Timeline Blog

Aqua-Lawn Inc. has a long standing reputation in the irrigation industry. For over 45 years Aqua-Lawn Inc. has provided irrigation installation, design and service to homeowners, communities, businesses, corporations, golf courses and municipalities throughout the state of Connecticut. We have developed a strong team and structure to ensure that we meet and exceed your expectations. Like any business, we didn’t start out that way- it took time for our team to grow and become what it is today.

The Founders:

Louis Toth

IA Select Certified – CLIA,CID,CIC

CT License #208673 – J3

Louis, as he is known throughout the industry is a nationally recognized and respected irrigation professional. Past President of the IA (Irrigation Association), current member of the CICA (Connecticut Irrigation Contractors Association), and an EPA WaterSense Partner. Louis immigrated from Hungary in 1956 and was a mechanical engineer by trade. He incorporated Aqua-Lawn in 1972 and built a culture with strong leadership and a few simple core directives; never avoid hard work, always do more than what was expected, and treat the customers and the business as if it were your own.

Diane Toth

CT License #208689 – J3

Diane was integral to the success of Aqua-Lawn, Inc. Since its inception. Always at the helm, she has made Aqua-Lawn, Inc. financially feasible and customer service friendly. She holds an MBA and BS degree from Sacred Heart University in Business Management. A Co-Founder of Aqua-Lawn Inc., she’s helped move the irrigation industry forward, holding positions such as Past President of the CICA (Connecticut Irrigation Contractors Association), Board Member of the national IA (Irrigation Association) and, President of the CT/NY Line chapter of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction.

While raising a beautiful family and being active in the Fairfield, CT community, Louis and Diane started as a small operation out of their basement. Through perseverance and determination, they have moved from that small operation to a company employing over 20 outstanding individuals. They have built a culture around a family environment extending the meaning of family to their employees. We are proud of all they have accomplished and will continue to follow their leadership.

In Fairfield County, properly winterizing your irrigation system is an important part of maintaining and caring for your sprinkler system. When water freezes, it expands. In fact, eleven cubic feet of water will become twelve cubic feet of ice. The underground piping of your sprinkler system is typically installed 8” to 12” below grade and is highly susceptible to freezing throughout the winter. Failing to properly winterize your sprinkler system could result in costly repairs.

To help prevent damage to your sprinkler system, it is important to contact a licensed professional to winterize your sprinkler system. A licensed professional has the proper equipment and training needed to ensure your sprinkler system is protected for the upcoming winter months.

What does winterizing your sprinkler system involve?

1. Winterizing your sprinkler system involves purging all of your sprinkler lines, heads and other important components of water through compressed air.
2. Each yard has several sprinkler zones that make up your sprinkler system. Each zone is activated individually slowly releasing the compressed air into your sprinkler system components.
3. By forcing air into your system, most of the water is expelled through the sprinkler heads themselves. A trained technician will evaluate each sprinkler zone ensuring the appropriate amount of water is purged. All of the water will not be expelled when winterizing, using too high of an operating air pressure, or winterizing an individual zone for too long can actually damage your sprinkler lines or heads.
4. After each individual zone has been properly winterized, the licensed professional will examine any other components that need to be drained. These include your backflow prevention device, draining the water out of your mainline in your basement, garden faucets or any other components necessary.

In order to get the protection you need for your sprinkler system, Aqua-Lawn Inc. has the licensed professionals and equipment for the job. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment with you to ensure your system will be ready for winter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 203-367-7444 or visit our website to Request an Appointment.

With fall approaching, now is the best time to start planting new grass. The weather conditions are perfect for success. The soil temperature is warm and the air temperature is cooling. These conditions significantly reduce the competition of weeds, which is the number one cause for unsuccessful establishment. Landscapers and lawn care specialist in Fairfield County agree that watering your new grass seed properly is vital to the success of having a lush green lawn.

Here are three tips on watering new grass seed.

Keep it damp.
Watering two to three times a day in the early morning and early evening hours help improve the germination rate. These are the coolest parts of the day, which allows water to absorb into the ground instead of being lost to evaporation.

