Questions

Answers about sprinkler systems, start-ups and winterizations, landscape lighting and our other services. Do not see yours? Call (631) 801-6100.

General

What areas do you serve?

All of Suffolk County, including the North Fork, the South Fork and the Hamptons, Shelter Island, and western and central Suffolk from Manorville to Amityville. We are based in Calverton.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Signature Services is fully licensed (RP-63836 and HI-63832) and insured, and Hunter University certified in irrigation and lighting.

Do you give free estimates?

Yes. Call (631) 801-6100 or send the estimate form and we will set up a time to look at the property.

Is your work guaranteed?

Every installation comes with our full one-year guarantee. If something is not working the way it should, call us and we will make it right.

When should I book my sprinkler start-up or winterization?

Start-ups run from March into May and winterizations from October through November, before the first hard freeze. Book early for the best dates.

Do you work on systems another company installed?

Yes. We repair, upgrade, re-zone and maintain systems no matter who put them in.

Can I control my sprinklers and lights from my phone?

Yes. We install Hunter Hydrawise irrigation controllers and FX Luminaire lighting controls, both of which run from an app.

Do you work on commercial properties?

Yes. We install and maintain irrigation and lighting for residential, commercial and agricultural properties.

Irrigation systems

How much does a sprinkler system cost?

It depends on the size of the property, how many zones it needs, how much is lawn versus beds, and what water supply you have. We walk the property and give you a written estimate at no charge.

How long does an installation take?

It depends on the size of the property and the system. Drip, pool fill and dock lines add time, and we set the install dates with you up front.

Can you take over a system someone else installed?

Yes. We repair, upgrade and re-zone systems we did not install, and we can add a smart controller to most existing systems.

Can I run the sprinklers from my phone?

Yes. Hunter Hydrawise controllers have an app that lets you run, pause and adjust any zone from anywhere.

Start-ups, repairs and winterization

When should I schedule my sprinkler start-up?

Most Suffolk County systems open in April, once the overnight freezes are over. Book in March to get an early date.

When should I winterize my sprinkler system?

In October or early November, before the first hard freeze. A system that freezes full of water can crack pipe, fittings and heads.

Do you service systems you did not install?

Yes. We maintain, repair and upgrade systems no matter who installed them.

Do you winterize outdoor showers too?

Yes. Outdoor showers have to be drained before the first hard freeze, and we winterize them along with sprinkler systems.

Landscape lighting

How much does landscape lighting cost?

It depends on the number of fixtures, the length of the cable runs and the controls you want. Most projects start with a site visit and a lighting plan, and the estimate is free.

Will LED lights raise my electric bill?

Very little. LED fixtures use a fraction of the power of halogen and most run on a schedule or at dusk only.

Can I control the lights from my phone?

Yes. FX Luminaire controllers can be zoned, dimmed and scheduled from an app.

Can you fix or upgrade an old halogen system?

Yes. We repair damaged or failing fixtures, and we can replace old halogen fixtures with LED and add smart controls you run from your phone.

Outdoor audio

Are the speakers weatherproof?

Yes. We use weatherproof outdoor speakers designed for rain, heat and humidity, with weather-resistant wiring and mounting hardware.

Can outdoor audio be added to my landscape lighting project?

Yes, and it is the best time to do it. The wiring can share the same trenches.

Tick and mosquito control

When does tick and mosquito season start on Long Island?

Ticks are active whenever it is above freezing, and they peak from spring through fall. Mosquitoes come with warm weather, usually from May. Starting treatments in spring gives the best protection.

Do you have organic options?

Yes. We offer organic and natural treatments for clients who prefer them.

Is it safe for my kids and pets?

We will tell you how long to keep children and pets off treated areas for the product we use, and organic options are available.

Do you spray for one-time events?

Yes. We offer one-time treatments before parties and outdoor events.

Outdoor showers

Can an outdoor shower have hot water?

Yes. We tie into the house hot water or install an instant heater near the shower.

Do outdoor showers need to be winterized?

Yes. They have to be drained before the first hard freeze, and we winterize them in the fall.

Water lines and spigots

Can I use an outdoor spigot in winter?

Yes, with a freeze-proof yard hydrant. Standard spigots need to be shut off and drained before the freeze.

How far from the house can you run a water line?

Almost anywhere on the property. We trench the line to wherever you need it.

Trenching

Do you call in utility mark-outs?

Yes. Underground utilities are marked before any digging starts.

How deep can you trench?

Our trencher digs down to 42 inches, below the frost line for water lines. When a job needs more, the crew digs it; one water and electric line went in five feet deep.

Lawn care and landscaping

When is the best time to seed a lawn on Long Island?

Late summer into early fall is best, with spring second. Cool-season grasses germinate well in the warm soil and cool nights of September.

Do I need to adjust my sprinklers after seeding?

Yes. New seed needs short, frequent watering until it is established. We set the controller for it.

Shrink wrapping

Do you come to me?

Yes. We wrap on site, at your home, dock or yard.

When should I book?

At the end of the season, before the snow and ice. Call in September or October to pick a date.

Tell us about your property.

We will walk the property, answer your questions and send a written estimate. No charge.

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