Device installation
Professional setup of smart irrigation controllers, water leak sensors, and the devices that power your smart garden — installed cleanly and configured to your home.
Your sprinkler is guessing. Ours knows.
Your timer waters by the clock, rain or shine. Our Smart Garden system checks real weather and soil conditions — so your yard gets exactly what it needs, and your water bill shows the difference.
Smart home technology that works for you
We install, design, and support smart home technology so your home takes care of the little things: a garden that waters itself, exactly when it needs it — irrigating only when necessary, with savings you can verify against your water bill.
New Hardware: YARDHEX™ Soil Sensor Guards — Available on Amazon →
Your lawn doesn't run on a clock
Most North Texas homes run a fixed sprinkler schedule. When it rains, it still waters. In a heatwave, it underwatering-dries. The result: runoff you can see on the sidewalk, brown patches you can't explain, and a water bill that never quite makes sense.
A smart controller fixes the brain, not just the timer. But buying one and wiring it in isn't where most people want to spend a weekend — and doing it wrong can mean dead zones or a system that ignores the sensor you paid for.
We make it effortless: we choose the right controller for your yard, a TCEQ-licensed irrigator handles the irrigation-side work, and we take care of everything else — mounting, wiring, app setup, and a system that actually behaves.
One team for your whole smart home
From the first idea to years of smooth operation — we handle it all.
Smart home design & consulting
We plan the system around the outcomes you want, so every device earns its place and everything works together.
Ongoing support & maintenance
After installation we stay available: updates, adjustments, and troubleshooting keep your system working over time. Every installation includes 30 days of free support.
Packages built around results
Pick the outcome you want. No prices online — each home gets a tailored quote.
Why us — not another smart timer
| Typical DIY controller | A landscaper's upgrade | Smart Garden by us | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device quality | Consumer-grade | Whatever's on the truck | EPA WaterSense–labeled Rachio controller |
| Sensors | Often skipped | Rarely included | Weather + rain/freeze sensors included* |
| Mounting & wiring | You figure it out | Functional but basic | Tidy, weatherproofed, custom-fabricated, mower-proof |
| App setup & tuning | DIY support forums | Usually none | Full setup + watering schedule tuned to your yard |
| Rebate paperwork | You read the fine print | Not offered | We check eligibility and handle the application** |
| Who to call | Nobody | The landscaper | The person who installed it |
| Ongoing help | None | None | Optional monthly care plan |
* required by local water-saver programs (e.g., the City of McKinney ET program).
** subject to eligibility — see the City Rebates section.
How it works
From first chat to self-managing yard — in a single visit
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Tell us about your yard.
Number of zones, what you grow, and what you'd like to change. Two minutes with the form below — or a quick call.
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Get a fixed, all-inclusive quote.
One price covering the controller, sensors, installation, setup, and walkthrough. No hourly surprises.
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We install and you just watch.
Installation day takes a few hours. We test every zone, set up your app, and walk you through it — then your yard manages itself, with us on call.
Get my quote
What's included — one fixed quote
Everything needed to make your yard self-managing, at one agreed price:
- EPA WaterSense–labeled smart controller (Rachio) — sized to your yard, no monthly device fees
- Rain/freeze sensor* — required by local water-saver programs; it's included, not an upsell
- Professional installation — irrigation-side work by a TCEQ-licensed Landscape Irrigator; mounting, wiring, weatherproofing, and custom-fabricated, mower-proof protection by us
- Full app setup — every zone named and mapped, a watering schedule tuned to your yard, and a walkthrough before we leave
- 30 days of support — questions, tweaks, anything odd: you call the person who did the work
- Rachio limited manufacturer warranty — 2 years — the manufacturer's warranty, backed by the manufacturer, not a guarantee from us
* Rain/freeze sensor required by local water-saver programs (e.g., the City of McKinney ET program).
City rebates — your city may pay you back
If your irrigation system was installed before September 2007, the City of McKinney offers a $125 rebate on approved smart controllers — and registering your controller also grants a watering-day exemption from the city's watering schedule. We handle the application and registration for you.
