Choosing an Irrigation Timer

There are about as many irrigation timers as there are different types of toothpastes. So how do you know which one is right for you? Many brands have good features and each one will have features that the others do not have. For us, Hunter produces the best timers that are reliable, have features that help conserve water, and are easy to use.

 Indoor/Outdoor?

There are only two differences between an indoor and an outdoor timer for Hunter timers. The first is outdoor timers have a locking door. This helps protect the faceplate from the elements as well as keep unwanted adjustments of your timer. The second is outdoor timers are intended to be hotwired directly to a power source and have an internal transformer. If you want an outdoor locking door but still want to use an outlet, you can buy a pigtail power cord such as one for a garbage disposal. The cord can be wired into the timer and then plugged in just as you would any other device. When ordering, the i indicates indoor.

Basic Features

All Hunter timers will have the same basic control functions and settings. This means, programming the time, run times, station start times, and day frequency are very similar in set up. As you go up in size, more features are added and will be discussed below. Each timer has at least three different programs, with four start times per program. The number of stations depends on the model of timer you select. Non-watering days are also an option. In our area, Mondays are a no-water day and this can be programmed into any of the timers.

 Small Residential Homes

 If you have a small yard that has just a few valves (stations), consider the X-Core series. It is a small timer that comes in set station amounts of 2, 4, 6, and 8. The X-Core is compatible with the Roam remote and the Solar-Sync ET system. The only drawback to this timer is if you run a program on the interval setting, such as every third day watering, you don’t know which day it is going to water because there is no countdown on the display indicating which day it is.
 

Small to Medium Homes/ Small Commercial

The Pro-C is our favorite timer. A larger display and a few more features than the X-Core. The Pro-C is available in a fixed station amount or modular, capable of expanding up to 15 stations. We prefer the modular because you have the flexibility of expanding your timer, should your landscape ever grow as well. The base system is four stations and each expansion module is three stations. The timer does show an interval countdown in the day frequency option, unlike the X-Core. There is also a manual system check that checks the wiring between each valve and will show a fault if a problem exists. The Pro-C is compatible with the Roam remote and the Solar Sync ET system.

Large Residential or Commercial             

                                                     

The I-Core is a large timer capable of running up to 42 stations and is packed with features. Four programs allow for specific programming, depending on needs. Water budgeting is programmable in multiple settings as well. Each month can be programmed to run a certain percent of the current run time to help compensate for seasonal variances, or you can allow the Solar Sync to automatically adjust the timer on a daily basis, based on site needs.

Flow sensors are also compatible with the I-Core. Flow sensors are programmed to learn how much water runs through a certain valve and should that amount be exceeded, an alarm will occur indicating a break on the line.   

No Power or Control Wire, No Problem!

The Only Pruners We Use

The one tool that every employee of Green Lizard is required to have every day is a set of pruners. We use them constantly for on and off label tasks and the only brand we use is the Felco 2.

Conventional use is of course for pruning perennials, shrubs, and tree branches. The grip is solid and the action is smooth. Deadheading perennials is a snap and removing suckers, watersprouts, and errant branches from trees is an easy task. Beyond the normal use of the pruners for pruning is what makes a Felco the best. We use them for: cutting drip tube, both ¾” poly line and ¼” spaghetti, occasionally smaller PVC if in a bind, extracting broken nipples from sprinkler heads, and of course, starting the peel of an orange!

The Felco 2 can be put through the ringer and still come out on top because all parts are replaceable, including the blade. Disassembling, cleaning, and sharpening the pruners usually takes about 10 minutes. When sharpening the blade, use either a fine file or grinding wheel and sharpen toward the blade at a 30 degree angle on the front and a five degree angle on the back. We use a dry film lubricant such as a spray graphite to keep the pruners lubricated. Because you will be working in a dirty environment, it is bet to avoid oily lubricants that can attract dirt and dust, making the pruners stick quickly.

Pick up a pair for yourself and make your gardening more enjoyable!