Question 1

What makes Professional Irrigation different from a typical sprinkler company?

Accepted Answer

Professional Irrigation designs, installs, and actively manages irrigation systems on Long Island - we do not simply install and leave.
Most sprinkler companies place heads and set a timer. We design around how your property actually behaves: soil composition, slope, drainage patterns, plant types, sun exposure, and Long Island microclimate. Installation is only the beginning. 
We stay involved throughout the season, walking properties, monitoring performance, and adjusting as conditions change. 
We also address drainage, ensuring water supports plant health while moving safely away from your home and foundation.
The difference is thoughtful design and ongoing oversight, not just equipment in the ground.

Question 2

Why are my plants dying even though I have a sprinkler system?

Accepted Answer

Plants often die because irrigation systems are improperly calibrated -  not because they lack water.
Overwatering and underwatering can look identical. On Long Island properties, common causes include:
Water hitting mulch instead of root zones
Improper slope or drainage
Treating all plants the same
Timers set generically rather than seasonally
Irrigation overspray onto siding or foundations

Water must reach the root ball in the correct amount, at the right time, and in the right soil conditions. With decades of local experience, we diagnose the challenge behind the symptom and correct it at the source.

Question 3

Are smart irrigation systems and rain sensors enough?

Accepted Answer

Smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors are useful tools, but they are not complete solutions.
Rain sensors cannot evaluate:
Soil type and compaction
Microclimates across Long Island
Slope and drainage flow
Wind exposure
Plant maturity
Whether rainfall actually reached root depth

We don’t shut systems off automatically at the first sign of rain. A brief shower may wet mulch but never reach the roots. We monitor actual rainfall totals, forecasts, and plant response before making adjustments.
Smart systems are tools. They are not replacements for experienced oversight.

Question 4

How long should a properly installed irrigation system last?

Accepted Answer

A professionally designed irrigation system on Long Island should last 15–20 years with proper maintenance.
Longevity depends on:
Correct hydraulic design
Quality components
Seasonal monitoring
Proper winterization
Backflow testing
Ongoing adjustments as plants mature

We design systems to protect both your landscape investment and your home’s foundation.

Question 5

When is the best time to install irrigation on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

The best time to install irrigation is after your landscape design is finalized and plantings are installed.
Plans often change once work begins. Irrigation should reflect what is actually in the ground. 
For existing systems, upgrades and corrections can be performed anytime between March and October, when the ground is not frozen.

Question 6

How often should my irrigation system be checked?

Accepted Answer

Irrigation systems should be professionally checked multiple times throughout the season.
We provide:
Spring start-ups
Scheduled seasonal walkthroughs
Pressure and zone adjustments
Backflow testing
Smart controller monitoring
Winterization

During the season, we look for pooling water, early signs of plant stress, misaligned heads, soffit overspray, leaks, and pressure inconsistencies. Irrigation is not “set and forget.” It is actively managed.

Question 7

What causes water to pool near my foundation?

Accepted Answer

Water pooling near your foundation is almost never random.
On Long Island, it is usually caused by grading, runoff, or irrigation systems that aren’t directing water away from the home.
Common causes include:
Improper slope directing water toward the home
Compacted or clay-heavy soil
Downspouts discharging too close to the structure
Irrigation overspray
Hardscapes blocking runoff
Mulch trapping moisture against siding

Over time, constant moisture increases hydrostatic pressure and can lead to basement dampness, wood rot, and structural stress. We design irrigation and drainage systems so water supports plant health while moving safely away from structures.

Question 8

How much does irrigation installation cost on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

Professionally designed irrigation systems on Long Island typically range from $4,000 to $15,000+, depending on property size and system complexity.
Cost depends on:
Property size and number of zones
Plant density and variety
Water pressure
Drainage needs
Soil conditions
System design complexity

We are not the lowest-cost installer. We design systems to protect significant investments in landscaping and prevent long-term damage (saving money over the long-term).

Question 9

What is backflow testing and why is it required?

Accepted Answer

Backflow testing ensures that irrigation water does not flow backward into your home’s potable water supply.
New York requires backflow prevention devices on many systems. Annual testing verifies proper operation and protects public water safety.
We handle backflow testing and compliance as part of ongoing system maintenance.

Frequently asked questions