Baseline Systems BaseStation 3200 V12 - Manual (Page 13)

BaseStation 3200 Advanced Irrigation Controller Manual
If you want to install a sensor in newly seeded turf grass, follow the installation instructions and
bury the sensor at the proper depth. Baseline recommends that you water according to an
appropriate timed schedule until the grass has rooted sufficiently (typically 60 to 90 days) before
enabling a sensor based watering strategy. After the grass has rooted, you can convert the primary
zone to a sensor based watering strategy.
Likewise, newly installed sod has very shallow roots. Water the new sod on an appropriate time
schedule until it has rooted sufficiently to enable a sensor based watering strategy (typically 30 to
60 days).
Trees and Shrubs
If trees and shrubs are watered separately, a moisture sensor is an excellent tool to maintain their
health and beauty. Typically, multiple trees are watered by the same zone. If so, choose an average
tree, and install the biSensor in the top 1/3 of the root zone of the tree.
biSensor in the top 1/3 of the root zone of an established tree
Angling the sensor can monitor a deeper soil profile for trees that have deep root structures.
If the tree is watered with drip emitters or bubblers, install the sensor in a location that is not
directly under the emitter or bubbler to avoid partial watering of the whole root zone of the tree. If
multiple emitters are used for a single tree, a good rule of thumb is to install the sensor roughly
half way between two emitters and as much inside the root mass of the tree as possible without
damaging the roots.
Note: Root depth and water requirements for trees and shrubs vary much more greatly than for
turf. Consult an experienced Arborist or Master Gardener for specific guidelines for watering trees.
Most trees are watered along with turf in commercial landscapes. In this case, Baseline
recommends that you install biSensors in the turf areas and that you adjust the default run times of
zones with trees to ensure water application to 12 inches or whatever is required to optimize tree
health.
Page 7