One of the key factors in achieving a lush and vibrant lawn is proper irrigation. However, if an irrigation system is not designed and installed properly, it can lead to dry spots, uneven coverage, and unnecessary water waste. A properly designed irrigation system will save you time, water and result in a healthier, greener lawn and landscape. In this blog we are going to discuss a few of the key principles and parts of an irrigation system and explain why they they are important.
Proper Layout and Design Considerations: MicroClimates, Vegetation
One of the first things that must be determined when designing a sprinkler system is the individual micro climates that exist in a yard. For example, a side yard that is on the North side of the home will require less water than a fully exposed area on the West side of the home. We want to make sure these two areas are not watered on the same zone. This way they can be set and adjusted to run the appropriate amount of time to water each area correctly. The same applies to hillsides as the top of the hill will likely require more water than the bottom of the hill. Many examples of this occur throughout each property and must be carefully considered. In addition, the type of vegetation being watered must be considered. Watering needs for turfgrass are going to be much different from an annual flower bed and different yet from a bed with perennials or shrubs.
Different Types of Irrigation
There is a wide range of different types of parts used for distributing irrigation. The most common types include: rotary heads, spray heads, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses.
Rotary Heads are the most popular type of irrigation for larger areas. They typically deliver water in 18′-30′ spans and rotate back and forth to cover this area. Generally these heads run longer than a spray head as they need time to rotate and apply the water to a given area.
Spray Heads emit a constant pattern of water and are great for small lawn areas that are 2′-17′ wide. These can also be used in landscape beds and come in a different heights ranging from 4″ to 12″ tall to accommodate taller plantings.
Drip irrigation, on the other hand, is a more targeted approach to watering. This is commonly used in planting areas placed at the soil surface and ran next to the plants base. In some cases it can also be used to irrigate turf when placed in the subsoil in areas that wont allow spraying water. Generally Drip irrigation involves a pressure reducer and is considered low volume irrigation emitting water in 1-5 gallons per hour as opposed to the previous heads that emit gallons per minute. Drip Irrigation involves placing small hoses with emitters at regular intervals along the pipes surface. The emitters release water directly into the soil, which reduces water waste and promotes healthier root growth.
Soaker hoses are another option, which release water directly into the soil, similar to drip irrigation, but are made of a porous material that allows water to seep through the hose’s entire length.
Key Principles
All systems we install demonstrate head to head coverage and match precipitation. If a system is not designed with these key principles, it will lead to wasted water and uneven coverage. Head to head coverage is accomplished by spacing the heads so they spray back to the next both laterally and horizontally. Often times heads distribute water more efficiently in the first 50%-60% of its throw than the last 40-50%. This allows each head to compensate for the next heads weakest portion of its spray pattern. In addition the heads must be nozzled so that their precipitation rate matches the others in its zone (Match Precipitation). For example: A head that is emitting 6 gallons per minute and rotating 360 degrees should be matched with 3 gallon 180 degree heads and 1.5 gallon 90 degree heads. This way as they rotate across their given area they are all distributing the same amount of water in a given amount of time.
Choose a Professional
Green Lawn has been installing and maintaining sprinklers for over 30 years. We carefully design and install each system to provide our customers with systems that exhibit proven results, long lasting durability and add value to the property. We research and employ the newest technology to provide the most efficient user friendly system available. We use only professional grade parts in our systems and have trained professionals installing them. We offer options that allow our customer to scale their purchase to their needs and desires. We utilize equipment like the vibratory plow for all pipe installations. A Vibratory plow pulls the pipe underground, making just a small linear slit in the ground. This process is much less invasive than the trencher, helping us to minimize disruption from the start. We are fully insured, install our systems per your city’s codes and pull all applicable City permits.
Ready to Get Started?
By taking these factors into account, you can enjoy a sprinkler system that provides worry free operation for years to come. We hope to help you install your next system. Contact us today for your free consultation so you can start enjoying your Green Lawn!
