Welcome to the Irrigation Solutions Blog
Here, we dig into everything irrigation. From system design and installation tips to troubleshooting guides and seasonal maintenance advice, our blog is built for property owners who want efficient, reliable water solutions. Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an outdated system, we share the insights you need to make smart, long-lasting decisions for your landscape.
Growing fruit trees in the harsh desert climate of Las Vegas may seem like a challenge, but with careful planning and proper care, apricots can thrive even in this arid environment. Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are particularly well-suited to desert gardening when the right varieties are selected, and the trees are provided with adequate water, protection, and maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you successfully grow apricots in the Las Vegas desert.
Apricots are a stone fruit that requires a period of winter chilling to produce fruit, but not as much as some other fruit trees. Las Vegas’s winters are typically just cold enough to meet the chilling requirements of low-chill apricot varieties. Additionally, apricots tend to bloom earlier in the spring, which can be both a benefit and a risk in the desert — while early blooms are exciting, they are vulnerable to late frosts.
Selecting the right apricot variety is crucial for success in the Las Vegas climate. Look for low-chill and early ripening varieties that can handle heat and short winter chilling periods.
Recommended varieties for Southern Nevada:
Avoid high-chill apricot varieties that require prolonged cold winters, as Las Vegas typically does not provide enough chill hours for them to fruit properly.
Apricots need full sun to produce healthy fruit, so select a planting site that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The desert soil in Las Vegas is often alkaline, clay-heavy, and drains poorly, which can harm apricot trees.
Tips for soil preparation:
Desert climates pose unique challenges for watering fruit trees. Apricots need deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems.
Be mindful not to overwater — apricots are susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils.
Common apricot pests in Las Vegas include:
To manage pests:
Diseases like bacterial canker and brown rot can be problematic if the tree is overwatered or if there is poor air circulation. Proper pruning and good watering practices help minimize these risks.
One of the biggest challenges in Las Vegas is the occasional late spring frost that can damage early apricot blossoms and reduce yields.
Apricots typically ripen in early summer (May to June in Las Vegas). Harvest when the fruit is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Apricots do not ripen much after being picked, so timing is key.
Growing apricots in the Las Vegas desert is achievable with the right preparation and attention. Selecting low-chill, heat-tolerant varieties, properly managing water, and protecting the trees from extreme temperature swings can yield a rewarding harvest. With patience and care, apricot trees can become a valuable and delicious part of a desert home garden.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
Looking for a quick and affordable way to automate your watering? You don’t need a full irrigation system to get started. Installing an Irrigation Timer on a Hose Bib is a simple and effective solution. It’s perfect for homeowners, small gardens, or temporary watering needs on a job site.
A hose bib timer (also called a faucet timer) attaches directly to your outdoor spigot. It automates your watering schedule, turning the water on and off at set times—so you don’t have to.
Most hose bibs can handle about 4–6 gallons per minute (GPM). That’s enough to run:
Pro tip: Use a pressure regulator (usually 25–30 PSI) and a filter to protect your system from clogs and blowouts.
A hose bib timer setup is a cost-effective way to bring automation to smaller irrigation zones. It’s especially handy for seasonal beds, rental properties, or temporary installs during landscaping projects. Need help planning your setup or upgrading to a full system? That’s what we’re here for.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
Las Vegas might be famous for its bright lights and desert heat, but did you know it’s also a great place to grow citrus—especially small oranges like mandarins, tangerines, and clementines? With the right care and a bit of planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown citrus even in the Mojave Desert.
Small oranges—also known as mandarins or “easy peelers”—are perfect for the home gardener. They’re sweeter, often seedless, and easier to manage than larger citrus trees. Plus, they tend to mature earlier, which works well in a climate with a shorter window of mild weather.
Las Vegas falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which means winter temps can occasionally drop below freezing. Here are a few small orange varieties that do well in this climate:
Citrus trees need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Pick a spot that gets morning sun and is sheltered from strong desert winds. Near a south-facing wall is ideal, as it retains warmth during cooler nights.
Citrus trees don’t like wet feet. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider planting in a raised bed or large container. Use a sandy, loamy citrus-specific soil mix for best results.
In Vegas, deep and infrequent watering is key. In summer, water 1–2 times per week, deeply soaking the soil. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 10–14 days. Always check soil moisture first—overwatering is one of the most common citrus-killers.
Use a citrus fertilizer rich in nitrogen and micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Feed monthly from spring through summer, tapering off in the fall.
While most mandarin trees can handle a light frost, it’s smart to be prepared. Cover young trees with frost cloth or old sheets if temps drop below 32°F. Potted trees can be moved into a sheltered spot during cold snaps.
Depending on the variety, your small oranges will be ready to harvest between November and February. The fruit doesn’t continue to ripen after picking, so taste one first to see if it’s sweet and juicy. When ripe, they should come off the branch easily with a gentle twist.
