There are so many types of sprinklers out there. Picking the one that works best for your property is very important and assessing the pros and cons of each. Take a look at each type of sprinkler that’s out there to determine the right one for you. Also, consider important features like a rain sensor. These are so important to have. That one was on the top of my list when looking for a system.

Things to consider before getting a sprinkler system installation are the size of landscape needing irrigation, type of sprinklers, and what you want your sprinklers to do.

In-Ground Sprinklers

The best type of sprinkler system that offers low maintenance and is great to cover large areas like your front, back, and the side of your yards. This ideal also for corner lot properties also. These systems are great because they work automatically. You don’t have to go turn it on manually. The system runs itself on a timer or schedule you set. Depending on the size of your lawn, you will have a certain number of zones. The sprinkler system will move from one zone to the next and stops at the last zone. It will water each zone you set based on a timer you also have set. This can be programmed by you or a sprinkler specialist. It can be tweaked to accommodate your individual property to decrease water time in zone 1 if it becomes saturated, for example. The downside to an in-ground sprinkler system is that it can cost a lot of money on the initial investment. However, you do save lots of money on water wastage without one. These systems last ten to fifteen years. The price for any sprinkler system depends on the brand you pick, additional accessories for the system, type of system, and the size of the property you are irrigating.

Portable Sprinklers

If you don’t have a lot of money, this may be the sprinkler for you. It accommodates a fixed sprinkler that shoots water in one direction or pattern. This works great for small backyards or gardens. If you have a medium back yard you will want a rotating sprinkler. The sprinkler will have two arms that rotate and spray water in a circular pattern. If you want a portable sprinkler with a large lawn, you need to get an oscillating sprinkler. It features a tube with several openings that will move water back and forth to allow an even distribution of water on a larger lawn. Impact sprinklers are probably a better option for large lawns like a corner lot. It spins in a circle imitating a rotating sprinkler emitting a single stream that covers a much larger distance.

When to Run Your System

Timing is important, because if you have your sprinkler system running in the heat of the day. The sun is out and evaporating most of what you are running. The ideal time to run your system in the early morning. I like to run my system a 4 am. The sun is not out. If you choose am and the sun is coming up at least the sun isn’t strong enough to quickly evaporate the water, and the grass will have time to dry and absorb nutrients too. If you decide you want to run your sprinkler system on a sunny day, you will need to run your system longer to compensate for the evaporation occurring. To find out if you need more water time on the grass, look at your yard. If you have dying parts or brown patches, the answer is clear. Increase the time in that zone to bring that grass back to life.