FAQs: Sprinkler Systems, Lawn Aeration, & More
Cullinan Irrigation is your trusted local expert for irrigation system and lawn aeration services. We proudly serve residential and commercial clients, including property managers and HOAs, in and around the western Twin Cities metro.
We are often asked about sprinkler systems, lawn aeration, and our fertilizer program. Here, we’ve compiled answers to some of our most common questions.
Irrigation Systems FAQs
Lawn Aeration FAQs
Fertilizer FAQs
Irrigation Systems FAQs
At Cullinan Irrigation, we get a lot of questions about irrigation systems. We’ve compiled answers to some of our most common questions.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
Generally, early morning is the best time for watering to prevent evaporation from the sun and pressure loss from wind.
Can I do my own winterization?
Winterizing an irrigation system can be tricky, so it’s best to rely on a trained professional. At Cullinan Irrigation, we use high-volume air compressors to ensure all the water is clear from your system, preventing cracked piping and damaged components during the winter months.
What does irrigation system maintenance involve?
Our maintenance services can include spring startup, mid-season check-up, winterization, checking for leaks or broken parts, cleaning nozzles, adjusting sprinkler heads, and more. Depending on your lawn’s needs, our Service Packages offer options for regular maintenance to help save money on individual service requests.
Can you fix a broken sprinkler head?
Yes. If your irrigation system has broken or malfunctioning sprinkler heads, we can repair or replace them to get you back up and running properly.
How much water does my lawn need?
That depends on several factors, including temperature, sun exposure, the type of grass in your yard, and soil composition. Our irrigation professionals can check your system and perform a water audit to ensure your lawn is getting the moisture it needs without overwatering.
We can also install a Smart Controller. This cost-saving device cuts down on water use by analyzing weather conditions and using moisture sensors to adjust watering schedules based on the needs of your lawn.
Lawn Aeration FAQs
Our lawn care professionals at Cullinan Irrigation often get asked a lot of questions about aeration. We’ve compiled answers to some of our most common questions.
Do I need to aerate my lawn?
Some yards don’t require aeration. But if you notice spots where the grass is thin or brown, aeration is a good option for bringing life back to your yard. If you live in an area with heavy clay soil, our aeration services help loosen the compactness of the soil and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass.
How do I know if my lawn needs aeration?
If the soil beneath your grass feels hard, it is likely compacted and requires aeration. Other signs include poor drainage, indicated by pooled water after heavy rain or running the sprinkler.
Can I leave the soil plugs on my lawn after it has been aerated?
Yes. The plugs will naturally break down in a week or two and will benefit your yard by returning nutrients to your soil.
Should I fertilize after aeration?
You certainly can, yes. The holes will allow fertilizer to reach the roots to promote stronger, healthier growth.
Should I water before aerating?
Yes. Watering your yard a day or two before aerating helps soften the ground so the equipment can better penetrate the soil.
Fertilizer FAQs
Our lawn care professionals at Cullinan Irrigation often get asked a lot of questions about our fertilizer program. We’ve compiled answers to some of our most common questions.
When should I start the fertilizing process?
It’s best to fertilize early in the season to help grass recover from the winter and promote early growth. Our crabgrass preventative treatment is the first step in our 4-step process. It creates a protective barrier to inhibit crabgrass seeds from maturing while providing nourishment to your lawn.
How do I know how much fertilizer I need?
One bag of our fertilizer covers 10,000 square feet. This online calculator can help you determine how many bags you need to fully cover your lawn.
Should I fertilize before I mow or after?
We recommend fertilizing after you mow, so the nutrients from the fertilizer remain in place.
Do I fertilize when my grass is wet or dry?
It’s best to fertilize dry grass to prevent it from sticking, which can cause the grass to wilt or become discolored. We do recommend watering your lawn after you’ve fertilized.
How long does it take for results?
Initial results often vary. And because this is a 4-step fertilization process, you’ll see gradual results all season long.