THE YARDLINE BLOG
What to Expect with an Irrigation System: A Comprehensive Guide
An irrigation system can be a game-changer for maintaining a lush and healthy garden and lawn, ensuring your plants and grass get the right amount of water without the hassle of manual watering. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a homeowner new to landscaping, understanding what to expect from an irrigation system will help you make the most of your investment. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know:
1. Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to assess your garden or lawn’s requirements. Factors like the size of your garden, the types of plants you have, and your local climate will influence your choice of irrigation system. For example, a vegetable garden might need different watering techniques compared to a lawn or flower beds.
2. Types of Irrigation Systems
There are several types of irrigation systems, each suited to different needs and budgets:
Drip Irrigation: Perfect for delivering water directly to the base of plants, this system is highly efficient and minimizes water waste. Ideal for garden beds, containers, and vegetable patches.
Sprinkler Systems: These systems mimic natural rainfall and can cover large areas. They come in various forms, including stationary, oscillating, and rotating sprinklers. A good choice for lawns and expansive flower beds.
3. Installation and Setup
That’s where we come in! One of our irrigation technicians will visit your property and meet with you to learn about your desired irrigation needs.
Planning: We’ll help determine the layout of your irrigation system, considering the water source, placement of hoses or pipes, and the location of plants. Our technician will measure up your lawn and/or gardens, take water pressure readings, a water flow measurement, and identify any vegetation with special water needs. Efficient planning ensures optimal coverage and minimizes water waste.
Installation: Once a design and quote have been accepted, we get to work scheduling an install date that works for you and any other contractors that may be working on your property (e.g. landscapers, excavators, etc…) We schedule utility line locates to be completed before we put a shovel in the ground to mitigate the risk of damaging any utility lines during the installation. Once locates are complete we get to work installing the irrigation system. Most installs take 1 - 2 days to complete. We install our pipe using a vibratory plow which means any disturbance to your lawn will be unnoticeable within a week or two. Any trenches or holes dug during the installation are generally unnoticeable 3-4 weeks after installation.
Start watering: Once installation is complete, we will turn on your new irrigation system and provide you with a short training session on how to operate and program it and answer any questions you might have. Each installation also comes with a free installation!
4. Maintenance and Adjustments
Regular maintenance ensures your irrigation system operates efficiently. All irrigation systems need to be opened in the spring, inspected for leaks and damages, and test your zones. Mid-season checks are also beneficial to ensure everything is running smoothly. Check that all zones are getting proper coverage, adjust heads and look for leaks. Finally, irrigation systems also need to be closed in the fall before the freezing temperatures. Turn off your water, blow out the water from the irrigation lines using a high-volume air compressor, and drain your backflow preventer.
We provide services to help you with each of these steps. Just give us a call to book in any maintenance you require and we’d be happy to help!
5. Time to Enjoy!
Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your beautiful, lush lawn or garden. You no longer have to worry about the tedious task of watering during these hot dry months. Let us take that load off your shoulders and give us a call today!
