The Importance of Irrigation Systems

A well-maintained yard is a homeowner’s pride and joy. But it also takes intentionality and a good bit of planning ahead. An irrigation system correctly installed is certainly one plan that can ease the burden of ensuring a healthy, lush, green lawn and landscape. Some of the most prominent benefits of an irrigation system are:

Efficiency – Water conservation matters. No more wasting water when you have an irrigation system. Overwatering and water wasted from runoff streaming down the street or sidewalk can be avoided with an irrigation system.
Saving Time & Energy – An irrigation system does the watering for you while you sleep early in the morning or if you’re away from home for a long stretch of time. Whether you choose a drip irrigation system or sprinkler irrigation, no more stressing over getting it done on a timely basis, the irrigation system does that for you.
Saving Money – The money you save in water utilities by installing an irrigation system vs. manual hose-watering will, over time, far outweigh the initial irrigation system cost. Save money protecting soil nutrients, weed prevention, and water conservation.
Balance & Consistency – Inadequate water distribution often leads to brown patches and dying plants. A lawn irrigation system will consistently and evenly water your lawn & landscaping so every part of your yard will be healthy & vibrant from getting the correct amount of water helping to improve water and soil nutrient absorption.

Your lawn is the first impression for your guests. It’s inviting. It’s comforting. It’s part of your home and a reflection of the welcoming environment you hope to create. Having a reliable automatic irrigation system will make your dream of a lush and vibrant lawn and landscape a reality.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is important for saving energy as well as protecting the environment. Manual watering often leads to overwatering one area and underwatering another leaving you to play catch up while trying to evenly water your lawn. This catch up leads to a lot of extra water usage. Manual watering also leads to water waste since runoff can end up flowing down the sidewalk or street rather than soaking into your lawn. If the water flow is faster than the ground can soak it up, there will be water runoff from that as well.

An irrigation system will conserve water through proper placement of sprinklers, consistent timing, even water flow, and the correct amount of water based on the climate you live in. For ideal water conservation while keeping a healthy lawn and landscape, an irrigation system is the ideal choice.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems are ideal for maximum consistency in watering your lawn. Water and fertilizer are delivered evenly and continuously to plants. Watering times are extended which helps to prevent soil erosion and soil nutrient runoff. The slow, steady watering by drip irrigation systems allows the water to penetrate deeply into the soil where it will get down into the root system and is less likely to evaporate away. When professionally designed and installed, it is the best system for uniform application and maximum water conservation. Ultimately saving you time, energy, and money while rewarding you with a healthy, green lawn and landscape.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation systems apply water to your lawn mimicking a rainfall. Using a system of pipes, water is pumped through them by pressure and sprayed onto the lawn through sprinklers. The water then falls on the lawn in droplets. Sprinkler irrigation systems are a great all-around lawn irrigation system option.

Automatic Irrigation Systems Save Time and Money

Who doesn’t need more time and money? An irrigation system can save you both.

Keeping up with manual watering takes a lot of time and effort to keep it consistent. The ideal time to water your lawn is usually early in the morning. An irrigation system will ensure your lawn and plants are watered correctly at the optimal times, leaving you time to sleep in or get other important tasks handled.

You don’t have to stress about whether you’ve watered too much or too little either, or if you’ve watered too much too fast, losing water due to runoff. Runoff can cause soil erosion, taking away vital nutrients. Irrigation systems water evenly and consistently at the proper times according to the environment you live in. The high cost of extra water usage and money spent to recover a damaged lawn and landscaping makes automatic irrigation systems that much more appealing.

As well, over-watering and inconsistent watering will both increase your water utility bill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for areas with irrigated landscapes, up to 30% of the water bill goes toward landscape maintenance. Studies have shown when using an irrigation system, savings will often be anywhere from 20% to 50% on the water bill. So, while the upfront costs of an irrigation system can be substantial, you will reap the benefits in just a few short years for a lifetime of savings. Opting for a lawn irrigation system allows you to put the stress on the shelf and save money. You can thoroughly enjoy your lawn knowing your automatic sprinkler system is reliably and correctly handling the workload.

Weed Prevention

Too much water is often harmful to the soil and can be more harmful than not enough water. Excess water can drown your plants and kill them, leaving your lawn susceptible to weed germination where it is not wanted. Irrigation systems, when installed properly, do a lot toward weed prevention, because water is only delivered when and where needed. Watering deeply builds a thick and healthy lawn by encouraging deep root growth and winning the competition against the majority of weeds.

The Importance of Soil Nutrient Protection

Overwatering can weaken your lawn and plants making them susceptible to diseases like root rot, moss, powdery mildew, or brown patch lawn disease. Equally problematic, runoff from excess watering will steal away vital soil nutrients that your lawn and plants need for healthy growth. When you install an automatic irrigation system, the reliability of a consistent water schedule will go a long way toward protecting your lawn. Irrigation systems help manage nutrient dispersion evenly, so nutrients go deep into the soil, effectively feeding your lawn and plants.

Types of Sprinkler Irrigation

When deciding which type of irrigation system is right for you, you’ll want to consider some critical factors.

Climate – Knowing your climate and when the dry and rainy periods are is important to develop an accurate watering schedule.
Your Landscaping – The types of grass, flowers, and plants in your landscape will determine how much and how often to water. There are drought-resistant grasses that require less water. The type of flowers and decorative vegetation can be more prone to water levels than others.
Efficiency – Different types of systems will have different levels of efficiency due to evaporation and placement location.

A few of the most common choices for lawn irrigation systems are:

Surface Irrigation – By far this has been the most common method of irrigation for centuries. It’s simply spraying over the landscape with a hose, or sprinkler attached to a hose, and letting the water fall and run where it may. This is the least effective irrigation method as it’s labor-intensive and wasteful.
Overhead Sprinkler Systems – These are a traditional choice using spray heads that can be lower to the ground or raised up higher using pipes, coming in different shapes, sizes, and styles. These systems do aid in water conservation by shutting off when it rains as well as being able to more accurately direct water direction and flow.
Drip irrigation systems – These have become a popular choice since they are the most water-efficient system. The drip is slow, and goes directly and deeply into the ground, using a fraction of the water overhead spray systems use for maximum water conservation.

How to Get an Automatic Irrigation System

If you’re ready to take the plunge and have an automatic irrigation system installed, it’s best to contact a certified contractor for advice and to get an estimate. A professional will know all the factors to take into consideration…lifestyle, climates, vegetation needs, budget, etc.

The experts at Second Nature Lawn and Landscape are here to help. Contact us today to discuss having an irrigation system installed, so you can sit back and relax knowing you have the most vibrant, healthy, inviting lawn on the block. Let your lawn shine today with the professionals you can count on!

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