Eligibility varies by city and by system age — some programs are paused (Frisco's is currently suspended, for example), and newer homes may not qualify. We check your address and system before you commit to anything.
Check my eligibility** Eligibility varies by city and by system age; we verify your address and system before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a monthly subscription?
No. The Rachio app and all smart watering features are free. Our optional $30/month care plan adds monitoring, seasonal schedule adjustments, and priority support — useful, never required.
Does it work with my existing sprinkler system?
Almost certainly. The controller works with virtually all in-ground systems. If your yard is larger, we use the 16-zone version. You'll need Wi-Fi at the controller location — we verify signal strength during the assessment.
What happens if the internet or power goes out?
The controller keeps its last saved schedule and runs it until connectivity returns. Your yard doesn't stop because your router did.
Who does the irrigation work?
Any work on the irrigation system itself is performed by a TCEQ-licensed Landscape Irrigator. We take care of sourcing, scheduling, and coordinating that — you deal only with us.
Can I add more smart home features later?
The system is a complete platform, ready to grow with you.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed in a single visit.
What if I'm not satisfied?
30 days of free support after installation, and we stay reachable after that. If something isn't right, you talk to the person who did the work.
YARDHEX™ HARDWARE · ENGINEERED & MANUFACTURED IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS
Field-Tested Protection for Smart Garden Sensors
Born from our smart irrigation installations across North Texas, YARDHEX™ is our proprietary line of heavy-duty outdoor hardware engineered to protect wireless soil sensors from string trimmers, sprinkler jets, pets, and scorching Texas summers.
COMPATIBLE WITH THIRDREALITY ZIGBEE SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR GEN 2 (3RSM0147Z / 3RSM0347Z)
YARDHEX™ Outdoor Soil Sensor Guard Cover (4-Pack)
$24.99 USD (4-Pack) · Free Shipping on Amazon · Manufactured in McKinney, TX
Brand: YARDHEX™ | SKU: YH-TRG2-4PK | Amazon ASIN: B0HPFBCDT2
Buy on Amazon — $24.99
Download Installation Guide (PDF)
Landscaper or Smart Home Installer? Request bulk pricing →
Smart soil moisture sensors like the ThirdReality Gen 2 stand over 4 inches above the mulch line, leaving the electronic sensor head vulnerable to accidental weed whacker (string trimmer) strikes, garden hose snags, and long-term UV plastic degradation. We custom-engineered the YARDHEX™ cylindrical shield in McKinney, Texas from industrial-grade, UV-stabilized matte green ASA thermoplastic to keep your sensors safe year-round without attenuating the 2.4 GHz Zigbee wireless signal.
- String Trimmer & Pet Protection: Shields your exposed smart soil moisture sensor head from accidental weed whacker strikes, garden hose snags, and pet footsteps in flower beds, raised gardens, and lawn borders.
- Precision Fit for ThirdReality Gen 2: Custom-engineered internal cradle holds the ThirdReality Smart Soil Moisture Sensor (Model 3RSM0147Z / 3RSM0347Z) securely in place without rattling or blocking the capacitive probe.
- Vertical Airflow & Top Drainage Vents: Features 3 top ventilation slots and 2 vertical side slots positioned over the parabolic arches to ensure natural airflow for accurate readings while shielding the electronics from direct sprinkler jets.
- Extreme Outdoor ASA Durability (Rated to 200°F / 93°C): Manufactured in Texas, USA from industrial-grade, UV-stabilized matte green ASA thermoplastic with a textured anti-glare exterior—won't warp, crack, or melt in scorching summer sun like standard PLA or PETG plastics.
