The Outback Blog

Sometimes it’s clear something’s not right out there with your sprinkler system.

Maybe you notice leaking, puddling, or bubbling. Or weird patches of lawn that are mysteriously way greener than the rest of your lawn. Or worse — dead grass.

How to fix a sprinkler system? It depends on the problem. It could be as simple as cleaning out a valve stuck open by dirt or gravel. Tackle that yourself and feel like you really accomplished something. Heck, take the rest of the day off!  Or you might have a full-blown line leak. Cue the irrigation pros. 

Some sprinkler system problems pop up more often than others.

The checklist is a great invention. It helps make sure you get your car oil changed, you remember to bring your swimsuit to your beach vacation and you don’t forget to buy Oreos. 

You need a checklist for your lawn sprinkler system maintenance, too.

Some days, you just want to grill burgers in your robe.

Or lounge on the deck with your hair a mess.

And even if you love your neighbors, you don't necessarily want to watch them skim their pool or wash their dog.

Maybe you love living in the city, but the street noise interferes with your backyard chill.

You need some privacy.

Brick wall? Too fortress-like. Tall wooden fence? Too much work.

Plants might offer just the privacy you need.

Here's a look at some of the best plants to use for privacy, from trees to shrubs, grasses to vines.

You want your commercial property to be welcoming, and there are lots of ways to say that: 

Welcome! 
Come on in!
Walk this way! Whoa, wait, not this way — you’ll trample the petunias. Yikes, not that way, you’ll step on the new grass seedlings. 

Let’s face it, not everybody on your busy commercial property is willing to tiptoe through the tulips.

Spring! It’s worth celebrating here in Idaho. Send yourself some flowers!

Better yet, grow some yourself — then, if you plan things right, you can enjoy them well into fall. 

It all starts with preparing your flower beds for spring.