Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Sprinklers

Answers to common questions about lawn sprinkler systems.

There are several important elements to a beautiful lawn: type of grass, flowers, soil and shrubbery; climate in which you live; maintenance routine; and products used-all of these play a significant part in achieving a healthy lawn. But the most crucial factor to a lawn that's in excellent condition is water. A lawn sprinkler system is an efficient way of watering your lawn on time. What's more, lawn sprinklers are convenient and conserve water more effectively that watering your lawn manually with a hose or using an oscillator. If you're considering having lawn sprinklers professionally installed, the following questions & answers may help you in making your decision. A lawn sprinkler system can help out tremendously in your lawn care and maintenance routine, ultimately saving you time and money.

1. How frequently and for how long should a homeowner water his/her lawn with a lawn sprinkler system? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. Your lawn is unique, and how often and how long you should water it is dependant upon factors such as the soil type, grass type and climate in which you live. The good news is that if you own a lawn sprinkler system, the watering process is much more controlled than if you were watering your lawn using a garden hose or oscillator.Heavier soils and deeper root systems retain moisture, thus requiring less water.Of course, your lawn will need more water on hot summer days. Areas that experience little rain during the spring and summer months often have a strict watering schedule for homeowners. For this reason and others, lawn sprinkler systems are effective and consistent, providing even coverage at just the right amount of pressure. Generally, your lawn should receive approximately one inch of water weekly, but again, this can depend on various factors. If you're unsure, simply prod the soil to determine if it's moist or dry. It's best to water your lawn in the early morning hours, before it's been exposed to extreme sunlight. Additionally, the morning dew and high humidity add moisture to your lawn.If you're still unsure of how often and how long you should water your lawn, ask a lawn care specialist for tips and advice. Every homeowner has particular preferences when it comes to his or her lawn, and a lawn care professional can help you reach your desired result.
2. What is the estimated cost for installing lawn sprinklers?Again, the cost of a lawn sprinkler system is contingent upon components such as how 'green' you'd like your lawn to be and the location of your lawn (i.e. climate). There are two types of lawn sprinkler systems: manual and automatic. An automatic lawn sprinkler system is controlled electronically; it can run on a timer, whereby it is activated at certain times of the day. In fact, some electronic lawn sprinkler systems can even detect when your lawn is in need of moisture. A manual lawn sprinkler system is controlled manually, of course, and is less costly than its automatic counterpart.A professionally installed lawn irrigation system could cost anywhere between $2,000­ and $3,000, depending on the size and complexity. It's important that you research various lawn sprinkler systems to determine what you want and need, and which ones are within your budget.
3. What advantages do lawn sprinkler systems have over other methods of watering lawns?There are several advantages to owning a lawn sprinkler system:

• Even coverage - With a lawn sprinkler system, your lawn receives an equal amount of coverage throughout.
• Consistency ­- A lawn sprinkler system is convenient and consistent. Simply program the system, and it will automatically turn on and off at particular times (even when you're not home).
• Precise amount of pressure ­- The great thing about lawn sprinklers is that your lawn receives the pressure it needs.
• Water conservation ­- The lawn sprinklers spray precisely where water is needed, which means there is less wasted water than using a hose or oscillator.