Like most construction, there are certain aspects of the process that people don't or will never see. West Michigan Lawn Services strive to use the highest quality products. An example would be stainless steel screw clamps verses steel clamps that can rust and fail, schedule 40 full barb insert fittings, fully waterproof electrical 3M connectors, and the lists goes on. A licensed qualified plumber installs the appropriate back flow prevention device with copper pipe not plastic PVC that is more susceptible to damage being exposed above ground. When comparing prices make sure you check out the details, it can cost you more in the long run.

The first step is to get a bid; the process involves measuring the yard in question. Three things need to be questioned: first the water source (city meter, well, lake or pump system), second what needs to be watered (turf, landscape and or garden areas), and third when can you meet to measure and meet with the customer. The design should not only be head to head but matched precipitation as well. The heads turning 90 degrees should be 1X (gallons per min) and the heads turning 180 degrees should be 2X the heads turning 360 degrees should be 4X and so on. At West Michigan Lawn Services we do not take short cuts by putting the same size nozzle in all the heads. This technique uses fewer products; valves, fittings, wire, controller size and ultimately less money to install. Michigan's frequent rainfall helps compensate these inadequately designed systems. The dry, warmer weather during the 2005 season was not so common, so these systems showed their weaknesses. Not only is this non matched precipitation but maybe more harmful to your turf than not watering.

One of the most important aspects, besides matched precipitation (even watering), is the design or layout and type of sprinkler heads used. Its not only important for proper design and correct nozzle size, to water "evenly", but more importantly is the proper water management practices (www.irrigationassociation.gov) for a more efficient sprinkler system. You would not throw money out your window, so why "waste" water its one of our most vital resources!

Our lawn sprinkling proposals (bids) include the following;

• Type of heads (gear drive rotors, pop up sprays, drip) and size (pop up height)
• Amount of Specific Heads
• Amount of Zones (Valves)
• Automatic Controller size (4, 6, 8 and up)
• 3M Water Proof (not water resistant) DBY wire connectors
• Direct burial rated irrigation wire (normally multi stand)
• Back flow prevention device according to code (installed by licensed plumber)
• Full System Warranty (varies with type of package)
• System Start up / Winterization (varies with type of package)
• Valve and wire connections in service accessible valve boxes
• Use of Stainless Steel screw clamps (not metal screw clamps that can rust)
• Water conserving (efficient) matched precipitation design (head to head)

As a home owner we know you take pride in your investment inside and out, at West Michigan Lawn Services we pride ourselves on using the highest quality products along with our highly trained and experience personnel to install a superior sprinkler system at a competitive price. West Michigan Lawn Services sprinkler systems our designed to outlast and outperform the competition. Remember you get what you pay for. You just have to decide weather you want to pay for it now or pay for it later? Call the professionals at West Michigan Lawn Services today for a quote on a new sprinkler system. 269.341.4600 office

A landscape is only as good as its irrigation system. An irrigation system is only as good as its design. Here are links to two excellent articles on designing an irrigation system by David Fletcher, who's principals we incorporate in our professional irrigation system design:

Designing an irrigation system - part 1

Designing an irrigation system - part 2

Sprinklers/Lake water system