The Ultimate Guide to Sprinkler Systems
Ever looked at your neighbor’s lush, green lawn and wondered how they do it?
Or maybe you’re tired of spending your weekends manually watering your garden with a garden hose?
If so, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll explore different types of sprinkler systems, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best irrigation installation for your Napoleon, OH, home.
By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!
Above-Ground Sprinkler System
Above-ground sprinklers are the simplest and most affordable type of sprinkler system.
These systems can utilize oscillating sprinklers, pulsating sprinklers, rotary sprinklers, or many other types of lawn sprinklers to distribute the water. You can read more about all the different types of sprinklers and their benefits here.
They’re easy to set up – just attach them to the end of a garden hose and drag them to the area you wish to water.
They’re versatile and can effectively water lawns, groundcover, or a densely planted garden area.
These sprinklers are great for those who want to have control over their watering patterns.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons:
- Water wastage due to evaporation and droplets landing on hard surfaces
In-Ground Sprinkler System
In-ground sprinklers are a more advanced option that features stationary sprinkler heads attached to an underground irrigation system.
Typically installed by professional companies such as Simmons Landscape & Irrigation, these systems rely on an underground sprinkler system and can be programmed to water where, when, and how much you desire.
Although it takes time and patience to install an in-ground sprinkler system, you can design and build your own at-home irrigation system if you have the expertise.
They’re a great choice for watering lawns in drought-prone regions.
Thanks to programmable timers and flow control, these systems are able to provide uniform water distribution, ensuring your entire lawn gets the hydration it needs.
Pros:
- Automated and programmable
- Efficient for large areas
Cons:
- Expensive to install and repair
- Requires routine maintenance
Manual Irrigation
Manual irrigation involves using a sprayer head attached to a hose.
It’s the old-fashioned way of watering your lawn and requires hands-on effort.
This method allows you to control the water flow and adjust the spray pattern as needed.
It’s a good option if you’re looking for a simple lawn watering system that doesn’t require a lot of setup.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward
- Allows for direct control over watering
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Requires physical effort
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation involves laying lines that feed directly into the root systems of your plants, providing a slow trickle of water.
It’s a water-conservative method that’s great for precise watering.
This type of watering system sprays water directly where it’s needed, reducing waste and ensuring your plants get the hydration they need. There are DIY drip irrigation kits that you can set up yourself if desired.
It’s often considered one of the best lawn sprinklers for gardens and flower beds.
Pros:
- Reduces weed growth
- Efficient water usage
Cons:
- Requires precise installation
- Needs regular maintenance to avoid clogging
Soaker Hose
Soaker hoses are perforated hoses that can be placed on top of the ground or buried under mulch.
They seep water along their entire length, providing a steady supply of moisture to your plants.
Soaker hoses are great for watering garden beds and can cover a large area.
They’re a type of drip irrigation system, but they’re easier to set up and use.
Pros:
- Versatile and economical
- Can be used temporarily or permanently
Cons:
- Can encourage weed growth
- May distribute water unevenly on slopes
Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation involves overhead watering with sprinklers, making it suitable for large areas like athletic fields or farms.
It’s a more expensive option but can be used just about anywhere.
These systems often include rotating sprinklers, which spray water in a circular pattern and can cover a large lawn efficiently.
They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a sprinkler system that can provide total coverage for your yard.
Pros:
- Can cover large areas
- Versatile
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Water distribution can be affected by wind
Surface Irrigation
Surface irrigation takes advantage of gravity and the shape of the land to distribute water.
It’s the most affordable option but requires the right terrain to work effectively.
This method is great for those who want to maximize their water usage and have a large, flat yard.
It’s a simple watering system that doesn’t require any sprinkler heads or complex setup.
That being said, you don’t typically see this type of irrigation system for lawns–it’s more often used for irrigating crops on farms. This is because most residential yards run the risk of overwatering if using this method, which can lead to poor drainage and lawn damage.
Pros:
- Easiest and most affordable
- Good for utilizing rainwater
Cons:
- Dependent on terrain and lawn size
- Risk of waterlogging
Cost of Lawn Irrigation
The cost of watering your lawn depends on the cost of water in your region, the size of your lawn, and the type of irrigation system you choose.
On average, watering a lawn costs from $50 to $150 per month in water utility charges.
A typical in-ground irrigation system installation costs between $6,500 to $25,000.
The wide cost range is due to the differences in the size of the system (from 4,000 to 12,000 square feet and up), as well as the quality of the sprinklers and the type of programmable timer used.
While this might seem like a hefty price, the benefits of having a healthy lawn and the time saved on manual watering can make it a worthwhile investment.
General Rules of Lawn Irrigation
Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when it comes to watering your lawn:
- Most lawns need one to one and a half inches of water a week.
- It’s best to water your grass between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. to prevent evaporation and pooling.
- New lawns will require more water than established lawns.
- Remember, overwatering can be just as harmful as not watering enough. It’s all about finding the right balance for your specific lawn.
Choosing the Best Irrigation System for Your Needs
Choosing the right irrigation system for your Napoleon, OH, home depends on various factors, including your budget, the size of your lawn, and your watering needs.
Consider the pros and cons of each system and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Whether you have a small garden or a large lawn, there’s a sprinkler system out there that’s perfect for you.
The table below provides a quick reference for the main features, pros, and cons of each type of sprinkler system. Use it to determine the best type of sprinkler system for your property:
| Sprinkler System | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above-Ground Sprinklers | Simple and affordable, attached to a garden hose | Easy to set up, affordable, versatile | Water wastage due to evaporation |
| In-Ground Sprinklers | Advanced system with underground pipes, programmable | Automated, efficient for large areas | Expensive to install and repair, requires maintenance |
| Manual Irrigation | Old-fashioned method using a sprinkler head attached to a hose | Simple, direct control over watering | Time-consuming, requires physical effort |
| Drip Irrigation | Lines feed directly into root systems, slow trickle of water | Reduces weed growth, efficient water usage | Requires precise installation, regular maintenance |
| Soaker Hose | Perforated hoses that seep water along their length | Versatile, economical, can be used temporarily or permanently | Can encourage weed growth, uneven water distribution on slopes |
| Sprinkler Irrigation | Overhead watering, suitable for large areas | Can cover large areas, versatile | Expensive upfront cost, water distribution can be affected by wind |
| Surface Irrigation | Uses gravity and land shape to distribute water | Easiest and most affordable, good for utilizing rainwater | Dependent on terrain, risk of waterlogging |
Simmons Landscape & Irrigation Services Are The Sprinkler System Experts In Napoleon, OH
Choosing the right sprinkler system can make all the difference in maintaining a lush, green lawn.
At Simmons Landscape & Irrigation, we can design and install an irrigation system that’s perfect for your lawn.
Whether you need a simple above-ground sprinkler or a complex in-ground system, we have the expertise to ensure your lawn gets the care it needs.
Ready to transform your lawn? Fill out our contact form today or give us a call.