June 16, 2025
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A lush green lawn and vibrant landscaping are a point of pride for many Ann Arbor homeowners. But keeping that yard looking great without sending your water bill through the roof takes more than a timer and a sprinkler head. Without regular attention, irrigation systems can quietly waste gallons of water every day. What appears to be a functioning system can be riddled with issues that lead to higher bills, damaged plants, and costly repairs.
Most homeowners don’t realize how often their irrigation systems overwater their lawns. A system that’s left unchecked can apply far more water than plants need, especially in spring or fall when temperatures are lower. Overwatering doesn’t just waste water. It drowns plant roots, encourages fungal diseases, and causes erosion in flower beds and garden areas.
The EPA estimates that up to 50% of outdoor water use is wasted due to inefficiencies in irrigation systems. That waste shows up on monthly utility bills, especially during peak watering months. In Ann Arbor, where summer heat can prompt daily watering, an inefficient system could add hundreds of dollars a season in excess charges.
A tiny leak in an underground irrigation line might not be visible, but it can release dozens of gallons per day. Broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, and stuck valves are also common and often go unnoticed. These kinds of issues can go on for weeks before a homeowner realizes something is wrong. By then, the damage to both the lawn and the water bill is already done.
Professional maintenance visits often uncover problems homeowners didn’t even know existed. During routine service, technicians can inspect each zone, look for weak water pressure, and test for leaks that aren’t visible from above ground. Spotting and fixing those issues early saves money by avoiding full-scale repairs later.
Irrigation systems are most efficient when they’re tailored to the unique layout of a yard. Sloped areas, shaded zones, sunny patches, and flower beds all have different watering needs. A technician can adjust sprinkler heads, check spacing, and program schedules to deliver just the right amount of water to each part of the landscape.
This fine-tuning helps prevent waste and promotes healthier growth. It also keeps watering times aligned with Ann Arbor’s seasonal changes. As the weather warms or cools, technicians can adjust settings to reflect the current rainfall, humidity, and plant growth conditions. That kind of attention helps avoid both underwatering and overwatering while keeping utility costs in check.
Ann Arbor winters are tough on irrigation systems. Freezing temperatures can damage pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads if they aren’t properly winterized. In the spring, thawing ground and shifting soil can cause sprinkler heads to become misaligned or buried in the ground. Left uncorrected, those issues interfere with coverage and create dry patches or water runoff.
Scheduling seasonal maintenance ensures your system starts each season in good working condition. Here’s what a typical plan includes:
These steps help extend the life of the system and reduce the chance of needing major repairs down the road.
While hiring a professional for annual or seasonal maintenance might feel like an added expense, it prevents larger costs over time. The average price of an irrigation repair can range from $150 to $500 depending on the issue. That doesn’t include the cost of replacing damaged landscape features or restoring soggy, compacted soil after a leak.
Regular upkeep reduces those risks. Studies have found that implementing smart irrigation practices can reduce outdoor water use by 15 to 30%, resulting in lower monthly bills and fewer repair calls. It’s a simple tradeoff: spend a little on professional service now or face larger expenses later.
Irrigation in Michigan requires an understanding of local soil conditions, seasonal patterns, and weather extremes. Professionals based in Ann Arbor know how to work with clay-rich soil, which drains slowly and is prone to compaction. They also understand how to schedule watering in accordance with regional rainfall patterns and city watering regulations.
That local knowledge helps technicians make smarter decisions about system setup and maintenance. They can recommend zone-specific adjustments, identify the optimal watering windows, and upgrade outdated components to enhance performance. Some providers even offer smart controller installations that adjust watering automatically based on weather data, soil moisture, and evaporation rates.
Maintaining an irrigation system doesn’t mean replacing everything or investing in costly upgrades. Most homeowners can start saving money with just a few smart steps:
By staying proactive, Ann Arbor homeowners can reduce waste, lower their water bills, and protect the health of their landscape year-round.
Choosing to invest in professional irrigation maintenance is about more than keeping a lawn green. It’s a practical way to reduce monthly water bills, prevent unexpected repair costs, and extend the life of your entire system. Many of the problems that drive up expenses happen slowly and quietly. By catching those issues early and fine-tuning your system regularly, you stay ahead of the costs and protect your home’s value. In a city like Ann Arbor, where seasons change fast, and water rates can rise, that peace of mind is worth every penny.
Keep your irrigation system running efficiently by scheduling a maintenance visit with Twin Oaks Landscape and start saving on water and repairs. Contact us today to learn more.
Our experienced and talented team of landscapers can take care of even the biggest projects. Contact us today, and let’s start talking about your new landscape!
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