Which Sprinkler System Should You Use in Your Yard

Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy yard. This can only be achieved by setting up the right sprinkler system. Incorrect irrigation can cause overwatering or underwatering of the lawn, leading to water wastage, dry patches, or weed growth. Without proper watering, your plants and grass will turn brown during hot summer days and drought periods. So, choosing the best sprinkler system for your yard irrigation is essential to deliver water efficiently.

Which irrigation system should you use for your garden and lawn? This article will give you an overview of types of irrigation systems and their pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your yard.

Types of Irrigation Systems for Your Yard

1. Sprinkler Irrigation

This is the most common and widely used irrigation system for lawns. It uses sprinkler heads installed at ground level or above to deliver water to different zones of your yard. You can connect the sprinkler system with a Rain Bird timer and sensor to turn them off during rainfall, conserving water.

A sprinkler system has a network of pipes connected to sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads distribute water in fixed patterns, circles, or back and forth. They provide uniform water distribution across your lawn and allow you to control the amount of water distributed. The sprinkler system is customizable to fit the shape and size of your yard, which makes it an effective irrigation system for maintaining a green lawn.

Pros:

• They are designed to water small and larger yards.
• They allow you to control the flow of water.
• Excellent for light soil types.
• Once installed correctly, the sprinkler system can last up to 20 to 25 years.

Cons:

• Use more water and promote more water runoff.
• It can encourage fungal diseases and infection in plants.
• A broad distribution of water promotes weed growth and nutrient runoff.

2. Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most popular and effective irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of plants without wasting water. It is a type of micro-irrigation that is a perfect option for watering vegetable gardens, raised beds, individual plants, hanging baskets, container plants, and fruit trees. This system uses a network of tubing with holes, pre-installed emitters, or attached spray heads to deliver water to plants. As with sprinkler irrigation, you can also automate the drip irrigation system using a timer. Emitters or drippers slowly drip the water into the soil towards the roots. Unlike sprinkler systems, water is not sprinkled into the air but is slowly delivered near the roots.

DripWorks is one of the best drip irrigation system providers in the market. It offers a wide range of easy-to-assemble drip irrigation kits that are perfect for your yard and budget.

Pros:

• More water-efficient and water-conserving than other irrigation types.
• Designed to work in any type of yard and soil.
• No water is lost in evaporation or overspray.
• Ideal for drought-prone areas with strict watering restrictions.
• Less prone to cause pests, disease, and weed problems.
• Promotes healthy plant growth with deeper roots.

Cons:

• Mowers and pests can damage the above-surface drip tubing.
• Requires regular maintenance and flushing to keep running smoothly.
• Poor quality or hard water can clog the system.

3. Micro Sprinkler Irrigation

Micro irrigation is a modern method of slowly providing water to plants' base. This irrigation type uses a tubing network and low-pressure water delivery mechanism for water distribution. It delivers water through low-pressure micro sprinklers, emitters, or foggers attached to drip tubing. This low-flow irrigation system delivers water in small quantities over a larger area compared to drip irrigation.

Pros:

• Provide water at a larger rate.
• Uses less water than sprinkler systems.
• Ideal for irrigating plants with wider spacing.
• Easier to install and maintain.

Cons:

• Potential damage to system components due to mowers and animals.
• Physical inspection is often required due to the greater possibility of emitter or sprinkler damage.

Types of Sprinkler Heads for Your Yard

Sprinkler irrigation is the most common yard irrigation method. Different types of sprinkler heads can be used according to plants, soil, and personal needs. If you're wondering which sprinkler head you should use with your sprinkler system, let's explore the popular types of sprinklers and their applications.

Rotary Sprinklers

A rotary sprinkler is a type of sprinkler head that rotates around a point and uses a motor to rotate the head. These sprinklers are available in both electric and manual versions. They are perfect for watering large areas.

Rotary sprinklers operate at high pressure (30 to 80 psi) and have an hourly application rate between 0.2 and 0.5 inches. They are the cost-effective solution for medium to large gardens and grass areas. If you're looking for a sprinkler head with a great coverage area to cover your yard area quickly, rotary sprinklers are a good option.

Fixed Spray Sprinklers

Fixed spray sprinklers have a stationary nozzle that delivers a tight, steady water flow in a fixed pattern and direction. The fixed nozzles determine the distance and radius of water spray, which are usually fixed. For example, you can get a fixed sprinkler head with a 45-degree spray pattern that covers 10 feet.

Fixed sprinklers are used for small lawns or to irrigate irregular yards. They are simple to set up and can be installed in a fixed location on your lawn. A fixed spray sprinkler is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to water a large area with a wide spray.

Bubblers Sprinklers

Bubblers sprinklers, also known as flood sprinklers, provide water at ground level, like natural rainfall. They are designed to emit constant water to roots and provide more precise watering than conventional sprinkler heads. They provide water where needed instead of spraying it in the air. These sprinkler heads work by delivering water downwards from the head spout, which bubbles up and overflows to water the roots.

If you already have a sprinkler system, you can get a bubbler nozzle to convert existing sprinklers. Bubbler irrigation is ideal for groups of similar plants, flowerbeds, roses, ground covers, and trees.

Read More: All About Drip Irrigation Bubblers

How to Choose a Right Sprinkler System for Your Garden

A sprinkler system is a useful addition to your yard, providing uniform coverage and offering automation to make your life easier. Choosing the right sprinklers for your garden will affect the health of your plants and grass and can prevent brown grass patches and extra wet ground.

However, it is not something you should go into the store and buy the first sprinkler you see. You must assess your landscape needs and personal preferences to make the best decision. Here is a list of factors to consider when choosing the right sprinkler system for your lawn and garden.

• Measure the size and shape of your yard.
• Calculate the water pressure of your system.
• Consider soil type, grass type, and plant type.
• Consider the climate and water usage restrictions in your area.
• Choose a convenient and easy-to-use system.

Sprinkler System Maintenance

Regardless of the type of sprinkler system you choose, regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly. By taking proactive steps such as cleaning the sprinkler heads and nozzles to remove hard water deposits and dirt buildup and checking for any damage or leaks, you can ensure the longevity of your system and the health of your garden.

Regular inspection and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your irrigation system and help avoid costly future repairs. Moreover, you must winterize the sprinkler system in the fall to prevent pipe damage. Winterizing involves blowing out the water from your lines before freezing weather arrives.

The Bottom Line

Investing in the right sprinkler system will enhance your yard's productivity and promote sustainable water usage. Choose the system according to your yard's size and shape, soil type, type of plants, and budget. It will save you time and money in the long run.

At DripWorks, we offer a wide variety of irrigation systems to meet the diverse needs of gardeners, landscapers, and farmers. Whether you're looking for a ready-to-install drip irrigation kit or need a highly efficient lawn sprinkler system, we have everything for your yard. Explore the website to discover the complete range of irrigation products and find the best one for your yard.