First impressions are lasting impressions, and that’s why curb appeal is so important in real estate — when people first pull up to your property, you want them thinking good things.
And the first thing they are likely to see is your landscaping — properties are judged by how green the grass is, by the care that has gone into the garden, by the pruned trees and shrubs and by the decorative elements that complete the landscaping job. Adding the right elements to your property is the first step; the key is maintaining them so they always look like something out of a homes and gardens magazine.
“Everybody knows you have to water your lawn and gardens for them to maintain a lush, healthy look,” says George Micevski, President of Zoeller Canada. “But we must also recognize that water is a precious resource, and our use of it must be measured and responsible.”
Making responsible water use easier to manage is the infrastructure of a good landscaping project, which should include the use of more than one pump system.
• Keep the Grass Green — Water your lawn, and gardens for that matter, with an integrated sprinkler system. Powered by a lawn sprinkler pump and the water use managed by a control panel, you can measure exactly how much water you use, and when, to keep your lawn and gardens healthy.
• Manage Rainwater — A great way to minimize your water use is to capture and reuse the rainwater that falls on your property. Water can be collected through downspouts, rain chains or water channels at the bottom of sloped hardscaping and funneled into a rain barrel or subterranean catch basin. A simple sump pump system can retrieve the water when it is needed for gardening purposes.
• Build a Pond — Backyard ponds are not only decorative; they are good for wildlife in your area by creating a spot where animals can refresh and keep cool. It is important to ensure pond water circulates to prevent it from stagnating and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A small submersible pump will do the trick, and will also help drain the pond at the end of the season.
• Be Decorative — If you have a larger property with a bigger pond, give it some added pizzazz with a water fountain. Providing aeration as well as aesthetics, a pond fountain will become the focal point of your property