Irrigation systems in New York City typically need seasonal adjustments as conditions change.

As a general guideline, we recommend reviewing settings at least three times per year—usually in April, June, and September. If you prefer not to manage these adjustments yourself, we offer maintenance plans that include seasonal tuning and ongoing support.

Often, yes. Irrigation controllers work much like thermostats—when temperatures rise, water evaporates faster, and schedules usually need to be updated. Adjustments may include longer run times, additional watering days, or multiple start times in a day. Some terraces require several adjustments over the course of a season.

Our technicians can make these changes during service visits, or we can handle them for you through a maintenance agreement.

Early morning is usually ideal. Watering at this time allows moisture to soak into the soil while giving it time to dry during the day. Most plants don’t like sitting in consistently wet soil, especially in container gardens.

You can run a manual cycle using the controller we install, or check the soil in the morning to confirm it’s slightly damp. On some terraces, you may also notice water beneath planters after a cycle.

If anything seems off, you can always call our office. We’ll help troubleshoot and, if needed, arrange a technician visit.

We warranty our installation work for one year, provided Rooftop Drops is also handling the system’s maintenance. Most controllers and valves are covered by a three-year manufacturer warranty.

Irrigation and lighting is all we do, and if something isn’t right, we’ll work with you to make it right.

Yes. We regularly assess, repair, and upgrade irrigation and lighting systems that were originally installed by other providers. We’ll evaluate the existing setup and recommend improvements or repairs based on performance and condition.

For most residential installations, we use drip irrigation because it delivers water directly to the root zone and minimizes waste. During spring setup, we confirm appropriate run times for cooler temperatures and check for leaks.

For larger properties, we may recommend controllers with predictive watering technology that adjusts schedules based on local weather conditions. We can also perform an irrigation audit and make recommendations to improve efficiency.

The most common issue we see is when all lights suddenly stop working. In many cases, the GFCI outlet powering the transformer has tripped, cutting electricity to the system. Resetting the GFCI and checking the transformer’s timer often resolves the issue. If not, a service visit may be needed.

Yes. In most cases, LED bulbs can replace halogen bulbs in the same fixtures. LEDs last significantly longer, require less maintenance, and newer technology produces a warmer, more natural light than earlier generations.

Yes. We are fully insured and can quickly provide Certificates of Insurance as required by buildings or property management.

We focus exclusively on New York City. This allows us to respond quickly, coordinate easily with building staff, and design systems specifically for NYC conditions.