Does Your Business Landscape Have the Right Irrigation System?

Adequate irrigation is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape in commercial properties. A suitable irrigation system plays a key role in enhancing the beauty of outdoor spaces. In the hottest states, having the right irrigation system for your commercial property is crucial for keeping your landscape healthy. In California, the choice of irrigation system can make or break your property, and the right decision can help your landscape survive the hot, dry summers and drought. From sports fields and public parks to shopping centers and golf courses, the proper irrigation system ensures healthy, green, functional outdoor space while saving water and reducing costs.

This post will explore the common types of commercial irrigation systems, factors you should consider when choosing the best form of irrigation, and how they can benefit your commercial property.

Why Your Commercial Property Needs an Irrigation System

Here is how an irrigation system can benefit your commercial property.

Conserve Water

The primary benefit of a commercial irrigation system is that it saves water by efficiently distributing it to the landscape and reducing water bills.

Increase Property Value

An irrigation system can maintain the health and beauty of your lawn and landscape. A well-maintained landscape can increase the appeal and value of your property to potential buyers.

Water Consistently

The right commercial irrigation system ensures your landscape receives consistent watering in all seasons, which is crucial for maintaining healthy landscaping.

Enhance Plant Health

Consistent watering with a drip irrigation or sprinkler system can improve lawn health and encourage healthy plant growth, increasing your property's beauty.

Reduces Soil Erosion

Irrigation systems in commercial landscaping help keep the soil evenly moist, which minimizes soil erosion caused by water and wind.

Types of Commercial Irrigation Systems

Multiple types of irrigation systems are used in commercial landscapes, including drip, sprinkler, and subsurface drip irrigation. Understanding the workings, components, installation, and benefits of these systems can help property managers and owners choose the system that best suits their needs.

Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation, also known as micro-irrigation, is a smart and highly water-efficient system that delivers water directly to plants' roots. Water is delivered in a precise amount around the landscape through a network of tubes and emitters controlled by valves. Drip irrigation supplies water straight to the target area, dripping water into the soil surface and root system.

Drip irrigation is recommended for plants that need precise watering. It can also be used to irrigate non-turf areas such as shrubs, containers, flower beds, perennial gardens, and trees.

DripWorks offers a high-quality drip irrigation system for commercial landscapers to help your green space thrive.

Subsurface Irrigation

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a type of drip irrigation in which drip tubing is buried under the ground, and water is delivered from below the soil surface. This is one of the most efficient irrigation systems, especially for large commercial properties, as it reduces water loss from evaporation and runoff. This advanced irrigation method releases water below the soil surface directly to the roots, retaining soil moisture.

Subsurface irrigation works best in hot, arid, or windy environments because it minimizes the surface water lost due to evaporation. Since this irrigation system is buried beneath the soil, animals and vehicles are less likely to damage it.

When installing a subsurface irrigation system, make sure to periodically check the system for clogs, damage, or leaks.

Benefits of Drip Irrigation System

• Irrigate hard-to-reach areas and irregularly shaped garden
• Saves time, water, and money
• Less evaporation and water waste
• Uniform water distribution
• Less soil erosion
• Minimal fertilizer runoff
• Limits weed growth
• Reduced the risk of fungal disease in plants by delivering water directly to roots

Sprinkler System

Another popular irrigation choice for commercial landscapes is a sprinkler system or spray irrigation system. This system is the opposite of a drip irrigation system. Sprinkler systems disperse water through rotating or fixed sprinkler heads, mimicking rainfall.

Sprinkler systems are versatile, covering small and large areas. They are ideal for watering turf, large open areas, and commercial property landscapes that need broad water coverage. Although sprinklers are effective at irrigating large spaces, they can cause water wastage due to evaporation and runoff.

When it comes to irrigating lawns, the type of sprinkler you choose is essential.

Rotor Heads: These sprinkler heads are best for long distances as they rotate to deliver water over large areas. They are more suitable for expansive lawns because they can cover large areas with adjustable spray patterns.

Spray Heads: These sprinkler heads are designed to irrigate small areas at short distances. They distribute water in a fan-like pattern, providing uniform coverage over a smaller range.

Benefits of Sprinkler System

• Covers big areas and is well-suited for watering lawns and open areas
• Can be adjusted to suit unique landscape needs
• Can be automated
• Evenly distribute fertilizers through the system
• Attract birds and other valuable small creatures to your landscape

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Commercial Irrigation System

Understand your landscaping needs before choosing the right irrigation system for your property. Selection depends on multiple factors, such as the type of landscape, climate, and plants being watered. Some key factors to consider before making a decision include:

Landscape Size: Large commercial properties benefit from sprinklers or spray systems for broad coverage. Drip irrigation is best for small to mid-sized areas or plants with specific watering needs.

Slope: Another crucial factor that many property owners ignore when choosing the irrigation system is their landscape slope. Subsurface irrigation and rotor sprinklers are efficient and practical options for watering a sloped landscape.

Water Availability and Climate: Areas with drought conditions or water restrictions require more efficient systems, such as drip irrigation, to reduce water consumption and promote a sustainable landscape.

Vegetation Type: Plants such as shrubs, trees, and flowers benefit from low-pressure drip irrigation systems, while large open spaces and lawns thrive with sprinkler irrigation systems.

Irrigation System Maintenance for Commercial Properties

After installing your commercial irrigation system, it is essential to maintain it regularly to ensure water efficiency and long-term performance.

• Perform regular inspections and adjustments to prevent leaks and system failure.
• Check pipes, drip tubing, drip emitters, sprinkler heads, valves, and timers for damage to save water and avoid expensive repairs.
• Adjust the irrigation system according to seasons to ensure proper watering in dry periods and prevent overwatering in wet seasons.
• Consider adding sustainable solutions to your landscape, such as rain gardens, xeriscaping, and bioswales, to reduce strain on your irrigation system.
• Clean drip emitters regularly to prevent clogging and ensure uniform water flow.
• Consider upgrading your system to a smart irrigation system that conserves water, contributes to the environment, and reduces costs.

How DripWorks Landscape and Irrigation Services Can Help

Investing in the right commercial irrigation system improves landscape health, boosts curb appeal, saves water, and increases property value. Choosing the irrigation system for your commercial property is the first step. Then, you need to ensure you purchase from a trusted irrigation store and install the system properly.

If you need help choosing the best irrigation system for your commercial landscaping, DripWorks can help. We offer a wide range of high-quality drip irrigation kits for landscapes, sprinkler systems, and other landscaping products.

Explore our irrigation store or contact experts to learn more about our irrigation and landscaping!