When to Start Your Irrigation System in Pinehurst, NC

If you own property in Pinehurst, you know that irrigation isn't optional — it's essential. The sandy Sandhills soils that make this area famous for golf also mean your lawn loses moisture quickly. Getting your irrigation system started at the right time in spring is critical for lawn health.

The Right Time for Spring Startup in Pinehurst

In the Pinehurst and Moore County area, we typically schedule irrigation spring startups from mid-March through early April. The exact timing depends on two factors:

1. **Frost risk:** We wait until the risk of hard freezes has passed to avoid damage to pressurized lines 2. **Grass activity:** Your lawn should be showing signs of green-up before you begin regular watering

Pinehurst's Unique Irrigation Needs

Pinehurst's deep sandy soils drain fast — much faster than the clay soils found in Sanford or Lillington. This means:

• **More frequent watering:** Sandy soils may need irrigation 3-4 times per week during peak summer
• **Shorter run times:** Water moves through sand quickly, so shorter, more frequent cycles prevent waste
• **Early morning scheduling:** Watering between 4-8 AM reduces evaporation and disease risk

Signs Your System Needs Attention

After winter, watch for these issues during your first few weeks of irrigation: - Heads that don't pop up or rotate properly - Dry spots that weren't there last fall - Zones that won't turn on - Unusually high water bills

Professional Startup vs. DIY

While you can turn your system on yourself, a professional startup includes gradual pressurization (to avoid water hammer damage), a full zone-by-zone inspection, head adjustments, and controller programming updates. It's the best way to catch winter damage before it causes lawn problems.

Our irrigation team serves Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and all of Moore County. Contact us to schedule your spring startup.