Frequently Asked Questions
Irrigation & Sprinkler System
Welcome! Here are the most common questions homeowners ask us about installing, repairing, and maintaining their sprinkler systems. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us anytime—we’re happy to help.
The cost depends on your yard size, number of zones, type of controller, water source and landscape layout. After a quick on-site assessment, we provide a clear, written estimate with no surprises.
Not necessarily. A properly designed system—especially one using smart controllers and high-efficiency nozzles—often reduces water usage compared to manual watering. We design every system with water conservation in mind.
Most residential installations take 1–2 days. Larger or more complex landscapes may take slightly longer. We work efficiently to minimize downtime and keep your yard looking great.
We use modern trenchless or minimally invasive equipment to keep disruption low. Any disturbed areas are graded, tamped, and cleaned up when we’re done. Most customers are surprised by how quickly their yard looks normal again.
Watering needs vary by season, soil type, sun exposure, and plant varieties. We’ll recommend a custom schedule—and if you choose a smart controller, it can automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.
We recommend:
- Spring startup & inspection
- Mid-season checkup
- Winterization
Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your system and keeps everything operating efficiently.
Turn off the zone if possible, and call us. We offer fast repair service for broken sprinkler heads, leaking pipes, valve issues, controller problems, wiring faults, and more.
Smart controllers automatically adjust watering based on weather, saving water and keeping your landscape healthier. Many customers recoup the upgrade cost quickly in water savings. We install Hunter Hydrawise wifi controllers, and can service all major brands.
We recommend adjusting programming about three times per year — spring, midsummer, and late summer. Daylight, temperature, wind, and turf conditions all shift throughout the season. New seeding or planting may also require a temporary schedule adjustment. If you have a Hydrawise smart controller, it handles most of these adjustments automatically based on local weather data.
Our standard Hunter Pro-C controllers include a quick reference card and a full manual. If you need additional help, contact our office — we can assist remotely if you have a Hydrawise controller with contractor access enabled.
Zones depend on your yard’s layout, plant types, sun exposure, and water pressure. We design your system so grass, shrubs, flowers, and drip areas all get the right amount of water.
Yes! Each zone is customized with the correct type of sprinkler head or drip line to match that area’s watering needs. This ensures every part of your landscape receives the proper amount of water.
The rain sensor may not have received enough rainfall yet to trigger a shutoff. Sensors can be set to detect ¼ inch, ½ inch, or more of rain, and it can take a short time for the sensor to expand and signal the controller to stop. Over time, a sensor may also need service, a new battery, or a resync to the controller. Contact us to schedule service if the problem persists.
Yes. Most cities require a backflow preventer to protect your drinking water from contamination. Annual backflow testing may also be required, depending on backflow type and municipality.
A well-installed irrigation system can last 20+ years, though individual parts like sprinkler heads, valves, and controllers may need periodic replacement. Routine maintenance helps maximize the system’s lifespan.
If you’re unsure, we can help! We offer on-site walkthroughs, step-by-step instructions, and programming support for all controller models—including smart systems with mobile apps.
In freezing climates, winterization is essential. We professionally blow out all lines to prevent freeze damage. For our customers in Wisconsin, we schedule sprinkler system winterizations during the months of September and October, as the growing season ends and before hard freezing.
We offer prompt service and aim to respond quickly—often the same or next business day. Emergency slots may be available depending on scheduling. During Spring, we prioritize our Start-up Service and routine maintenance appointments may take longer to be scheduled, as we schedule further out during this peak time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seasonal Maintenance
We recommend three annual service visits to keep your system running efficiently and maintain your warranty:
- Winterization (mid-September – end of October) — required at the end of every season to prevent freeze damage and maintain your system warranty.
- Spring start-up — recommended each spring to tune the system and optimize performance before the season begins.
- Service calls — available as needed for repairs, new yard projects, or updates.
No — new customers are automatically added to our start-up and winterization lists. We will contact you approximately one week before we are scheduled in your area. You can opt out at any time by contacting our office.
Our technician will energize your system, check all components for winter damage or shifting, adjust heads for optimal coverage, test the rain sensor, and program your controller. It’s not as simple as just turning the water back on — this inspection protects your investment and maximizes water efficiency for the season ahead.
- Pump system: Turn your controller to the off position and turn off power to your pump. Access to the controller is helpful but not always required.
