q&A: everything you need to know about automatic Irrigation Systems

There’s plenty of reasons why we love automatic irrigation systems. If you’re not familiar with how these systems work, we’re here to fill you in. Keep reading for more information about at-home, automatic irrigation systems and why you should get one installed right away —

why should i install an automatic irrigation system?

There’s a handful of solid reasons to install an automatic irrigation system in your yard. Most of them have to do with ditching the hose.

No one wants to drag that long, heavy hose around. It’s heavy and clunky. It get’s caught underneath car tires in the driveway. The tubes get’s tangled and cut off water circulation. We don’t have time for that.
If you’re a traveler, installing a system can really help save your landscape while you’re gone! Replacing parts of your landscape can be expensive, especially if it’s lawn.
Simply put, they’re convenient and allow you to be more hands-off with your garden, giving you more time throughout your day.
They can save you money. They can save you money. They can save you money.
With the correct settings and programming, these systems promote watering precision, leaving you with a healthier, happier, more balanced landscape.

can i install the system on my own?

Technically, yes, of course anyone could with the help of YouTube. But should you? Our answer is no. As experts, we would advise hiring a professional because the programming process is dense with complex coding. You want to make sure the programming is thorough so you experience all the benefits of an automatic irrigation system.

should i use the same automatic irrigation system for my garden?

No, it’s not always best to use the same system for a garden; let’s talk drip irrigation. Gardens or plant beds will require a more delicate watering approach and drip systems are perfectly fit for the job! Drip systems have the ability to directly water root zones, instead of a hose gushing out water that can be harmful to your garden and wasteful. It’s also definitely more efficient than slowly watering each plant with the hose.

do the types of sprinklers matter?

Yes, they do! Watering is not one size fits all. The most commonly used sprinkler heads are spray head sprinklers and rotor head sprinklers. They both project water differently in range and rate, so the head you use will change in different terrain and even corners of your yard. Your landscape professional will be able to assess what sprinklers would be more suitable for your needs.

is there a way to conserve water well with an automatic irrigation system?

There tends to be a misconception with irrigation systems. It’s believed that they waste water and that doing it manually gives you more control and therefore, makes you less wasteful. The truth is:

Hoses are the culprits! They can be huge water wasters because of the lack of watering precision they offer.
Automatic irrigation systems are made to intricately target your personal “irrigation zones", which essentially are areas in your landscape you want the sprinklers to target, making these systems great water conservers.
Not only do they precisely cover your desired zone with your chosen amount of water, they also can intelligently distribute water directly into plant roots, wasting even less water.
Rain sensors! You might have asked yourself, “well, what happens when it rains?" Do not worry, rain sensors have your back and can be easily added onto your irrigation system. Not only will this promote water conservation, but it will save you money on your water bill as they turn off your system after detecting rain.
Be strategic with the time of day you program your system. This matters! For example, if you run it in the early hours of the morning, your water won’t evaporate as quickly as it would in the heat of the afternoon.

are there any downsides to sprinklers?

Thankfully, there aren’t many negative things to say about installing an automatic irrigation system. The one thing to consider is the cost. However, we believe that it pays off quickly as it effectively conserves water, offers you more time in your day, ensures the health of your landscape and save you from unnecessary replacement expenses, and creates beautiful results in your outdoor living space.