Post-Irrigation Startup

Your Irrigation Startup is Complete. Here’s What to Know Next.

Yours has officially been hooked up and evaluated by our team of experts. Now, there are just a few important things to be aware of post-startup.

Controller Settings: Why Your System May Be OFF

After completing your startup, you may notice your controller is set to “OFF.”

This is intentional.

During early spring in Arkansas, we typically receive enough natural rainfall that irrigation is unnecessary. In fact, turning your system on too early can do more harm than good. Overwatering is one of the leading causes of lawn disease this time of year, especially as soil temperatures begin to rise. Click to learn more about this issue.

When it’s time to begin regular watering, simply turn your controller from “OFF” to “AUTO.”

We’ll notify you when conditions are right to start running your system.

If Your System Has Been Optimized

If your system has been optimized by our irrigation team, your controller has already been fine-tuned for efficiency and performance.

  • The Seasonal Adjustment % has been set to 60% to account for early-season watering needs

  • During your startup, we verify that your programming still matches your optimized settings

    • If changes have been made, we will restore your system based on our original optimization notes

    • In some cases, correcting programming may require additional time onsite and could result in additional cost.

If Your System Has NOT Been Optimized

If your system has not yet been optimized, we strongly recommend it. Learn More about Irrigation Optimization

  • You will automatically receive an estimate for our Irrigation Optimization Service based on the number of zones on your property.

  • We DO NOT make programming adjustments during startup services.

    • Seasonal adjustments cannot be properly made to systems that have not been optimized.

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can also review our DIY programming tips here.

RPZ (Backflow) Monitoring: Watch For Leaks

As part of your startup, we carefully reinstalled your RPZ (backflow preventer), pressurized the system, and tested each zone.

The majority of issues, about 95% of potential leaks, will show up during this process and are handled while we’re on-site. However, there are a few scenarios where a leak can appear later.

1. Seals and O-Rings Dry Out Over Winter

During the off-season, the rubber seals inside your RPZ can dry out. Once water begins flowing again, they may need a short period to rehydrate.

In some cases, this can cause a small leak that resolves itself within 24 hours as the seals rehydrate. If we suspect this may happen, our office will reach out and ask you to keep an eye on it. This can save you from an unnecessary repair.

2. Delayed (“Sneaky”) Leaks

Some leaks don’t show up right away and only appear after the system has been under pressure for several hours. By then, your technician will likely have completed the startup.

That’s why we recommend a simple but important step:

👉 Monitor your RPZ for 24 hours after your startup service.

What to Do If You Notice a Leak

If you see water dripping or leaking from your RPZ after startup:

  • Call, text, or email our office

  • We will prioritize a callback visit at no additional service cost

In some cases, delayed leaks are caused by worn or failed internal parts. If a repair is needed, we’ll provide an estimate before moving forward.

Irrigation Video Catalog

Mulch is essential for healthy landscapes. Learn the benefits of mulch, proper mulching techniques, and where to buy quality mulch in Central Arkansas. 🌱 https://www.naturalstatehorticare.com/blog/mulch-is-a-must #mulchbenefits #mulchingtechniques #
Results do not lie. Every year we hear it: “Organics don’t work.” “All I care about is results.” Fair enough. We care about results too. That’s exactly why our program is built around soil first fertility, premiu
Meet Patrick 👋 Around here, sales is not about pressure. Patrick is our #1 sales professional because he genuinely cares about helping clients find the right solution. And because our team earns ZERO commission (they are simply paid well), you ca
If you have warm-season turf like Bermuda or Zoysia, this might be the most important mow of the entire year. In this instructional video, I walk you step-by-step through how to properly perform a Spring Low Mow, sometimes called a scalp. When timed
Galentine’s Spa Day… for You and Your Lawn Who says self-care has to stop at the spa? This playful (and yes, AI-generated 😉) scene captures the ultimate Galentine’s vibe. Pedicures. Mimosas. Lounging in the backyard. Kids running
Last week, a few of our team members spent the day volunteering at the Arkansas Food Bank. Nothing big, just pitching in, working alongside good people, and doing something useful for our community. We’re lucky to work together every day, and i
Not all lawn care is created equal. You can go cheaper. Or you can choose a soil-first, golf-course-level approach that prioritizes safety, results, and long-term health.
Snow and ice don’t have to steal your spring. Follow these tips to recover quickly and get ahead of the slow start most lawns will see this year. https://www.naturalstatehorticare.com/blog/ice-and-snow
🚨 LAST CALL. Literally. 🚨 Today is the final day of our Last 3 Free promotion. This post says it all 👇 Get this… for the price of this. For a very short window, you can get our clean, professional, golf-course-quality service for the same p
Looks can be deceiving. What seems like a small, insignificant detail can actually be the difference between nitrogen that causes "flush growth" and disappears in two weeks… and nitrogen that feeds your lawn predictably for a full 10
Zoysia Lawn Perfection 11.jpg

Better Results. Less Chemicals.

Get an Estimate