Everyone likes a lush and green yard where the kids can play on the weekends. Unfortunately, keeping that lawn green can be expensive.
A yard measuring 100’ by 100’ can cost you as much as $156 per month just to water it.
Worse, roughly 50% of the water used outdoors is actually wasted. This waste can be caused by evaporation, wind, and runoff, with the overall amount totaling around 25,000 gallons per year. This is especially true when it comes to the improper installation of automatic landscape irrigation systems.
One way to solve this problem is by planning the layout of your sprinkler system carefully. Through careful installation, you can create an efficient setup that guarantees every inch is watered without expensive overlaps.
The Different Types of Sprinkler Zones
The area or space that each sprinkler is able to supply with water is referred to as a sprinkler zone. To ensure continuous hydration, each zone should ideally have a dedicated watering source.
These sprinkler zones are determined by a number of variables, such as the kind of sprinkler head, water pressure, size of your lawn, type of soil, and even types of plants.
Here’s what you should know when creating sprinkler zones:
Start by figuring out the “zones” of your yard. Try giving names to certain spots based on the plants that grow there or the way the sun falls on them during the day. Shady areas, trees, and shrubs won’t need as much water. Every zone should ideally contain only one kind of plant. For instance, you shouldn’t put bushes and grass in the same area. These two plants require different amounts of water, and if proper planning isn’t done, one or both may perish.
Find out your home’s water pressure. Most sprinkler systems are designed to work at 30 psi. Should your water pressure be less than this, you might not see satisfactory outcomes.
Although you can set them to only cover 90, 120, or 180 degrees, spray head sprinklers normally cover 360 degrees of space. Rotating head sprinklers are another option; they can shoot water a long way. They’re perfect for homes with large lawns or hilly yards. The wide water arc from the sprinkler system aids in reducing runoff.
Bubblers or drip irrigation is designed for small areas. They are usually positioned as a dedicated water source next to trees or shrubs.
Additionally, you can use various sprinkler head types based on the zone; for instance, if there are trees in one area of the yard, you can use a drip-style sprinkler head.
By drawing out the locations of each sprinkler head, you can create zones on your lawn. From here, you can visualize a mist of water covering every section. Making sure that every square inch of your space receives water from the sprinkler head is the aim. Add and reduce sprinkler heads as needed. The objective is to minimize the number of sprinkler heads while covering all required areas. You can complete this step of trial and error on paper.
How you plot a zone can also depend on the design of your lawn. The first thing you should do with rectangular lawns is install sprinkler heads around the edge. After positioning a second head in the center, use this fundamental arrangement to guide your computations. The same technique works for square-shaped lawns.
Irregular areas will need more planning. Sprinkler heads with adjustable coverage can assist you in making plans within the irregular shape in these situations.
MP Rotators are the most efficient sprinkler type available—that is, if they are installed correctly. They aren’t the solution for every application—in fact, I only use them in about one out of every four systems—but when used properly, they perform admirably. Although they are more costly and less long-lasting, they are effective along driveways because they apply water in a precise pattern, which reduces the likelihood of leaving water stains on cars.
This section covers Xeri Sprays, Bubblers, and Drip. The GPH (gallons per hour) of the emitters you intend to use must be known. Just choose the GPH option below that corresponds to your flow rate. These are some common options/resources to consider if you are unsure which emitters to choose.
Why Complete Irrigation Coverage Matters
To keep a healthy patch of lawn grass, complete irrigation is essential. A healthy lawn should have a consistent deep-green color. The blades ought to be thick and rise straight from the earth. Additionally, they ought to be springy and bouncy so that when you walk barefoot, your feet feel ticklish. Bald patches or thin patches that reveal the dirt underneath are absent from healthy lawns.
Simply put, a healthy lawn looks and feels gorgeous.
The establishment of a healthy lawn is largely dependent on proper irrigation. Inadequate coverage leads to uneven growth, bald spots, and thinning grass blades. Worse, even liberal use of the sprinklers may not prevent this from occurring. You might be spending the same amount of money on the water but not seeing the desired results because of the inadequate coverage.
FAQ
How many sprinklers can you put on one zone?
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How many zones can you have on rain bird?
How far apart should Rainbird sprinklers be?