Light Watering
Depending on the type of sprinklers you have in that area, 5 to 10 minutes is usually the best amount of time to water. Remember, the objective is to keep the soil damp. Over-watering can cause significant challenges in new seed establishment.

Reduce Watering
When the grass seeds are established, their water needs to lessen. After the new grass seed grows in, reduce the watering to once a day. Once the new grass seed has established enough to mow, give the lawn 1” of water per week, delivered in one or two sessions. Doing so helps the roots of the grass grow deep into the ground and makes the lawn more tolerant of drought. Avoid watering at night, as it will sit too long and increase the risk of fungal disease.

An automatic lawn sprinkler system is an excellent tool for establishing new grass. If you’re in the vicinity of Fairfield, CT, Aqua-Lawn has the right tools and recommendations for the job. Our knowledgeable staff will help you grow that perfect green lawn we all love to see.

Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Over time sprinkler systems degrade and begin to operate less effectively. On the surface, everything may look as good as it can be. Did you know that these inefficiencies translate into wasted water and higher watering costs? To ensure your sprinkler system is operating at peak performance, the best thing to do is have your system audited. A licensed and trained auditor will walk through your entire irrigation system, inspecting the design, performance and condition of your system. An irrigation audit may not only significantly reduce water waste, but also save you lots of money over time.

1. Collect Sprinkler System Information
   Information regarding your sprinkler system is collected outlining the manufacture and model of your different sprinkler components. Such as your controller type, backflow preventer model, water line sizes, static pressures and other site specific information regarding your system.
2. Evaluate Each Sprinkler Zone
   After your system information is collected, a walk through is conducted carefully examining the performance of each zone. We’ll make detailed notes regarding, heads below grade, leaking sprinkler heads, leaking pipes, clogged nozzles, sprinkler heads that should be moved and much more information. From this walk through, recommendations for improvement can be made to get your system in tip-top shape.
3. Review Watering Schedule
   Our highly trained technicians will then review your current watering schedule and put together a program based on your landscape’s water requirements. We take important factors into consideration such as, sun, shade, slope, soil type and different plant types to ensure you’re watering what is needed.
4. Detailed Report
   With all our information collected, a detailed report will be provided outlining your sprinkler systems current operating performance and what simple improvements we can do to make it more efficient. You’ll know exactly what state your system is in and how better it could be!

Recommendations from an irrigation audit can greatly increase the performance of your system and reduce its operating costs. Water conservation is a focal point of who we are at Aqua-Lawn Inc. Our goal is to provide the best water efficient practices for our customers. Water is a precious, finite resource that we as a community need to protect. Aqua-Lawn Inc. is the leading sprinkler company in Fairfield County and dedicated to water conservation. If you are in the vicinity of Fairfield, CT and would like to have your system audited, contact us today for more information.

The older your sprinkler system is, the more likely it is going to continue to need a lot of repairs. At some point, routine maintenance and repairs might not be enough. Additionally, technology is always changing in the world of sprinkler systems. Just like other systems in your house, new heating, air conditioning, light bulbs and other common appliances can save you a ton of money on your energy bills. The great news is your lawn sprinkler system is the same way!

The useful life of a common rotary sprinkler head is anywhere from 5 to 7 years. Your old sprinkler heads may be still working, but that doesn’t mean they are providing you with the most cost-effective use of water.

So how do you know when you need to start upgrading?

1. Sprinkler heads need to be replaced.

It’s true every year some sprinkler heads are going to need replacement. If each spring you’re finding a higher and higher number of them, you might want to start thinking about being proactive instead of reactive to their replacement.

2. Rotary and spray heads don’t won’t go down.

Have you ever walked outside in the morning and seen your rotary or spray heads sticking up? That’s because they are beginning to reach the end of their useful life. The springs inside your sprinkler heads are losing tension from years of use. A landscaper we have worked with for over 30 years has said “I consistently have to worry about sprinkler heads sticking up when I mow the lawn. I feel terrible every time I clip one and it needs to be replaced.”

3. Underground leaks continue to occur.

Leaks can a happen, but if they are continuing to happen more frequently, it could be a sign of wear and tear. Constant freezing and thawing from the winter months weaken the strength of your components.

