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Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
In some parts of the
United States it would be difficult to grow any ornamental plants
without irrigation. In fact, due to a shortage of water, some desert
regions practice Xeriscaping, which is the use of plants with extremely
low water requirements.
In Pennsylvania, we're fortunate to have steady rainfall during most
years. Pittsburgh is doubly fortunate to receive regular rainfall plus
enjoy a steady supply of water from the three rivers. On the other hand,
Philadelphia and the southeastern part of the state have suffered some
severe summer droughts over the past couple decades.
Clean water is a valuable commodity, and prices around the country are
reflecting that fact more each year. To be good stewards, we must not waste, pollute or
neglect our future water supply. With irrigation systems, our biggest
concern is not wasting water. By adjusting how often we water, and when,
we can help the overall situation instead of making it worse.
Commonly used lawn sprinkler
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Lawn watering
frequency
- Water early
in the day
By setting irrigation systems to run early in the morning (4:00am to
6:00am) we can maximize water usage by preventing the evaporation
that's common in the heat of the day. Early morning watering is also
recommended by plant pathologists, since evening irrigation can
encourage lawn disease development.
- Water infrequently
Most Pennsylvania lawns and ornamental plants require approximately
one inch of water per week during the growing season. During periods
when rainfall is less than this amount, it may be necessary to
provide an equivalent amount to keep lawns and plants looking their
best.
- Water thoroughly
One thorough watering per week is more beneficial to lawns and
plants than several light waterings. Light waterings can promote
shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to drought stress.
To prevent water from running off the soil surface, consider setting
your sprinkler system to run two or three times the same morning,
allowing time in between cycles for water to soak into the soil.
- Override device
Consider adding an override device added that will deactivate your
sprinkler system if there's been adequate rainfall. Most devices are
simply small cups that hold rainwater, and once the rainwater
evaporates the system is reactivated.
Sprinkler head
placement
- Sprinkler zones
Generally speaking, the more sprinkler zones the better. Chances are
you won't want to water shrub beds as often as you would a lawn
area. Or you may wish to water annual flower beds more often than
anything else, especially right after planting new flowers.
Therefore it's best to have these areas set-up on different zones so
you can water one type of area without watering another.
- The more heads the
better
The best irrigation coverage is accomplished by using more heads.
Every section of your lawn should be irrigated by at least two heads
-- this is what we call 'overlap.' In other words, the water spray
from one head should reach another sprinkler head and visa versa.
This sort of overlap helps prevent gaps in coverage.
Too few heads in a shrub bed can lead to missed areas as well,
especially as shrubs grow taller and wider.
Sprinkler system
maintenance
- Fall
In Pennsylvania, it's important to deactivate your irrigation system
for winter by shutting off the irrigation water supply, turning off
the controller and blowing out the irrigation pipes with compressed
air. Failure to do so will probably lead to burst pipes requiring
expensive repairs.
- Spring
In the spring of the year, the irrigation system needs to be
reactivated by turning on the water supply, activating the
controller and then ensuring the system is operating properly.
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LINKS
Core aerating
Seeding a lawn
Landscaping plans and
ideas
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