Spring’s finally here—and in New Hampshire, that means it’s time to stop pretending snow can’t come back one last time and start thinking about your yard again.

If you’ve got an irrigation system, this is the moment to make sure it’s ready to go. After a long winter of freezing temps and buried pipes, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. And trust us—doing it wrong can cost you. Burst lines, broken heads, wasted water, uneven coverage… it adds up fast.

So whether this is your first time owning a system or your tenth year in the same house, here’s a no-nonsense guide from your local irrigation experts on how to get your system back up and running the right way this spring.

Why do I need to “turn on” my irrigation system?

Let’s get this out of the way—your irrigation system isn’t like your kitchen faucet. After months of freezing temperatures, all those lines, valves, and heads need to be brought back online gradually and safely.

If you just fire it up without checking anything, you might flood your yard, damage your system, or miss problems that were hiding under the snow all winter.

A proper start-up includes inspecting every zone, adjusting water pressure, checking for damage, cleaning filters, and making sure every head is doing what it’s supposed to do. It’s not just about turning it on—it’s about tuning it up.

Signs your system might need a little extra attention

Even if everything seems fine, here are a few clues that something might not be right:

• Water bubbling out of the ground? Could be a cracked pipe.

• Sprinkler heads not popping up or spraying in weird directions? Could be debris or winter damage.

• Zones that won’t turn on at all? Could be an electrical or valve issue.

If your system does anything other than work perfectly, it’s worth having it checked out. Small problems now turn into big, expensive repairs by midsummer.

What does a professional irrigation start-up include?

When we come out to start up your irrigation system, we do more than just flip the switch and hope for the best. Here’s a quick peek at what Burke’s Tree Service includes in a spring irrigation start-up:

• Slowly pressurize the main line (to avoid bursting anything)

• Inspect the backflow preventer

• Check each zone for leaks, pressure issues, and clogged heads

• Adjust heads for coverage and direction (because yes, we’ve seen people watering the driveway)

• Reprogram the controller based on your lawn’s layout and needs

• Replace broken or sunken sprinkler heads if needed

• Test rain sensors or smart timers if you’ve got ‘em

We treat your system like it’s our own—because the goal is to get it right now, so you don’t have to deal with it later.

How do I know if I need to upgrade or repair anything?

It might be time for an upgrade if:

• Your system’s more than 10–15 years old

• You’ve had multiple leaks or repairs in recent seasons

• Your coverage is uneven (some spots are swampy, others are dry)

• You’re wasting water or your water bill’s creeping up

We’re not pushy, and we won’t tell you to replace something unless it actually makes sense. But if your setup is outdated or inefficient, we’ll help you modernize it—without turning your yard into a construction zone.

How early in spring should I schedule irrigation service?

The sweet spot in New Hampshire is usually mid-to-late April through May, depending on the weather. If you turn things on too early and we get a late freeze (which happens more than we’d like to admit), you risk serious damage.

So the best move? Book ahead and let the pros handle the timing. We keep a close eye on the forecast and your soil conditions so we can bring everything online safely.

Why locals trust Burke’s Tree Service for irrigation

We’re known for tree care—but irrigation is part of our landscape expertise, too. Our team understands how your entire outdoor space works together, from roots to runoff.

When we say full-service, we mean it. We’ve got the tools, training, and experience to make sure your irrigation system works with your lawn—not against it.

And we’re not going to upsell you on anything you don’t need. We’re here to do it right the first time, with that small-town honesty you’d expect from a crew who actually lives here.

Ready to get your system going?

Skip the guesswork and the flooded flower beds. Whether you’re not sure how to turn your system on, or you’ve just had one too many surprise geysers in the lawn, we’ve got you covered.

Visit us at

👉 https://www.burkestreeservice.net

Let’s get your irrigation system dialed in—so you can enjoy a green, stress-free season ahead.