4. Sprinkler system constantly doesn’t seem to work.

Irrigation systems don’t only use water. Electrical components of your irrigation system control when and how long to water for. Turning on and off hundreds of times a year they will begin to fail. Your sprinkler controller and zone valves are the most susceptible to electrical failure and can be devastating to your landscape.

5. Your sprinkler system is 15+ years old.

Older sprinkler systems are more likely to start breaking down. Upgrading your system sooner rather than later could be in your best interest. With advancements in technology, newer components are more cost effective and energy-efficient. What you spend on a replacement you’ll save through years of energy-efficient irrigation.

One of our customers in Fairfield told me, “I’ve been with Aqua-Lawn for over 20 years. Working together to proactively upgrade my system has been a great decision! You can visibly see the difference in performance and my water bill is lower than when we first installed the system.”

If you’re noticing these issues don’t worry, we don’t need to install a brand new system. As the leading irrigation service provider in Fairfield County, we can work together to develop a budget friendly, preventative approach. Our dedicated team can inspect your system and provide a detailed report on what needs to be done now, and what can wait.

Contact us to learn more about saving water today!

Let’s get your lawn back in shape!

Your irrigation system works hard on keeping your landscape beautiful. Every week it delivers the water your property needs to look its best. Depending on the weather, sometimes your sprinkler system might not be keeping up. It’s important to schedule routine maintenance to keep your system in shape. Maximize your sprinkler system’s performance with a Mid-Season Inspection.

Here’s what we’ll do with our Mid-Season Inspection.

Fine Tune Watering Schedule

• Our Certified Irrigation Technicians will evaluate your current watering schedule and fine tune any adjustments. Depending on the landscape water requirements we’ll determine which areas need a little more water and which need less.

Full Sprinkler System Inspection

• We take the time to examine every aspect of your irrigation system ensuring it’s still performing properly. Our experienced staff will inspect each zone in your sprinkler system making careful adjustments to increase its efficiency.

Detailed Sprinkler Report

• A detailed report will be provided outlining areas for improvement and recommended actions to maximize water savings. Our report will outline the details of your irrigation components, watering schedule and areas for improvement on a zone by zone basis.

Trust the experts at Aqua-Lawn for all your irrigation needs. Your sprinkler system is an important investment, protect that investment by having the professionals tune it up. Our customer satisfaction guarantee ensures we will exceed your expectations. Contact us today!

Did you know that if your lawn sprinkler system is more than 6 years old, it’s probably costing you money? It’s also not doing a great job of keeping your lawn and landscape in the best condition.

Why is that?

Well, it’s not because older sprinkler systems are bad. It’s just that there have been such incredible advances in the technology over the past couple of years. These advances offer homeowners the opportunity to:

• Save Money: You’ll use far less water – a fact you’ll appreciate each time the monthly utility bill arrives. But you’ll also have a healthier lawn and landscape. Why? Because you’ll be giving your landscape the EXACT amount of water they need – no more, and no less.
• Conserve Water: Water is a precious commodity. Throughout Connecticut, homeowners are facing steep rate hikes and rising water bills.  It makes sense to have sprinklers tuned to use only what’s needed.
• Do Less Trimming and Maintaining: By providing your landscape with the precise amount of water it needs, plant growth will be more controlled. Your plants will grow at a healthy rate. Less time spent mowing and trimming.

A mid-summer sprinkler audit is a great opportunity to find out if you can save money and improve the health of your lawn and landscape by tuning or modernizing your sprinkler system.   We can quickly add sensors, high-performance nozzles and more to improve your system’s performance.

Don’t wait… 85+ degree temperatures are already stressing lawns and driving up water use.   Have Aqua-Lawn check your system and recommend ways to save.   Contact us today!

How much water does your irrigation system actually use?

Watering one acre with 1″ of water consumes a little more than 27,000 gallons of water! If we compare that to a conventional 16′ X 32′ swimming pool, filling your swimming pool uses 20,000 gallons. Most times you only fill your pool once a year, an irrigation system uses water on a weekly basis!

Did you know?

• The average suburban household uses at least 30% of its water consumption for irrigation.
• More than 50% of landscape water is lost due to evaporation, wind and/or improper system design, installation of maintenance.
• A household with an automatic landscape irrigation system that isn’t properly maintained and operated can waste up to 25,000 gallons of water annually.

