The Hidden Impact of Leaves on Your Irrigation System...

Hopefully you had a great October and maybe even enjoyed Halloween. As many are gearing up for Thanksgiving, we wanted to give you a few things to think about as Fall winds down and Winter is near... Bucks County is beautiful in the fall - vibrant colors, crisp air, and yes… piles of leaves everywhere. But while raking and enjoying the scenery is part of the season’s charm, those colorful leaves can also create some sneaky problems for your irrigation system.

Leaves Aren’t Just a Mess — They Can Cause Damage.

A few scattered leaves might seem harmless, but when leaves pile up around sprinkler heads,
drip lines, and valves, they can:

• Block spray patterns, leaving some areas of your lawn dry while others get overwatered
• Trap moisture, creating soggy spots and encouraging mold or lawn disease
• Get sucked into pumps or filters, reducing efficiency or causing damage
• Hide leaks or broken heads, making problems harder to detect until it’s too late

Even homeowners who “turn off the system and wait” can unknowingly leave behind minor issues that get worse over time.

Simple Tips to Ensure a Better Off-Season.

• Clear around sprinkler heads after each major leaf drop. Even a quick sweep prevents
  clogs and misfires.
• Do a quick visual check (“eye test”) of heads while raking or walking your yard.
  You don’t need to dig into repairs — just make sure nothing is obviously blocked or bent.
• Check drip lines and emitters for debris that could block water flow.
• Inspect valves and exposed connections to make sure leaves aren’t trapping moisture and accelerating wear.
  
  

The Bottom line is this...
Fall leaves are gorgeous, but they’re not always lawn-friendly. Taking a few minutes to manage leaves around your irrigation system can prevent repairs, extend the life of your equipment, and keep your lawn healthy through the season — and into winter.

Thanks for checking in as always, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

- CB Irrigation Inc.