The Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation Methods

Coverage

• Sprinklers are still the best way to irrigate turf. A properly functioning sprinkler system can water large areas of lawn in a limited amount of time. For most lawns, you should water infrequently, but deeply, to encourage strong root growth. Water lawns grown on sandy soils more frequently than those grown on clay soils.

Flexibility

• You can set automatic sprinkler systems to turn on even when you are not at home, or to water the lawn early in the morning when you are still asleep. Sprinkler systems can be set to water zones in the yard for varying lengths of time, depending on the needs of the plants. For example, set the sprinkler to water lawns for a longer time than established shrubs and trees in a mixed bed.

Considerations

• Sprinkler systems may not reach all parts of the yard equally. Monitor the lawn and garden, and change the sprinkler heads or flow pattern if necessary so all areas of the yard are adequately covered. Plant drought-tolerant grass and plant varieties to reduce your dependency on sprinkler irrigation and conserve water.

Maintenance

• A properly maintained sprinkler system will give satisfactory watering results for many years. To keep sprinkler systems functioning, maintain them throughout the growing season. Replace worn parts in the spring, and blow the pipes out in the fall with a compressor in cold climates so water doesn't freeze in the system, potentially breaking the pipes.