From reactive to proactive

Move beyond emergency calls to become a true asset manager for your clients

For the professional irrigation contractor, reactive repairs are high-stress emergencies for their residential and commercial clients. Transitioning to a proactive maintenance program shifts the irrigation professional’s role from “break-fix” technician to steward of a critical asset. Regardless of geography or climate, irrigation pros agree that consistent preventive maintenance, along with strategic seasonal setups, are universal requirements for long-term system performance.

IN THIS ISSUE

CEO Message

IA CEO Natasha Rankin urges irrigation and lighting professionals to embrace the season through preparation, preventive maintenance, sharp troubleshooting skills and a commitment to Smart Irrigation Month.

Irrigation pipeline

Christopher Pine breaks down the real meaning of troubleshooting — a strategic process of isolating where problems aren’t before diagnosing what they are.

Night lighting

Kevin Smith walks through the lighting strategies, fixture choices and smart technology that restaurants, hotels and commercial buildings should deploy to maximize safety, curb appeal and energy savings.

Taking care of business

Tom Borg makes the case for replacing annual performance reviews with short, ongoing conversations — showing how regular feedback reduces confusion, improves quality and builds stronger irrigation and lighting teams.

Legislative Update

Andrew Morris flags three key trends landscape irrigation contractors must watch: WaterSense program support, state product regulations and nonfunctional turf restrictions taking effect.

IA update

The 2026 IA Advocacy Summit brought irrigation professionals to Washington to meet with 27 congressional offices and EPA WaterSense staff, advancing priorities on water efficiency, EQIP, turf policy and the 2026 Farm Bill.