Growing small oranges in Las Vegas is not only possible—it’s rewarding. With plenty of sunshine and the right care, you can turn a corner of your desert yard into a mini citrus grove. Whether you’re snacking, juicing, or gifting homegrown fruit to friends, there’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet citrus straight from your own tree.
| Season | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Spring | Plant new trees, fertilize, prune lightly after threat of frost. |
| Summer | Water deeply, protect from sunburn, mulch well. |
| Fall | Final fertilizer round, plant/transplant if needed. |
| Winter | Harvest, protect from frost, minimal watering. |
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
A smart irrigation system is an advanced watering system that uses technology to optimize water usage based on specific environmental conditions and plant needs. Unlike traditional irrigation systems that operate on a fixed schedule, smart irrigation systems adapt in real-time to factors such as weather, soil moisture, and plant type, ensuring more efficient and sustainable water usage.
Aiper Introduced the IrriSense Smart Irrigation Sprinkler at CES 2025, a device designed to simplify lawn irrigation and conserve water without the need for buried pipes or additional hardware.
• Natural Rainfall Simulation: Designed to mimic natural rainfall, ensuring optimal hydration for lawns.
• Customizable Mapping: Allows users to set specific spray points, reducing water usage by up to 50% and enhancing watering efficiency.
• Re-Spray Algorithm: Ensures 99% coverage by automatically targeting under-watered sections for even growth.
• Weather and Soil Monitoring: Adjusts watering schedules based on real-time data, preventing over or under-watering.
• Plant Cooling Mode: Provides quick bursts of irrigation to cool the lawn on hot days without oversaturation.
• Easy Installation: Above-ground setup that takes approximately three minutes, eliminating the need for underground piping.
• Fertilizer and Pesticide Dispensing: Equipped to store and dispense fertilizers and pesticides at the push of a button.
• App Integration: Controlled via the Aiper app, offering users convenient management of their lawn’s irrigation needs.
The IrriSense is designed for areas up to 400 square meters, making it suitable for various lawn sizes.
Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only. While we do not necessarily install IrriSense products, we specialize in the installation of a variety of smart irrigation systems tailored to meet your needs.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
1. Shut off water supply.
2. Locate existing irrigation meter.
3. Identify available output or add a manifold.
4. Connect new zone piping to manifold/output.
5. Install valve for the new zone.
6. Connect wiring from the new valve to the irrigation controller.
7. Program the irrigation controller for the new zone.
8. Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
9. Test the new zone for proper operation.
For All your Irrigation Repairs & Installations, Call us: 702-370-2828
Drip irrigation systems are a fantastic way to conserve water and ensure your plants receive the precise amount of moisture they need. However, like any irrigation system, drip irrigation sprinklers can sometimes break or become clogged, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to your plants. Fortunately, fixing a broken drip irrigation sprinkler is a straightforward task that you can easily handle yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
Identifying the signs of a broken or clogged drip irrigation sprinkler is crucial for timely repair:
Before starting any repairs, ensure the water supply to your drip irrigation system is turned off. This prevents water from spilling out and allows you to work safely and efficiently. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
Identify the broken or clogged sprinkler. Run the system briefly to pinpoint the issue, then turn it off again. Look for areas with pooling water, dry spots, or visible damage.
Carefully examine the problematic sprinkler and the surrounding tubing for visible damage or clogs. Sometimes, the issue may be due to debris blocking the emitter or a small puncture in the tubing.
Gently remove the broken or clogged sprinkler from the tubing. Depending on your system, you may need to unscrew it or simply pull it out. Be careful not to damage the tubing while doing this. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
If the tubing is damaged, you will need to cut out the damaged section. Use scissors or garden shears to make clean cuts on either side of the damaged area. Connect the cut ends using a barbed connector or hose repair coupling. Make sure the connections are secure and watertight. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
Using a punch tool, create a small hole in the tubing where you want to place the new sprinkler. Insert the barbed end of the new sprinkler into the hole, ensuring it fits snugly. If you’re replacing an emitter, simply push the new emitter into the tubing where the old one was removed. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
Turn the water supply back on and run the drip irrigation system to test the new sprinkler. Check for proper operation, ensuring water is flowing correctly and there are no leaks. Contact us if you need to schedule a repair service.
Adjust the positioning of the new sprinkler if necessary to ensure even water distribution. Check surrounding emitters to ensure they’re working properly, as the system may have been affected by the initial problem.
Contact us if you need to schedule your irrigation maintenance service.
Fixing a broken drip irrigation sprinkler is a simple and effective way to maintain the efficiency of your irrigation system and ensure your plants receive the water they need. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily handle the repair yourself, keeping your garden in top shape. Regular maintenance and attentive care can prevent future issues and prolong the life of your drip irrigation system.
