In Houston, sunny days are in abundance, and so are opportunities to upgrade your yard.
That’s exactly what Crenshaw Landscapes is doing today at a new client’s home — taking the first step in a full landscape transformation.
“Hi! This is Sarah with Crenshaw Landscapes, Houston, Texas. And it’s another beautiful sunny day. Today we’re at a new client’s house, and we will be ripping out all of the old plants and ugly landscaping to prepare for a retrofit on the irrigation and getting the beds prepared for new landscaping.”
Old plants, outdated layouts, and tired irrigation systems?
They’ve got to go.
Why?
Because a fresh design only works if the infrastructure supports it — especially in a climate like Houston’s.
You don’t want to invest in gorgeous new beds, only to have half your plants die from poor watering or drainage.
That’s why the irrigation retrofit is at the heart of today’s project.
What Is an Irrigation Retrofit, and Why Should You Care
An irrigation retrofit is the process of updating your existing sprinkler or watering system to meet the needs of your current or planned landscaping.
This isn’t just about switching out old sprinklers.
It’s about making sure your irrigation and your landscape are married, meaning they work together as one efficient unit.
“Now it’s important to have your irrigation system married to your landscape, otherwise your plants will not get watered properly. And it may not look good in the future.”
When your irrigation system doesn’t match your landscaping, you run into a host of problems:
- Overwatering plants that don’t need much moisture
- Underwatering thirsty plants in the Houston heat
- Wasting water and money due to inefficient systems
- Poor growth, disease, and early plant death
Let’s break this down into a simple comparison:
| Feature | Without Matched Irrigation | With Matched Irrigation |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Health | Inconsistent growth, browning | Lush, vibrant, healthy growth |
| Water Usage | High and wasteful | Efficient and eco-friendly |
| Landscape Appearance | Patchy, dry spots | Even, full coverage |
5 Signs Your Irrigation System Needs a Retrofit
If you’re unsure whether your current system is doing its job, here are some red flags to look for:
- Uneven watering – Some areas are too wet while others are dry.
- High water bills – You’re paying more, but your plants still look stressed.
- Runoff and puddling – Water runs off beds or pools in places it shouldn’t.
- Dead or dying plants – Despite regular watering, plants keep struggling.
- Mismatched zones – Shade plants and sun-lovers are watered the same.
These problems aren’t just frustrating — they waste money and ruin the look of your landscape.
That’s why Crenshaw Landscapes always evaluates the irrigation system before designing your new landscape layout.
Crenshaw’s Irrigation Retrofit Process
Crenshaw Landscapes takes a strategic, localized approach that ensures every retrofit is designed specifically for your space.
Here’s how the process works:
Property and System Evaluation
- Soil analysis
- Current sprinkler layout review
- Pressure and flow rate testing
- Plant type and bed placement analysis
Custom Retrofit Plan
- New zoning for customized watering
- Drip system integration where appropriate
- Smart controller and sensor installation
- Re-piping or rerouting for better coverage
Installation & Testing
- Trenching and pipe laying with minimal damage
- Adjusting sprinkler heads to new layout
- Final testing for even distribution and leak checks
“We prepare the beds for new landscaping and retrofit the irrigation before anything goes in. That way, the system fits the design — not the other way around.”
Common Problems Crenshaw Solves with Irrigation Retrofitting
| Problem | Solution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Overspraying hardscapes | Replace with drip emitters | No wasted water or runoff |
| Dry zones in sunny areas | Add additional sun-tolerant heads | Healthy plants in every corner |
| Mixed plant needs | Create separate watering zones | Efficient hydration by need |
The Impact on Plant Health and Aesthetics
One of the biggest impacts of a well-executed irrigation retrofit is seen in plant vitality and appearance.
When plants receive the right amount of water, not only do they grow faster, they live longer, resist disease, and require less maintenance.
This allows your landscaping to:
- Maintain its beauty year-round
- Resist extreme heat or unexpected cold snaps
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Use less fertilizer and pest control products
It’s a win-win for homeowners and the environment.
Plus, in a climate like Houston’s — where water conservation is becoming more important — this kind of upgrade can help ensure long-term sustainability.
Serving Houston Homes with Purpose
Crenshaw Landscapes has worked on countless homes across the Houston metro — from Memorial and Bellaire to Sugar Land and The Woodlands.
We know local soil.
We understand what thrives in our humidity.
And most importantly, we know how to design landscapes that last.
Features That Set Crenshaw’s Retrofitting Apart
Here’s what makes Crenshaw Landscapes different from other contractors:
- Local expertise in Houston-area soil and plant behavior
- Irrigation plans created in-house alongside the landscaping design
- Emphasis on water efficiency and long-term maintenance
- Use of high-quality parts, smart systems, and eco-friendly designs
- Seamless integration of irrigation with mulch beds, stone, and plant types
| Feature | Benefit | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Controllers | Adjusts to weather automatically | Water conservation and savings |
| Multi-Zone Systems | Different water levels for each bed | Mixed planting areas |
| Drip Irrigation | Direct root hydration | Shrubs, trees, flower beds |
Why We Think This Is Important
When it comes to your yard, what you don’t see is just as important as what you do.
A stunning flower bed or new tree won’t survive — let alone thrive — without the right support system below the surface.
That’s what irrigation retrofitting is all about.
At Crenshaw Landscapes, we don’t just make things look beautiful — we make sure they stay beautiful.
By ensuring your irrigation and landscaping are perfectly matched, we give your outdoor space a lasting foundation to shine.
So, before you plant your next rose or lay down that next stone path, ask yourself:
Is your irrigation system ready for it?
If not — we’re just a phone call away.
FAQs
What is an irrigation retrofit?
An irrigation retrofit updates your old watering system to better fit your new or existing landscape layout, ensuring water efficiency and plant health.
How do I know if I need a retrofit?
Look for signs like high water bills, dry patches, puddling, or plants struggling despite regular watering. These often point to a mismatched or outdated system.
Can you retrofit systems without redoing my whole yard?
Yes! While full landscape projects are ideal for retrofitting, we can upgrade existing systems independently to better match your current layout.
Do retrofits save money?
Yes. Retrofitting improves water efficiency, reduces waste, and often leads to lower water bills over time, especially with smart irrigation technology.
How long does it take?
Most residential irrigation retrofits take 1–3 days, depending on the size and complexity of your landscape.
