SPRINKLER SYSTEMS FOR YOUR YARD

Watering Your Lawn is Easy With a Sprinkler System


If a nice, lush green lawn is important to you, even in the dog days of summer, and you are tired of wrestling with hoses, looking for your sprinkler, changing the location of your sprinkler, all in the name of a green lawn, consider installing a sprinkler system in your yard. Done properly, a sprinkler system ensures that all parts of your yard and landscaping are evenly watered without much effort on your part. Especially if you've spent a lot of work and money on a new yard or new landscaping, you'll want your investment to look nice and last a long time. Good, even watering is essential in keeping your lawn nice-looking and weed-free, and a sprinkler system makes this job easier. We present you with the options and how-to's on installing a sprinkler system that is just right for you. Whether your choice is an automatic system or one that you turn on and off yourself, your options will be explained here. We'll give you some approximate costs and tips for maintaining your system as well. Read on for more information.

Sprinkler Systems: What's Available

There are several types of sprinkler systems available for your yard. All of them will do a better job of watering your lawn than the old-fashioned hose and nozzle, or sprinklers that you set out yourself and have to move every so often. Here's the different types available for your consideration.

  • Automatic Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
    These systems are the most common systems in use, and consist of four main components: the timer or controller, irrigation valves, undergrown pipes, and sprinkler heads. And there are two main types of heads: spray and rotor. PVC pipes are buried underground, with the sprinkler heads being set at regular intervals to insure that all parts of your lawn is watered evenly. The controller can be set to come on at specific times of the day, especially handy if you are travelling or at work and can't be home to turn on your sprinklers. If you have this system installed, be prepared to spend around $2500 to $3000, depending on the size of your yard.
  • Drip Irrigation Systems
    This system uses a series of tubes with holes in them at specified intervals. They are used in garden areas rather than for lawns, as this system is designed to water the roots of plants. There is very little water waste, since the drip occurs where the plants are located. PVC pipes are are also used to deliver the water to each plant. This system can cost a lot less if you do it yourself, with kits available at such stores as Lowe's or other garden supply stores.

Installing Your Irrigation System

If you are installing the automatic irrigation sprinkler system, this is one project that should probably be left to the professionals. There's a good deal of measuring involved in order to place your sprinklers where they will do the most good. Unless you are good at making these calculations, along with digging and laying pipes, etc., hire someone to do it for you. There are some online sites with do-it-yourself tutorials for installing an automatic sprinkling system if you really must do it yourself. On the other hand, the drip irrigation system is a good do-it-yourself project.

Some of the better known brands of sprinkler systems include RainBird, Hunter Sprinkler, Toro Sprinkler, and Nelson Sprinkler. Each of these companies have their own web site with specific information on their systems. RainBird's web site does offer a tutorial if you are interested in doing it yourself. You can order your kit from them, get information on the best watering techniques and tips for improving your lawn. And they will assist you in selecting a contractor to install your new system. Toro also offers both types of systems and has some do-it-yourself tips on their web site.

Things to Remember

Your choices in lawn sprinkler systems include automatic sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation systems. Drip systems are used for specific plants or garden areas, while the automatic sprinkler irrigation system is used for general lawn watering. Drip systems are good do-it-yourself projects, while the automatic sprinkler irrigation is best left to the professionals. Whichever system you are interested in, do your research and get your bids before setting out to make your lawn the best looking one in your neighborhood.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes