Why an annual irrigation audit can save water and protect your garden

Sprinklers move in the ground, plants grow around them and seasonal conditions change. Even a system that worked well last year may no longer be watering evenly or efficiently.

Why irrigation often runs overnight

Early morning or overnight watering is generally preferred because temperatures are cooler and there is often less wind. This can reduce evaporation and spray drift, giving water a better chance to reach the soil and plant roots.

The downside is that problems can go unnoticed. A damaged head, leaking valve or sprinkler aimed at the road may keep operating for weeks because nobody is outside to see the system running.

Sprinklers do move over time

Pop-up sprinklers can turn or shift in the ground through mowing, soil movement, maintenance work and general use. Nozzles can also become blocked, damaged or misaligned.

During an audit, each available station is run so the direction and general coverage can be checked. Heads can then be adjusted so they are watering the intended lawn or garden area rather than concrete, fences, buildings or the road.

Set the controller for the season

A watering program should not necessarily stay the same all year. Cairns has major changes in rainfall, humidity, heat and plant demand between seasons. A schedule that suits a drier period may waste water once wet-season rainfall arrives.

An audit allows the controller settings, run times and watering days to be reviewed for the current conditions. Where a compatible rain sensor or smart controller is installed, these features can also help the system respond more appropriately to rainfall and seasonal change.

Better for your water bill and plant health

Efficient irrigation is not simply about using less water. It is about applying the right amount, in the right place and at the right time. Too little water can stress lawns and plants, while overwatering can contribute to unhealthy growth, soggy soil, nutrient loss and unnecessary expense.

A yearly audit can identify obvious leaks, poor coverage, damaged sprinkler heads, leaking valves and unsuitable controller settings before they become larger problems.

What our $300 general audit includes

• Running and inspecting each available irrigation station
• Reviewing controller programs and seasonal settings
• Checking visible valves, sprinkler heads and nozzles
• Assessing obvious leaks and general coverage
• Providing practical repair or upgrade recommendations

Repairs, replacement parts and specialist underground fault location are not included in the audit price. FNQ Landscapes can repair known faults, but we do not provide underground pipe-location services.

Irrigation audits from Gordonvale to Port Douglas

FNQ Landscapes provides annual irrigation audits, seasonal controller adjustments, repairs, upgrades and new system installation across Cairns and surrounding areas—from Gordonvale to Port Douglas depending on the job.