- Backflow system: Turn off the interior water supply valve and turn your controller off. We typically tag your irrigation water shut-off valve with a bright green tag for easy identification.
- Pump system: Have the power to your pump on, and your pump and controller accessible to our technician.
- Backflow system: Turn the water supply to your irrigation system on and have your controller accessible to our technician.
Yes. The system warranty covers one year from the date of installation and is void if we do not winterize your system. A full warranty statement is included in your installation packet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrawise Smart Controller
Hydrawise controllers automatically adjust your watering schedule based on local weather forecasts — saving water and reducing manual programming. Access and manage your system from anywhere via the app or at hydrawise.com.
Yes — we install and service Hunter Hydrawise wi-fi controllers. Key features include predictive watering based on local weather forecasts, automatic schedule adjustments, and full remote access from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Download the Hydrawise app (available for iOS and Android) or visit hydrawise.com. You will need your name, email address, the wi-fi password at the controller location, and your controller serial number. The serial number is printed on a label inside the controller box, behind the faceplate.
Download the Hydrawise app, open it, select Let’s get started, and follow the on-screen prompts to link your account to the controller.
Yes — you can add additional users to your account from within the Hydrawise app.
The controller cannot find your wi-fi network. Common causes:
- New internet provider: The controller needs to be relinked to the new network. This must be done at the controller location and cannot be done remotely.
- Router moved or out of range: Try moving the router closer to the controller, or add a wi-fi signal booster.
- Internet outage: Wait for your connection to restore, or contact your internet provider.
From the home screen, tap Resume watering under your notifications — or go to Actions at the bottom of the screen and select Controller on.
Go to Actions and select Suspend zones. Under Resume watering date, pick the date you want watering to restart, then under Choose zones select all zones or only the specific ones you want to pause.
Go to Actions and select Turn off controller.
You may be logged in with a different email address than the one originally used to register the controller. Contact our office — if we have contractor access on your account, we can help locate the registered email address.
You are the owner of your controller. Contractor access lets Green Lawn Underground Sprinklers link to your account so we can view controller status, check whether it is online, make programming changes remotely when requested, and help troubleshoot issues — all without needing to be on-site. You remain in full control and can remove our access at any time.
Proud to Serve Commercial and Residential Properties in Minocqua, WI, and
Throughout Northern & Central Wisconsin
Lac Du Flambeau, WI
Lake Tomahawk, WILake Tomahawk, WI
Hazelhurst, WIHazelhurst, WI
Woodruff, WIWoodruff, WI
Rhinelander, WI Eagle River, WI Land O' Lakes, WILand O' Lakes, WI
Three Lakes, WIThree Lakes, WI
St. Germain, WISt. Germain, WI
Arbor Vitae, WIArbor Vitae, WI
Tomahawk, WITomahawk, WI
Wausau, WI Rib Mountain, WIRib Mountain, WI
Rothschild, WIRothschild, WI
Pelican Lake, WIPelican Lake, WI
Mosinee, WIMosinee, WI
Weston, WIWeston, WI
Ringle, WIRingle, WI
Merrill, WIMerrill, WI
Presque Isle, WIPresque Isle, WI
Manitowish, WIManitowish, WI
Manitowish Waters, WIManitowish Waters, WI
Boulder Junction, WIBoulder Junction, WI
Antigo, WIAntigo, WI
Trust Our Team for
Effortless Sprinkler System Services
There's a reason over 30 local landscapers refer us for sprinkler system installation. From residential properties to athletic fields for local school districts, each system we design is created for the unique property it serves. Our expertise and local experience enable us to design sprinkler systems that help you save money and water based on your water sources, individual needs, and the local climate. With over 50 hours of training and continuing education each season, we gain the skills and know-how to implement new technology in ways that make modern sprinkler systems more efficient and effective than ever before.
Optimal irrigation is the key to a healthy landscape. To achieve your landscaping goals, you need a professional team that supplies you with relevant information and keeps you up to date with what's going on with your system. At Green Lawn Underground Sprinklers, we're always happy to talk to our customers. If you have questions or concerns at any time between services, don't hesitate to give us a call. We'll respond to your questions as soon as possible and even drop by if we're in the neighborhood when you call. If you're looking for effortless irrigation from a leader among lawn sprinkler companies in Minocqua, Wisconsin, get in touch today to schedule your on-site visit.