A lush green lawn is the epitome of summer, but not all Georgia homeowners experience the same growth and greenery during the hotter months of the year. The secret to keeping a lawn healthy year-round lies in a sprinkler irrigation system.
Watering the lawn by hand is time-consuming, especially for a larger property. But a sprinkler system delivers round-the-clock moisture whenever the lawn needs it. Read on to learn all about sprinkler irrigation systems.
What Is a Sprinkler Irrigation System?
A sprinkler irrigation system is a network of pipes, valves, and sprinklers that distribute water evenly across a landscape. The irrigation method is similar to rainfall, but provides moisture on a regular schedule.
Residential irrigation systems are popular here in Georgia. They keep front and backyards healthy and green while promoting soil health as well. Most are automated, so the days of wrestling a hose and portable sprinkler around the yard is a thing of the past. Instead, a smart timer and a schedule keep the turf in perfect condition without additional lawn care man hours needed.
How Does a Sprinkler System Work?
Residential watering systems deliver regular applications of fresh water across the lawn. Further, sprinklers are installed at intervals to ensure an even distribution across the yard.
Using a series of pumps and pipes, a residential irrigation system delivers water at various points throughout the yard. Then, the spray is delivered in water droplets similar to rain. Accordingly, the water falls evenly over the grass and covers the entire soil surface.
Indeed, natural rainfall is a convenient way to water the lawn. However, it isn’t reliable. Consequently, rain-watered yards are vulnerable to dry patches, dead grass, and lackluster landscaping.
Sprinkler irrigation systems also keep foliage and gardens well-watered as well. Often, boxwood hedges along sidewalks and flower gardens at the lawn edges are included in the sprinkler’s reach to make watering a breeze.
What Are the Advantages of a Sprinkler Irrigation System?
Convenience
Sprinkler systems handle all watering. They are set to run on timers or a manual control. Further, they easily water a large surface area with no additional work from the homeowner.
Irrigation at the Right Time
The best time to water the lawn is usually early in the morning, but most aren’t excited to wake up just to run outside with a hose. Timers ensure the yard always gets watered at the right time, even when homeowners are away on vacation.
Promotes Healthy Grass and Soil
Routine watering with a sprinkler system keeps grass and soil healthy. This leads to more vibrant color, less patchiness, and healthy regrowth in the spring.
Keeps the Perfect PH Balance
A major influence on grass quality is soil composition and acidity. Balancing a lawn’s pH is tricky, but water plays a huge role in promoting the optimal balance. This is done through smart controllers that monitor soil moisture and account for weather.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Sprinkler Irrigation System?
Cost
Installing an irrigation system is an investment. Absolutely, there are costs to install and maintain any landscaping, including a sprinkler system. But the increased curb appeal and time savings of automated irrigation outweigh the costs for most homeowners.
Maintenance
Sprinkler systems, like any hardware, require repairs and maintenance over time. Also, these systems require seasonal winterizing in areas that experience freezing temperatures.
Temporary Landscape Damage
Installing a sprinkler system requires digging trenches to install pipes and valves throughout the lawn. This can negatively affect the yard’s attractiveness, so it’s best to plan ahead and ensure landscaping coincides with the installation of the irrigation system.
Pricing and Cost
The cost of a sprinkler system will vary depending on lawn size, equipment chosen, utilities proximity and availability, and the type of system.
Because cost is site specific, it is difficult to guess a price accurately. Feel free to reach out to us at Atlanta Turf & Tree to request a custom quote for installing a sprinkler system in your yard.
How to Plan for a Sprinkler Irrigation System
The first step to planning a sprinkler system is to look at existing landscaping. Consider the position of lawn, gardens, trees, and shrubbery to decide exactly where sprinklers should be placed in the landscape plan.
The topography also influences where to dig trenches and how easy it will be to connect pipes to the home’s plumbing system. Of course, check any city ordinances and HOA restrictions before breaking ground to ensure the improvement is allowed. Some communities will require a permit. Be sure to also have all utilities marked with Georgia811.