- Reinforced Dual Ground Stakes: Built with internal structural ribs and dual 4.13-inch (105 mm) tapered stakes that drive cleanly into compact North Texas clay and garden soil with no tools required.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | YARDHEX™ |
| Manufacturer | North Texas Smart Living LLC (McKinney, TX, USA) |
| Model / Part Number (SKU) | YH-TRG2-4PK |
| Amazon ASIN | B0HPFBCDT2 |
| Compatible Sensors | ThirdReality Smart Soil Moisture Sensor Gen 2 (Models 3RSM0147Z & 3RSM0347Z) |
| Material & Finish | Industrial UV-Stabilized ASA Thermoplastic · Matte Garden Green (Textured Exterior) |
| Thermal Resistance | Heat-rated up to 200°F (93°C) · Freeze & UV Resistant |
| Unit Dimensions | 8.27" H × 1.54" OD (210 mm × 39 mm) · 1.38" ID (35 mm) |
| Above-Ground / Stake Split | 4.13" (105 mm) Upper Protective Shield / 4.13" (105 mm) Dual Ground Stakes |
| Wireless & Airflow Design | 3 Top Vents + 2 Vertical Side Slots · 100% RF-Transparent for 2.4 GHz Zigbee (Home Assistant, ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, Hubitat, SmartThings) |
| Package Contents | 4× YARDHEX™ Outdoor Sensor Guards + Bilingual Installation Guide (EN/ES) |
Placement Note: Designed for flower beds, mulched landscape borders, raised garden beds, vegetable gardens, and large planters (4.13" / 105 mm above-ground profile). Do not install in the middle of open turf where lawn mowers pass directly overhead at cutting heights below 4.5 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions — YARDHEX™ Sensor Guard
Can I replace the sensor's AA battery without pulling the YARDHEX™ stakes out of the soil?
Yes. Once the YARDHEX™ guard is driven into the soil around your sensor, it stays permanently anchored in place. When it is time to replace the AA battery or re-pair your ThirdReality Gen 2 sensor, simply slide the sensor straight up through the internal cradle or unscrew the sensor cap without disturbing the stakes or surrounding roots.
Does the 2 mm ASA wall reduce 2.4 GHz Zigbee wireless range or affect soil moisture readings?
No. Unfilled industrial ASA thermoplastic is 100% RF-transparent to 2.4 GHz Zigbee signals (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and SmartThings). Below ground, the dual tapered stakes straddle the outer edges of the capacitive probe without touching or shielding the sensing trace, while the 3 top vents and 2 vertical side slots maintain natural airflow so ambient heat and moisture never get trapped inside.
Why do you manufacture YARDHEX™ guards in ASA instead of standard PLA or PETG?
In direct Texas summer sunlight, surface temperatures on outdoor garden fixtures easily exceed 140°F–150°F (60°C–65°C). Standard 3D-printed PLA softens and warps around 130°F, and standard PETG becomes brittle under prolonged UV exposure. Industrial UV-stabilized ASA is engineered specifically for permanent exterior automotive and agricultural applications, withstanding temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) without warping, cracking, or fading.
Where should I install YARDHEX™ guards—and what if my sensor is in the middle of open lawn turf?
This cylindrical model (4.13" / 105 mm above-ground shield) is engineered for flower beds, mulched landscape borders, raised garden beds, vegetable plots, and large planters where string trimmers (weed whackers), hoses, and sprinkler jets operate. Do not install it in the middle of open turf where rotary lawn mowers pass directly overhead at cutting heights below 4.5 inches.
CUSTOM FIT & UPCOMING MODELS
Using an Ecowitt WH51, Ambient Weather WH31SM, or Apollo PLT-1 Sensor?
We design and manufacture all YARDHEX™ hardware in-house in McKinney, Texas. If you need outdoor protection for another smart soil sensor model—or want early access to our upcoming low-profile mower-safe turf dome—let us know which sensor you run.
Ready when you are
Tell us about your yard and we'll come back with a fixed, all-inclusive quote. No pressure, no obligation.
Get my quoteAbout
A local, owner-operated smart home team based in McKinney.
Hi, I'm Lautaro — the owner, and the person you'll actually work with. I live in McKinney, and I started North Texas Smart Living because I believe smart home technology should work for you, not the other way around. I design, install, and support every system myself — local, owner-operated, no call centers, no subcontractors. When something needs attention, you talk to the person who did the work.
Request a quote
Tell us what you'd like to achieve and we'll get back to you with a tailored proposal. No pressure, no obligation.
Prefer email? Write to us directly:
[email protected]Prefer to talk? (628) 363-0540 — available weekends