Source (Environmental Protection Agency), https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts

What are some easy ways to make your system more efficient?

1. Install a Rain Shut-Off Switch 
   Rain sensors will turn off your system automatically when a certain amount of rain has fallen. A rain sensor can provide an estimated water savings of 15-20%.
2. Sprinkler Check Valves
   Low head drainage is a common cause of run-off and water waste. Installing Seal-A-Matic Check Valve in your sprinkler heads keep water from draining out of the system.
3. Check for Leaks 
   Underground pipe leaks can go undetected for long periods of time wasting a huge amount of water. One broken sprinkler head can waste 25,000 gallons of water in one six-month season.
4. Water deeply and less frequently 
   Watering more frequently can actually harm your plants. Deep infrequent watering reduces run-off and encourages your plants to grow deeper and stronger.
5.  High-Efficiency Nozzles 
   Rain Bird manufactures a great high-efficiency nozzle that are estimated to save 30% of your water usage. These nozzles are designed to apply water evenly over the landscape. Traditional nozzles output different amounts of water based on fluctuations in water pressure.
6. Drip Irrigation 
   Replace traditional irrigation systems in planting beds, tree and shrub areas with drip irrigation. Drip irrigation has been proven to be up to 90% more efficient. Targeting plants with a slow application directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
7. Programming
   Knowing when and how much to water is the cheapest and easiest way to save. Landscapes are constantly overwatered. Different micro-climates on your landscape require different amounts of water. Tailoring your watering schedule to the specific plant requirements and landscape conditions is the best way to save water.

Leading Fairfield County in water-efficient practices, Aqua-Lawn has the solution to fit your needs. Contact us today, we’ll evaluate your system and implement these quick and easy techniques to start saving water now.

From spring to winter your landscaping goes through a variety of climate changes. Fertilizing and watering are important to keeping the health and sustainability of your landscape. You might ask yourself, when should I be watering?

In Fairfield County, its common practice to turn your sprinkler system on early in the spring and winterize late in the fall. While these practices are standard in our region, that does not mean you need to water all season. Most landscapes in our area are over-watered which weakens the health of your landscaping.

What do sprinkler systems do?

The purpose of an irrigation system is to provide supplemental watering for when there is a shortage of effective rainfall. Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation from land surfaces and the transpiration from plants. A proper watering schedule is designed, to replace the amount of water lost from evapotranspiration after effective rainfall. If enough rain has fallen to offset the amount of water lost, then your sprinkler system doesn’t need to water!

How often should I water?

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Typically the spring months are full of rain, in most cases you don’t need to water your landscaping until late spring. A professional landscaper in Westport, CT says, “Ideally once your landscaping begins to show signs of stress is when you should start watering.” Once a watering schedule is activated, deep and infrequent watering is the best practice. Once or twice a week in heavy   doses is optimal for healthy plants and green grass.

What’s the best time to water?

The best time to water your landscaping is in the early morning hours. This allows your landscaping to soak in the amount of water needed and evaporate any excess quickly. The best time is early in the morning between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Watering in the evening hours promotes disease and fungus which can be devastating to your landscape.

How much should I water?

With evapotranspiration in mind, you should only water the amount that is needed after effective rainfall. Today’s “Smart” Controllers do the math for you! Weather-Based sprinkler controllers adjust the system’s run times based on the plants’ watering requirement. Using onsite and local weather sensors, they collect the required information for evapotranspiration and rainfall to determine just how much is needed.

In fact, these controllers can provide as much as 50% water-savings! Deep infrequent watering is key in developing a strong root system and preventing disease and fungus. With weather-based controllers, all the work is done for you.

Practicing these water-saving techniques is not only great for your landscaping and the environment but for your wallet too! Millions of gallons of water are wasted every year due to over-watering and inefficient sprinkler systems. To keep your landscape and wallet full of green, Aqua-Lawn Inc. is the best in the business. Our team can provide the tips and tricks you need to transform your sprinkler system from a water waster to a water saver. Contact us today, we’ll be happy to inspect your system and provide a number of different ways you can start saving water.