Next, consider seasonal needs. A summer planter may be desirable along a porch or walkway. Drip tubing can be incorporated into the system to keep these areas watered .
With all of these elements in place (either existing landscaping or planned), the project can move forward. Ultimately, the sprinkler installation blueprint should reach every plant, container, and blade of grass on the property.
Sprinkler Options
There are two main types of sprinkler heads to consider for sprinkler irrigation systems.
Rotary Heads
Rotary heads spin around as they deliver water, which makes them beneficial for large lawns. As they rotate in place, they distribute a stream of water that covers 15 to 50 feet. Their water pressure can vary from 25 to 60 PSI.
Spray Heads
For smaller yards, spray heads are a better option. These are fixed sprinkler heads that deliver a constant stream of water to a designated area.
For this reason, planners should be mindful to avoid excessive overlaps, but ensure coverage is thorough. Otherwise, dry patches will be a problem. Spray heads cover 12 to 25 feet, and they have a PSI range of 15 to 30.
Installation
For a well designed installation, there is a correct order of events and list of supplies that are necessary. It’s helpful to understand an overview, whether a homeowner plans to DIY the project or hire it out.
Know Your Water Supply
The water supply will directly affect the efficiency of the sprinkler system. Not all homes are made equal, so you’ll need to know the following information to buy the appropriate parts:
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- Water Pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI)
- Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
- Water Meter Size
- Size of the water service line
- Backflow preventer (and the specifications noted in local regulations if applicable)
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Make the System Map
The system map will label the locations of the system’s timer/controller, manifold, pipes, valves, and pumps. When drawing an irrigation plan, create different sprinkler zones and determine how far their coverage will span. Utilities and their paths must be included, too.
Check the Coverage
Once sprinklers are on the map, check their coverage. Every inch of green space needs to receive water when they’re turned on. Be sure to keep water pressure and flow rate in mind as sprinkler zones are decided.
Essential Parts
Below is a good starter list of necessary supplies:
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- Backflow preventer
- Pipe
- Timer
- Valves
- Valve boxes
- Sprinkler heads
- Fittings
- Risers
- Valve manifold
- Pipe adhesive (varies by pipe material used)
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Dig the Trenches
When digging the trenches, make sure to follow any city ordinances for depth requirements. Be mindful of any tree roots, which tend to extend out from the tree about as far as its canopy. Cutting shallow roots can damage the tree.
Assemble the Pipe
Assembly of water pipes should start at the water source and work outward. PVC and polyethylene pipe are widely available. PVC requires adhesive to connect, while polyethylene is more flexible and easier to shape.
Add Sprinkler Heads
The sprinkler heads attach on risers if needed. Follow your model’s instructions carefully to ensure that it is aligned properly. Also, make sure to flush the line before attaching the sprinkler head to prevent blockages.
Connect to Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer is required in most states. Backflow occurs when water flows in the reverse direction; this can cause chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants to enter the water supply.
Follow your city’s ordinances for backflow prevention and install yours before turning on your sprinkler water line.
Connect to the Water Line
The sprinkler system connects to an outdoor faucet or attaches directly to the home’s water supply line. With the second option, make sure to shut off the water supply before installing the additional valve.
Check for Leaks
Run the system to check for any leaks. Even small leaks can lead to lawn damage and increased water bills. If there is any water pooling in certain locations, or areas of the lawn stay soggy after others dry, there may be a leak or drainage problem.
A professional may be needed to repair any pipes that are leaking, but a leaky sprinkler head can be easily replaced.
Fine Tune the Timer
There should be one valve per watering zone, so irrigation adjusts to each one individually to suit the lawn’s needs. Further, keep a record of the timer and zone assignments just as an electrician would take note of an electrical breaker’s circuits.
There are even smart sprinkler systems available today that control remotely via Wi-Fi. In fact, with a smart system’s moisture and weather detection sensors, the watering schedule adjusts automatically to the lawn’s needs.
We’re Here to Help!
At Atlanta Turf & Tree, we are happy to assist on any landscaping job, no matter how big or small. Contact our landscaping services team with your ideas and goals, and we can help make it happen!
