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Maui Lawn & Landscape, LLC

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How-to: Simple Sprinkler Repair

7/24/2017

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Accidentally clipped your sprinkler head with the lawn mower or weed trimmer?  Have an old, cracked nozzle that just isn't working?  Try the remedy below.

There are many brands and styles of sprinklers out there, though for the purpose of this post, we'll look at a simple nozzle repair on a Rainbird sprinkler.

Firstly, it's great to have a few of each different type of heads on standby so you don't have to run to the store.  Along with knowing your brand, there are also different types of spray heads (360-deg, 90-deg, etc.).  Take a look at the types of heads you have now and plan on stocking up.

Next, turn off the water to that system (by using your automatic timer control panel or the shut-off valve for a manual system).

Whether you have a sprinkler head that pops up or a riser (which sticks up out of the ground), the nozzle will screw off in an anti-clockwise direction.  You may need to use a small flathead screwdriver to pop the nozzle up before unscrewing.  Under the nozzle will be a long plastic 'screen' that you can check for clogging.  Rinse out or replace as necessary — note that cleaning out a dirty screen can often solve your problem.  Now it's time to screw in your new nozzle.  Check to see that the grooves are pointed in the correct direction for your spray.

And that's it.  You're ready to turn your system back on and check your work.  You can always turn the water back off and adjust the head if necessary, though it's okay to do it while the water is spraying, too.

Need further assistance?  Contact us for any of your repair needs.



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Image credit: rainbird.com
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Lighting it up

7/17/2017

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Landscape lighting can add quite a punch to your yard. 'Feature lighting' sends rays of light to your most loved areas and highlights your hard work (or your landscaper's hard work!).  A garden path, garden steps or a driveway are also areas that you can flank with lights for a more practical use.  

Solar-powered lighting is a great option that doesn't tax your electric bill and are often easier to install — think wireless!

If you're interested in getting a quote for your lighting needs, drop us a line.


Photo credit: axsoris.com

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Rat Lungworm

7/7/2017

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What is it?

PictureImage credit: veggiegardener.com
  
Rat lungworm is a parasite that was brought to Hawaii from Southeast Asia by — you guessed it — rats. The parasite can be transferred to slugs/snails when they crawl through rat feces. Flatworms eat slugs and can also be carriers. The Semi-Slug (Parmarion martensi) can be more heavily infected with the parasite.


How do humans contract it?

By eating raw/under cooked snails and slugs or food that has come into contact with their slime trails.

They may be hidden in produce and missed upon initial inspection. The slime trails left behind by infected gastropods also contain high amounts of the parasite. Slime trails are everywhere when you start to take notice of them. Sidewalks, picnic tables, counter tops, produce —makes you want to go wash your hands, right?



How do I know if I have been infected? What do I do?

Before you consult Dr. Google, know that symptoms are usually flu-like:
  • headache
  • stiffness in the neck
  • fever
  • joint pain
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • Your skin may feel itchy and/or extremely sensitive.


If you think there is any possibility that you have contracted this parasite, seek medical help immediately.


Rat lungworm cannot survive with humans as a host and will not live longer than a year. In that time however, the parasite makes its way to the brain where neurological damage can occur. Some patients still experience nerve pain, sensitivity, and paralysis years after being diagnosed.
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Image credit: allaboutslugs.com
If all of this sound really scary, it’s because it is. The best measures you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your pets (yes, animals can be affected as well!) is to be informed and aware of the causes and symptoms. Be vigilant in inspecting and thoroughly washing your produce with soap and water. Wash your hands after working outside and especially before eating.


​How we can help...

We can help you mitigate the risks by:
  • managing and maintaining areas that rats and slugs typically inhabit
  • monitoring your growing environment for any home-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as advising you on the best places to plant
  • creating barriers in your yard to help keep pests away from edibles
  • applying slug and snail bait, and adjusting your irrigation system around bait applications

Contact us today to help rid your yard of slugs and snails.

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http://cdn.modernfarmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/slugs.jpg
Sources: Malama O Puna at http://www.malamaopuna.org/ratlung/ and http://health.hawaii.gov

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Mortar-free Garden Walls & Retainers

6/7/2013

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Anchor stones are a great option for your landscape that require no mortar to install.  They come in a range of natural colors.

LEFT: We used anchor stones here to create a floating peanut-shaped planter with an inner circle-shaped planter.  Freshly installed sod plugs of "Emerald" Zoysia, Italian Cypress trees, white coral chips and two vertical rocks make for an attractive presentation that highlights the sacred connection to the ʻāina (land).

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RIGHT:  This mortar-free anchor stone wall gave our client a lot more workable yard space, with a 4-ft planter next to the neighboring lot's fence.  Theses retainers are strong due to their interlocking construction, also allowing the wall to weep out water content evenly, therefore never building up pressure it cannot support.

Freshly planted Asystasia groundcover is planted here.  Grass shown in this photo is "Tiffway II" Bermuda, the same type that is used at the Maui Lani golf course.


Get a quote for your yard today.  We can design something that's right for you.


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Carefree and Simply Beautiful - Xeriscape Designs

5/30/2013

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This attractive, xeriscaped design was installed in a small backyard in Kihei, on Maui's south shore.  Our clients wanted something relatively low-maintenance and, as you can see, minimal lawn.  The asian-inspired, tropical design incorporated gorgeous slate stepping stones, floating anchor stone planters, bamboo fencing, blue rock and some other fun design elements.  We left with some very happy customers and this is still one of our favorites.

Want to utilize some of these elements in your yard?  Jump over to our contact page or request a quote today.

Aloha ...
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    Author

    Greg Stout has over 30 years of experience in the landscape and irrigation industry.  Born in Illinois, Greg relocated to Hawaii in the 1970's and has been providing quality design and installation work to the people of Maui since 2000 as the owner of Maui Lawn & Landscape, LLC.

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