Winterizing irrigation systems is an important step to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures. There are three basic methods for draining leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system: manual drain, automatic drain, and blow-out. The method you use depends on the type of irrigation you have in place. If you’re not sure, or don’t feel comfortable winterizing yourself, contact us for help.
Here are the general steps for each method:
Some irrigation systems are equipped with manual drainage. These systems allow you to empty excess water from the system by simply opening a valve. If you have manual drain irrigation, follow these steps:
An automatic drain system has valves that automatically drain water from the pipes. This happens only when the water pressure falls below a certain number of pounds per square inch. To activate an automatic drain function, follow these steps:
The final way of draining an irrigation system is known as the blow-out method. To drain the pipes, you force compressed air through the irrigation system. This discharges excess water through the sprinkler heads. It works if you have the proper irrigation system to handle the pressure. The blow-out method is potentially hazardous.
Irrigation timers can malfunction due to power outages, faulty wiring, or simply old age.
Some other common causes of malfunctioning irrigation timers can be:
– Damaged solenoid: The solenoid is the electrical component that activates the valve to turn on the water. If the solenoid is damaged, it will not be able to turn on the valve, even if the timer is set correctly.
– Loose or corroded wiring: The wiring that connects the timer to the valve can become loose or corroded over time. This can cause a short circuit or prevent the timer from sending a signal to the valve.
– Dirty contacts: The contacts on the timer can become dirty or corroded over time. This can prevent the timer from making a good connection and sending a signal to the valve.
– Settings: If the timer settings are not correct, the sprinklers may not turn on or off at the desired times.
If you think your irrigation timer is malfunctioning, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Check the power supply to the timer. Make sure that the timer is plugged into an outlet that is working properly.
2. Check the wiring between the timer and the valve. Make sure that the wires are not loose or corroded.
3. Clean the contacts on the timer. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.
4. Check the timer settings. Make sure that the settings are correct for the time of day and the watering schedule.
If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and the timer is still malfunctioning, call us: 702.370.2828.
Regular irrigation system maintenance can help prevent your irrigation timer from malfunctioning. Some preventive services we recommend:
– Install a surge protector on the outlet that the timer is plugged into. This will help to protect the timer from power surges.
– Inspect the timer and wiring regularly for damage.
– Clean the contacts on the timer every few years.
– Replace the timer every 10-15 years.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your irrigation timer in good working order and prevent it from malfunctioning.
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We provide professional irrigation repair services, such as maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of your irrigation systems. These services are essential for ensuring the proper functioning and efficiency of irrigation systems for your lawns, gardens, and other green spaces.
Yes, irrigation systems can experience issues and break even during dry weather. Here are a few reasons why irrigation systems might break or malfunction during dry conditions:
During dry weather in Las Vegas, the demand for irrigation systems typically rises as plants and lawns require more water. Increased usage can put additional strain on the system, leading to issues such as clogged nozzles, broken pipes, or malfunctioning valves.
In an effort to compensate for the dry conditions, some users may run their irrigation systems for longer durations or more frequently. Continuous operation or excessive watering can overload the system and cause components to fail.
Prolonged dry spells can cause soil to shrink, shift, or crack. These changes in the ground can put stress on pipes and fittings, leading to leaks or breaks in the irrigation system.
In dry weather, water sources may experience fluctuations in pressure. High water pressure can damage sprinkler heads or cause pipes to burst, while low pressure can result in inefficient water distribution or system failure.
Neglecting routine maintenance can increase the likelihood of system failures. Over time, debris, dirt, and mineral deposits can accumulate in the system, obstructing water flow and affecting the performance of valves, nozzles, and other components.
System Inspection and Evaluation: Our technicians will assess the overall condition of the irrigation system, including sprinklers, pipes, valves, and controllers. They will identify any issues or areas that require repair.
Leak Detection and Repair: If there are leaks in the system, our irrigation repair technician will locate and repair them. Leaks can waste water and cause damage to the landscape if not addressed promptly.
Sprinkler Repair and Adjustment: Broken or malfunctioning sprinkler heads, nozzles, or valves will be repaired or replaced as needed. Our technician will also ensure that the sprinkler heads are properly adjusted to provide adequate water coverage.
Controller and Timer Troubleshooting: If the irrigation controller or timer is not functioning correctly, the repair service will diagnose and fix the issue. We may have to reprogram the controller or replace faulty components.
Pipe and Valve Repair: Damaged or broken pipes and valves will be repaired or replaced to restore proper water flow and prevent water waste.
System Upgrades and Retrofitting: Our irrigation repair services include upgrades and retrofitting options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the irrigation system. This could include installing water-saving devices, such as rain sensors or drip irrigation systems.
Seasonal Maintenance: Regular maintenance visits may be scheduled to prepare the irrigation system for different seasons. This may involve adjusting watering schedules, clearing clogged nozzles, and checking system performance.
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