SPRINKLER SYSTEMS FOR YOUR YARD
Watering Your Lawn is Easy With a Sprinkler System
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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.