Pros & Cons of Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Significance

• Because there is more than one way to water your lawn, it is important to understand the pros and cons of what's out there. Understanding the pros and cons of lawn sprinkler systems will let you know if this is the right option for your needs. While it may be the best for some, it will not be for others.

Pros

• Lawn sprinkler systems do not require you to mess around with hoses, sprinkler heads or watering cans. Once the upfront installation work is done, there is minimal work on your end. You can also set the system to a timer to make watering easier. This is an especially helpful feature for when you're out of town.

Cons

• Installation of sprinkler systems can be costly. Parts of your lawn will be dug up during the process. Some homeowners find that they forget to turn off their timer, causing wasted water when the system begins even though it is raining or has rained recently. There are also more efficient watering systems. According to the Colorado State University Extension, drip irrigation is 90 percent efficient, as opposed to 50 to 70 percent efficiency reached by sprinkler systems.