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| Determine which irrigation system is best for you. |
Water shortages have become a way of life in many regions, and the desire to use fewer resources is on almost everyone’s mind, even if the need to conserve is not desperate. Hand watering is the simplest and most conservative way to deliver water to your landscape, but it’s not a realistic method for taking care of an entire yard or garden. Installing a water managment system may be the best way to save water and keep your landscape healthy at the same time. Drip and sprinkle irrigation systems are both good options for residential and commercial irrigation. Both methods are affordable to install, provide water savings and do the job well. Which method is best for your situation may depend on the size and shape of the landscape, the types of plants and the environment in which you live.
Drip, Drip
Also called micro irrigation, drip irrigation works through a network of tubing, valves and emitters to deliver irrigation to precise locations. Drip irrigation reduces the use of water and fertilizer by slowly dripping water at an intended target with no risk of run off.
Benefits of a Drip Irrigation
- Delivers water to specific plants/places
- Accommodates sloped and irregularly shaped landscapes
- Provides uniform water distribution
- Minimizes water on foliage which reduces risk for disease
- Less soil erosion
- Fewer weeds
The main disadvantage of drip irrigation is the need to replace and maintain the tubing which can get clogged by soil and debris and damaged by strong sunlight. In areas where frost control is a concern, drip irrigation is not effective.
Sprinkle, Sprinkle
Sprinkler irrigation systems are made up of pressure-regulated heads and nozzles that are connected to a system of piping buried throughout the landscape. Only the sprinkler heads are visible, though they sit flush to the ground and are almost undetectable when not in use. Once activated, the sprinkler heads pop up and disperse water in a natural rainfall manner over the designated area. A handy DIYer could install their own sprinkler irrigation system, but putting in a sprinkler system post-landscaping is difficult and costly
Benefits of Sprinkler Irrigation:
- Provides uniform water distribution
- Spray patterns can be adjusted to accommodate landscape
- Systems can be easily automated and controlled through Smart technology
- Provides light irrigation in areas where only supplemental watering is needed
The main disadvantage of sprinkler irrigation is the maintenance needs of the system. One faulty piece can render the entire system inoperable or cause serious water wastage. Also, wind, extreme temperatures and evaporation can alter the effectiveness of the irrigation.
If you’re still unsure which option is best for your landscape, speak with a professional landscaper or a knowledgeable customer service representative at your local home-improvement center. And don’t forget to talk to neighbors who have one or both types of irrigation systems. There’s no teacher like experience!
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