How Smart Technology Makes Outdoor Living Easier

Technology is marvelous. Our entire homes, from our thermostats to our security systems, can be managed and monitored from just about anywhere. All that’s needed is a cell phone and a WiFi connection. But many of us haven’t applied the same technology to our landscapes… yet.

Smart controllers can be accessed remotely through a smartphone app or web portal, making them incredibly convenient. Imagine how much easier life would be if your sprinklers came on only when they’re needed… the lights were always on when you came home late at night… and you could listen to your favourite tunes outside using your phone. 

In addition to this convenience, smart controllers help conserve water and energy — saving you money and protecting our natural resources. Read on to see how you can put smart technology to work in your yard! 

Give your landscape the water it needs… and not a drop more

A smart controller on an irrigation system is designed to take the guesswork out of watering, adjusting the schedule based on real-time weather data and other environmental factors. Here's how it works:

• Smart controllers collect data from a variety of sources, including on-site sensors, weather stations, and online weather services. This data includes information about temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and solar radiation.
• This data is used to calculate the amount of water needed to maintain the correct moisture levels for all the plants in your landscape, taking into account your soil’s composition, sun exposure and the type of plants in your yard.
• The smart controller adjusts the watering schedule based on the data it has collected and analyzed. This ensures your landscape only gets water when it needs it, reducing waste and lowering your water bill.

Control your landscape lighting from your phone

Smart landscape lighting uses smart technology to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor lighting system. Here are some of the key features and benefits of smart landscape lighting:

• Using a smartphone app or web portal you can control your lighting system from anywhere in the world — turning lights on and off, adjusting the brightness and even changing the colours of your lights!
• Smart landscape lighting can be equipped with motion sensors to turn lights on when motion is detected and off when no one is there. 
• You can customize your landscape lighting to suit your specific needs. There is a wide range of colours, brightness levels and lighting effects available to help you create the perfect ambiance for your outdoor spaces.
• By illuminating dark areas, smart landscape lighting can deter potential intruders, increasing your safety and security. If motion is detected in a specific area, you can set your system up to alert you via your smartphone.
• Smart landscape lighting is easy to install and can be integrated with your existing outdoor lighting systems. This means that you can upgrade your outdoor lighting without the need for costly rewiring or installation.

Listen to the music… whenever and wherever you want

Smart audio can make your outdoors sound as good as it looks. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, or simply relaxing in your backyard, having a Bluetooth-controlled audio system makes being outside better than ever. Here are a few benefits of having a smart audio system:

• Smart audio systems provide high-quality sound for outdoor entertainment, allowing you to stream music directly from your smartphone, tablet or other devices.
• Your smart audio system can be controlled from your phone so you can adjust the volume and manage other features without getting out of the pool or leaving your chair.
• Smart audio systems are designed to withstand the elements, so you don’t have to worry about rain, wind or extreme temperatures damaging your equipment.
• There is a wide range of speakers, amplifiers, and other components available, so you can create the perfect sound system for your outdoor space.
• Today's audio systems have no unsightly wires or ugly receivers, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment. 
• Everyone in the family (even guests) can play their music on your amplifier — the system doesn’t require logins or third-party apps.

Simplify your outdoors with smart technology

Life is busy enough without having to spend precious time and energy managing the systems in your yard. Integrating smart technology into your outdoor spaces will give you the freedom to relax and enjoy being outside without the stress and headaches of caring for it. 

If you’d like to learn more about smart technology and how you can use it in your landscape, contact us to schedule a meeting. We’d be happy to explore the possibilities and help you turn your yard into a smart yard!