What type of Sprinkler Heads are Best for my Garden?

Every garden is made of different types of plants, and plants require different amounts of water. Choosing the right sprinkler head for your garden will provide ideal water for your plants, optimize water usage, and help you maintain a lush, healthy landscape. This will also prevent under or overwatering, which can damage your yard and garden. However, finding the ideal sprinkler heads for efficient garden irrigation can take time due to the multiple types of available sprinklers. This blog will simplify your sprinkler head selection process.

Here, we share the best type of sprinkler heads for your garden and crucial factors to consider when purchasing sprinklers that meet your garden's unique needs.

Types of Sprinkler Heads for Your Garden

There are different types of sprinkler heads available for yard and garden irrigation. Each sprinkler type accommodates different garden sizes, different plants, and different watering needs. Let's explore each type so you can choose the best sprinkler heads for your garden needs.

Rotary Sprinklers

Rotary sprinklers are perfect for medium to large-sized gardens as they rotate around a central point to cover a large area. They have a broad coverage with multiple rotating water streams that distribute water evenly. If your garden has slopes and slow-draining soils, install these sprinkler heads. Rotary heads deliver water slowly in a stream instead of a mist. Hence, no water is lost due to runoff and evaporation.

Our Top Picks: Rain Bird R-VAN Adjustable Rotary Nozzles, K-Rain Adjustable Nozzles, MP Rotator Specialty Sprinklers, and Adjustable Gear Drive Sprinkler are ideal for providing even uniform coverage to large areas.

Stationary Sprinklers

Stationary sprinklers or fixed sprinklers are perfect for small areas. Use these sprinkler heads to water shrubs, flower beds, and areas with delicate plants that require gentle watering. They spray water in a set pattern and remain in a fixed location, making them ideal for targeted irrigation in compact garden areas. These sprinkler heads have a fixed spray and deliver water in circular or square patterns.

Oscillating Sprinklers

Oscillating sprinkler heads move back and forth to cover rectangular garden areas and provide many spray patterns. These sprinklers provide uniform coverage that gently waters sensitive plants and new seeds. They consist of a metal or plastic tube with multiple holes that release water in a fan-like pattern. The spray seems like a group of fingers spreading and waving.

Our Top Picks: Gilmour Oscillating Sprinkler is highly recommended for new growth and gardens. It is known for its durable metal construction and easy-to-use design.

Bubblers

Bubblers are slow-watering sprinklers that precisely water plants at ground level like a waterfall. They have low-pressure water flow and release water gently to plant roots. Bubblers are perfect for trees, flower beds, shrubs, vegetables, container gardens, and areas requiring deep watering. They ensure the water reaches the plant's roots without causing soil erosion. Bubblers are not recommended for lawns or areas that are not level, as water will cause flooding in lower areas.

Our Top Pick: The Gilmour 315MTL Bubbler Sprinkler is perfect for watering delicate plants and flowers that require gentle watering. It provides precise watering without disturbing the surrounding soil.

Wing Sprinklers

Wing sprinklers are an inexpensive option for watering large areas. These low-pressure and water-saving mini sprinklers are recommended for xeriscapes or gardens where low water usage is needed. Wing sprinklers distribute water in a circular spray pattern. They work best at low pressure, between 15 to 30 PSI.

Spray Heads

Sprayers work best for shorter distances and small areas, such as watering ground covers, borders, garden beds, young trees, and landscape plantings. Depending on the specific model, they deliver water in a full circle or fan-like spray pattern. If your water pressure is between 15-30 PSI, consider spray sprinklers and avoid placing them farther than the recommended distance. They are fixed, so there's no risk of damage or moving parts.

If you live in a windy area, they may not be an ideal choice because they release a lot of water quickly and produce a fine mist spray.

Our Top Picks: The Micro-Jet Sprayer (180°) and umbrella-patterned Spectrum Sprayer are great adjustable sprayers, perfect for watering plants at a shorter distance.

Impact Sprinklers

Impact sprinklers are durable sprinkler heads that spray water at higher pressure. They are perfect for large gardens, lawns, and uneven or sloped yards. Water pressure moves impact rotors in circular or semi-circular patterns. You can adjust the water force and height of the water stream. Impact sprinklers are usually made of brass or bronze, so they are more expensive than other sprinklers. However, their durability, excellent performance, and long-lasting period make them worth the price.

Our Top Picks: Orbit Brass Tripod Sprinkler is a heavy-duty impact sprinkler that comes with adjustable tripod legs. This sprinkler head doesn't need to be staked in the ground. It is super effective, easy to use, and sturdy, perfect for large and mature gardens.

Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system is not a sprinkler system but has a similar purpose of efficiently watering a garden. This low-pressure and water-saving system directly provides a precise amount of water to the plant's roots through a network of drip tubing and emitters. Drip irrigation is ideally used for watering vegetable gardens, flowerbeds, fruits, and shrubs instead of turf grass.

DripWorks stocks many high-quality, affordable drip irrigation kits for gardens, decks, and landscapes. From mainline tubing to irrigation controllers, each kit contains everything you need to set up a successful irrigation system for your garden.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sprinkler Heads

Below are crucial factors to consider when selecting the best sprinklers for your garden.

Plant Types: Assess your garden's plant variety. Different plants need different amounts of water, which affects your sprinkler choice. Not choosing the sprinkler heads according to your plants can lead to oversaturation, which can waterlog plants, and underwatering, which can limit growth.

Water Pressure: Check the available water pressure and make sure the sprinkler coverage effectively irrigates your entire garden. Some sprinkler heads require a specific pressure to work perfectly. Check your outdoor faucet's pressure to choose a compatible sprinkler. Water pressure is measured in PSI, pounds per square inch. If the manufacturer mentions the sprinkler's operating pressure on the packaging, follow it.

Soil Type: Your garden's soil type helps you determine which sprinkler heads are best for the soil's water absorption and retention abilities. For example, rotor heads are suitable for well-drained soil because they release water more slowly. Spray heads can release water in a unique pattern and flow rate perfect for slow-absorbing soil.

Climate Considerations: Consider your local climate and rainfall patterns to choose sprinkler heads that can adjust to your environmental conditions. If you live in hot or windy climates, install rotary, impact, and gear-drive sprinklers to reduce water wastage. These sprinklers produce water in a stream pattern rather than a mist.

The Bottom Line

Sprinkler heads are not one-size-fits-all irrigation solutions. You must choose sprinklers that ensure efficient watering according to plant types and local climate. Understand the specific needs of your garden and sprinkler types to select the best sprinkler heads. Each sprinkler has its own benefits and works well for specific situations. You know your garden the best, so once you know how the sprinkler system works for different plants, you can choose the right sprinkler heads that fit your landscape needs. The right decision will not only save you money and water but also keep your garden healthy and thriving.

You'll find everything at DripWorks regardless of the type of sprinkler head you choose. As a leading irrigation store, we carry all the garden and lawn irrigation components you need to keep plants thriving and the landscape looking lush green. Shop at DripWorks for all your garden sprinkler needs.