Smarter Irrigation with Hydrawise

Traditional sprinkler systems run on a schedule, rain or shine. Smart irrigation controllers like Hunter’s Hydrawise connect to an app and use local weather information to help adjust watering schedules.

Here’s what smart irrigation can offer:

• Control from anywhere: Check your system and adjust watering schedules from your phone.
• Weather-based adjustments: Compatible settings can reduce or skip watering when conditions indicate it’s unnecessary.
• Zone-by-zone control: Set different schedules for lawns, garden beds, and areas with different watering needs.
• System alerts: Depending on your setup, monitoring features can help identify potential wiring or water-flow problems.

For Northern Michigan properties, smart irrigation can be especially useful during the growing season, when rainfall and temperatures change quickly. Remember, even a smart system still needs proper winterization before freezing temperatures arrive.

Better Landscape Plans Start with Better Measurements

Before the first patio stone is laid or planting bed is installed, understanding your property’s layout is essential. Tools like Moasure use motion-based measuring technology to capture dimensions, areas, and elevation data as you move around a site. Measurements can then be viewed and exported for compatible design workflows.

Why does this matter for your landscape project?

• Measure tricky spaces: Capture curved beds, irregular lawns, and unusual patio layouts.
• Understand slopes: Elevation information can help inform grading, drainage, and hardscape planning.
• Plan with better information: Site measurements help designers evaluate layouts and material needs.

On properties with rolling terrain or drainage challenges, accurate site information can help guide better planning decisions. While specialized surveys or engineering assessments may still be needed for some projects, digital measuring tools can be a useful part of the design process.

Make Outdoor Living Smarter

Smart technology isn’t limited to irrigation and site planning. Lighting, audio, and lawn care can also benefit from a little automation.

• App-controlled lighting: Set schedules, adjust compatible lighting zones, and highlight walkways, trees, patios, and architectural features. Plan fixture placement with winter snow and maintenance access in mind.
• Outdoor audio: Weather-resistant speakers and app-based controls can bring music to patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire pit areas. Consider connectivity, equipment durability, and neighbors when planning.
• Robotic lawn mowers: Automated mowing can reduce time spent on routine lawn care. Check your property’s slopes, lawn layout, and charging options before choosing a model, and plan for winter storage.

The best technology is the kind that fits your property and makes outdoor spaces easier to enjoy; not technology added just for the sake of it.

Plan Ahead to Future-Proof Your Landscape

Technology changes quickly, but adding infrastructure after construction can be expensive and disruptive. If you’re planning a new landscape, consider these steps:

• Plan for conduit and wiring: Where appropriate, prepare routes beneath patios and walkways before hardscaping is installed.
• Check Wi-Fi coverage: Smart controllers and other connected devices need a reliable connection where they’re located.
• Leave room for upgrades: Consider future lighting, irrigation zones, speakers, and equipment locations while the design is still flexible.
• Think about seasonal care: Northern Michigan landscapes need systems and equipment that can be properly maintained through winter.

Planning Your Next Landscape Project with TruNorth

Whether you’re considering smart irrigation, exploring new landscape design tools, or planning an outdoor living space, thoughtful preparation can help your property work better for years to come.

TruNorth Landscaping helps Northern Michigan homeowners bring together landscape design, construction, and ongoing care. Fall and winter are a great time to start planning improvements for the next growing season.

Ready to explore what’s possible for your property?

Contact us to schedule a consultation with our design team today.