We all know that the weather in Omaha keeps us on our toes. Spring can bring sudden downpours, summers swing between humid heat and surprise storms, and fall serves up cool, dry days before winter rolls in. For lawns and landscapes, that means watering needs can change quickly, and relying on a fixed irrigation schedule just doesn’t cut it.
At Sprinkler Irrigation Services, our family-owned business is backed by qualified professionals with over 30 years of experience helping Omaha homeowners keep their lawns healthy and vibrant. One of the simplest ways to improve your irrigation efficiency (and your lawn’s health) is by installing a rain sensor, especially when paired with a smart controller like Hydrawise.
The Trouble with “Set It and Forget It” Watering
A traditional irrigation timer will water your lawn on schedule no matter what’s happening outside. That means you might be watering right after a heavy summer rain or on a cool, overcast day when your lawn doesn’t need it.
Overwatering isn’t just wasteful – it can cause real problems, including:
- Nutrient loss from runoff
- Fungal issues in warm, wet weather
- Shallow root growth from constant surface moisture
Our rain sensors automatically pause your irrigation schedule when rainfall is detected, saving water, reducing your bill, and protecting your lawn!
Smarter Watering with Hydrawise
While a rain sensor is a great start, we highly recommend pairing it with Hydrawise, a smart irrigation controller. Hydrawise uses live weather data, forecasts, and historical patterns to adjust your watering automatically.
In Omaha, where a hot, dry week can follow days of steady rain, Hydrawise is like having a lawn expert on call 24/7. If rain is coming, it will skip a scheduled cycle. If storms deliver more water than expected, it will delay the next watering until the soil is ready.
A Not-So-Well-Kept Secret: Two 15-Minute Sessions Are Better Than One 30-Minute Session
Here’s a trick that works wonders in our Nebraska soils: water in two shorter sessions instead of one long one.
Most soil can only absorb water so fast. After that, it just runs off into the street or your neighbor’s yard – taking your water (and money) with it. By splitting your watering into two 15-minute cycles with a short break in between, the first round moistens the surface, and the second soaks deeper down to the roots.
This “cycle and soak” method keeps water where it belongs and helps develop strong, drought-resistant roots. When you combine this technique with a rain sensor and Hydrawise’s smart scheduling, your lawn gets exactly what it needs. No more, no less!
We Are Your Local Lawn Care Partner
As a family-owned business right here in Omaha, Sprinkler Irrigation Services understands the quirks of our local climate. We don’t just install irrigation systems, we help you use them smarter. Rain sensors and Hydrawise are two of the easiest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make for a healthier lawn and a lower water bill.
If you’re ready to make your watering more efficient and your lawn more resilient, we’re here to help! Contact us at 402.312.8933 today. For additional insights and resources, feel free to download our suggested watering schedule from our website, ensuring that your landscape receives the precise care it deserves.
