change our corporate identity this year to the above.

The Lawn Jockey New Truck and Trailer

This is our 2005 Ford F250 Diesel pick-up attached is our Pace 6' x 10' trailer that houses our equipment, tools, irrigation parts, and organic yard products.