6 Tips for Sprinkler Systems: Advice from a Landscape Professional

Making sure your sprinkler system is in order can be done any time of the year. Revisions, repairs and upgrades can save you time and money, and a well-planned sprinkler system can help protect your entire landscape investment. It can also beautify the appearance of your property, add it its curb appeal and enhance your property value significantly.

Many of these activities can be performed yourself, or you may want to seek the services of a landscape or irrigation professional. An important point: If you wish to do the work, most irrigation supply companies will provide services for free, including irrigation designs, professional advice and product recommendations.

During my years as a landscape contractor, I observed many sprinkler systems were poorly designed from the start, and I would actually say this applied to most. Sadly, there appeared to be many individuals who lacked the professionalism and knowledge to go beyond a crude design, or to even set up the watering zones properly.

Today, advancements have been made in sprinkler products, methods and technology. You can have the latest innovations working for you.

Let's take a look at six common areas of concern for all sprinkler systems. This information applies to existing landscapes and to new installations, as well.

1. Head to Head Water Coverage

For turf areas, a properly designed sprinkler system will provide water coverage that overlaps. The water from the heads should reach the heads across from them, as well as the heads on the sides. If the nozzles are 15-foot nozzles, for example, the heads should be spaced 15 feet apart. A competent landscape contractor will advise you about this, and if you're doing the work yourself, the first step is to measure your yard and do a scale drawing. You can then take the plan to the irrigation supply store, and they should help you with the plan.

2. Head Adjustments and Nozzle Selection

Fine tuning the watering devices is important. Make sure the heads are pointed slightly upward or downward for slopes. Nozzles exist for various angles, as well as adjustable nozzles that can be set for any degree. It is best to attach the heads with "swing pipe," which is a flexible rubber hose, about 12 inches long. This provides the ability to adjust the head, as opposed to using a rigid pipe to connect.

3. Low Volume or "Drip" Irrigation

Plants in bed areas can thrive on low volume irrigation, otherwise known as a "drip" system. This is an excellent way to save on your watering bill, while preserving water resources. The main concerns are selecting the proper drip emitters and placing them in the right locations. Generally speaking, the emitters should be installed around the perimeters (or "drip lines") of trees and shrubs, and a common mistake is to place them too close to the trunk. Small spray devices and other accessories can be used for flower bed areas. There is a wide assortment of attachments that can easily be plugged into the main drip line or connecting tubing. An existing zone that has spray heads can be converted to a drip system fairly easily. Once the drip system is installed, routine maintenance is also very simple for the homeowner.

4. Controllers

There is a big selection of state-of-the-art controllers that can be programmed with great flexibility. Most are reasonably priced, and it's advisable to have an electronic digital type. The vast majority of people agree they're very user-friendly.

5. Automatic Rain Shut-Off Devices

These ingenious pieces of equipment are largely overlooked, even by professional landscapers. They are very small devices, simple to install (often on a fence) and very inexpensive. How many times have you seen sprinkler systems operating in the rain, wasting countless amounts of water? A rain shut-off device will prevent this, and I strongly recommend they should be attached to all sprinkler installations.

6. Weatherization

Winter shutdown and spring startup procedures vary in different areas. Some systems have automatic drain valves and others require a manual procedure. In addition, valves and backflow devices should be covered with insulation for the winter months. A landscape contractor, maintenance contractor or irrigation supply store in your area can provide the best service or advice.

I hope these tips have been of benefit, and I urge everyone to become familiar with the landscape professionals in your area. They can help you tremendously.