Have you Summer-Proofed Your Golf Course Sprinklers?

A healthy, well-irrigated turf delivers the aesthetics and playability your golfers expect, but it’s no easy feat when summer’s extreme temperatures arrive.  According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the 2025 summer is expected to be a scorcher.

2024 marked one of the hottest summers on record in the United States, with a nationwide average temperature of 73.8°F, or 2.5°F above normal.  Weather predictions for this summer include a gradual build-up to hotter-than-normal temperates in July and August for most of the U.S., except for the Northwest and southern Florida.

• Texas and Oklahoma could see temperatures 4°F above normal.
• The Heartland states (including Kansas and Iowa) will also be 4°F above normal.
• The Deep South and Desert Southwest will experience significantly warmer conditions.

Are you ready for the heat? In case you’re still trying to find the time to get your sprinklers fully “summer-proofed,” here’s a quick checklist …

#1 Check to make sure that nothing is obstructing a sprinkler head’s flow of water. Trim back overgrown turf and remove soil that may have accumulated on the head.  SportsTurf Irrigation sells the TAS Trimmer,  Underhill Turbo Trim or PowerTrim to help make this job a cinch.

#2 Visually confirm that part-circle sprinklers are hitting the desired areas, and adjust accordingly so that you are not missing any areas nor overloading certain spots.

#3 Clean nozzles and replace any that are damaged. Shut off the irrigation system, remove the nozzles and soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or needle to clear blockages. Rinse thoroughly and reattach. If you need to replace your nozzles, give our office a call at (800) 492-8378.

#4 Inspect the internal screens for rocks, dirt or sand and clean out accordingly. Need tools or spare rock screens? We’ve got them!

#5 Look out for any water bubbling up or “weeping” around the head, as your valve may have a tear, scratch or require cleaning. Our valve kits or non-OEM replacement valves for Toro and Rain Bird can help you save money!

#6 Raise any sunken sprinklers heads so that the sprinkler nozzle easily clears the soil and turf.

#7 Ensure that each head is flush and perpendicular to grade. Use a bubble level to confirm that the head is 100% level.

#8 Keep a schedule for routine pressure checks with these handy gauges from Underhill.