When taking on a new installation or retrofit project, running wire from the controller to field valves can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. The new Wireless Valve Link uses LoRa® Wireless Radio Technology from Hunter Industries enables contractors to easily connect valves without running additional wires or cutting into hardscape. This convenient and innovative wireless valve technology simplifies installation to save time, money, and labor. The link valve is compatible with Centralus™ and Hydrawise® Software, works with Hunter ICC2 and HCC Controllers, and adds up to 54 va ..read more

Two landscape design companies are among the five winners of the 2023 Hunter Industries Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award. Given annually by Hunter Industries, the award recognizes social responsibility investments made by companies, organizations, and individuals in the Green Industry. It was born from the corporate social responsibility ideals Ann Hunter-Welborn brought to Hunter Industries early in its inception. The award’s ultimate goal is to generate awareness about these positive actions and inspire others to join the movement. Landscape design winners include: A landscape ..read more

Dramm’s new 2,500-sq ft greenhouse, seen in an artist’s rendering, will allow the Wisconsin company to expand its testing and research capabilities. It will open this Fall. Construction has begun on a brand new research greenhouse at Dramm Corporation’s HQ in Manitowoc, WI. The addition to the company’s new factory and headquarters will allow for easier development and testing of new products and techniques. The new 2,500-sq. ft. facility will feature several cropping systems, from fixed and movable benches to hydroponic systems. Additionally, various water sources will be used, from rainwater ..read more

Editor’s Letter 18 Separate Billion-Dollar Disasters With Weather Xtremes as the theme of this issue, I usually try to think of a clever title that relates to the topic for my letter. But I can’t this time. Why? Because on the heels of Earth’s hottest June on record, there’s nothing flippant about raging wildfires, unhealthy air quality, record-breaking heat, hail-producing thunderstorms, and devastating tornadoes and hurricanes. Anecdotally, many of us feel the weather is becoming more extreme, intense, and even violent. But the facts are even scarier. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric ..read more

The Cobra Stake drip emitter from DripWorks. In an era of increasing water shortages, drip irrigation is popular for its water-saving efficiency that nevertheless allows plants to flourish. These systems drip water closely onto the roots of plants at low rates from mainline tubing. The plastic pipes or tubes are fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers, which are used to control the water discharge. They come in various designs, including adjustable flow emitters, inline emitters, and pressure-compensating emitters. Driplines, or drip tubing, distribute the water throughout the irrigati ..read more

Selections to handle water extremes—be it scarce, soggy, or both. As everyone knows, water is one of the main factors in the success or failure of any plant. Too much or too little water given to a young tree or pricey ornamental easily turns into a dead plant and wasted time, effort, and money. In an era of weather extremes, what are the best flood or drought tolerant plants to help build in landscape resilience? Beyond Natives The adage “right plant, right place” bears even more importance in an era of water shortages. “It’s critical. We’re going to have to scrutinize more… we’re going to ha ..read more

By Bryce Carnehl From the June 2023 Issue   Whether your clients’ water is sourced from a well, pond, municipal system, or rooftop, it’s crucial to understand the responsibility of managing such a valuable resource. We are more concerned than ever about protecting our water supplies and ensuring they are used for only the most necessary of purposes. So is irrigation necessary? To answer this question, imagine what life would be like in a city without green spaces. What if there was no Central Park in NY, no National Mall in DC, no Golden Gate Park in San Francisco? Irrigation is an essent ..read more

From the June 2023 Issue From timers to controllers to hose reels, this assortment of irrigation & water management solutions can help your team keep turf and landscape plants watered and healthy. Rachio Smart Hose Timer The Rachio Smart Hose Timer transforms a simple garden hose into a smart watering system. With the Smart Hose Timer, yards can be watered on-demand without a sprinkler system, saving water while keeping yards and plants healthy and thriving. The Smart Hose Timer, which joins the Rachio 3 in the company’s line-up of water-saving solutions, takes the hassle and ..read more

Hunter’s Mini-Clik® Sensor has gone wireless! Over time, Hunter has fielded numerous customer requests for a product like this. It’s now easier than ever to include a rain/freeze sensor on new and retrofit projects. Once installed, it saves water with two shutoff options: Accumulated Rainfall for shutdown after ⅛” to ¾” of rain is detected or Quick Response® Technology for instant shutdown. Built-in freeze sensing halts system operation at 37°F to protect plants and keep roads and walkways ice-free. No Weather Or Wire Worries The Wireless Mini-Clik® Sensor is designed to help manage constantly ..read more

By Dave Phelps From the June 2023 Issue Everybody’s talking about the wild climate extremes and the news out of California tells it all: the hottest days, most extended droughts, most devastating fires and mudflows, and even tornadoes in LA and “firenadoes” (or whirls) in the wildfires. Meteorological terms like atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones are entering the common knowledge. The most overarching effect [of the drought], besides more water metering and higher water rates, has been the adoption of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or MWELO. (Photo: Adobe Stock / Montreehanlue ..read more