Not only does a sprinkler system simplify your watering duties around the yard, but the lush green lawn it helps create when used properly also increases the curb appeal and value of your home. Is a lawn sprinkler system right for your property? Let’s assess the situation and see if installing a sprinkler system is a good investment for your property.
Is a Sprinkler System Right for Your Property?
Installation Costs and Your Gardening Budget
Installing the right system for your garden depends on the following:
- Size of your yard
- System features
- Your budget
The bigger your lawn and flowerbeds, the more extensive the system requirements are. Homes with large yards need several zones to ensure adequate watering coverage.
Smart controllers are great for managing the system and allow homeowners to enjoy the benefit of automated sprinklers. These types of sprinkler systems also minimize your water usage and conserve resources.
On average, homeowners can expect a new sprinkler system covering 6,000 to 7,000 square feet to start at $5,995 with required plumbing.
Sprinkler System Benefits
We’ve already discussed many benefits of fitting an automatic sprinkler system into your yard.
Easy Watering and Water Conservation
Automated sprinkler systems connected to smart controllers take the hassle out of watering your lawn and flowerbeds. They can detect overcast conditions to limit watering cycles, saving you money while conserving the local water supply.
Imagine looking out into the garden to see the grass being watered with no input from you. It beats dragging the hose around for hours, moving the sprinkler head from location to location.
Schedule your watering duties on the controller, and that’s all you need to do. This ensures your plants, trees, shrubs, and lawn all get watered. You can even go on vacation and leave the sprinkler system running.
An automated sprinkler system also ensures the proper amount of water at the right time of day. No water pooling or residual water is flooding the ground while you run inside for a minute and forget to shut off the hose.
Smart controllers linked to sprinkler systems save you around 20% to 50% of the water you would use with conventional watering methods.
Increase Property Value
According to home valuations from realtors, a property owner can see a 5% to 15% increase in the value of their home if it has a sprinkler system installed.
Not only will your flowerbeds and lawn be healthy and beautiful, but prospective buyers also prefer homes with sprinkler systems.
Water Conservation
Efficient sprinkler systems can help conserve water by delivering precise amounts where needed. Features like smart controllers and soil moisture sensors can further optimize water usage by adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.
Compliance with Regulations
Many regions have regulations or restrictions in place to manage water usage and protect water resources. These regulations may include limitations on watering days, hours, or specific conservation measures. It’s essential for homeowners to familiarize themselves with local ordinances and ensure their sprinkler systems comply with these regulations.
Types of Sprinkler Systems
When considering a sprinkler system for your property, it’s essential to understand the various types available and their suitability for different landscapes and watering needs. Here are some common types of sprinkler systems:
Stationary Sprinklers
These are the most basic type of sprinkler system, consisting of stationary heads that spray water in a fixed pattern. They are typically inexpensive and easy to install, making them suitable for small, rectangular areas. Larger or irregularly shaped yards will require more heads to obtain adequate coverage which may increase the price.
Oscillating Sprinklers
Oscillating sprinklers feature a horizontal arm that moves back and forth, distributing water in a rectangular pattern. They are versatile and can cover a larger area than stationary sprinklers. They are suitable for medium-sized lawns and gardens but may struggle to reach narrow or oddly shaped areas.
Rotary Sprinklers
Rotary sprinklers consist of multiple rotating arms that distribute water in a circular or semi-circular pattern. They offer good coverage and are suitable for medium to large lawns and gardens. Some models allow for adjustable spray patterns and distance, providing flexibility to tailor watering to specific areas.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the base of plants through a network of tubing and emitters. They are highly efficient, minimizing water waste by delivering water precisely where it’s needed. Drip irrigation is ideal for gardens, flower beds, and landscaped areas with individual plants or rows of vegetation. It’s particularly beneficial in arid regions or areas with water restrictions.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation systems utilize advanced technology, such as soil moisture sensors, weather data, and programmable controllers, to optimize water usage. These systems automatically adjust watering schedules based on environmental conditions, plant needs, and water conservation goals. They offer maximum efficiency and convenience, helping homeowners save water and maintain a healthy landscape with minimal effort.
When choosing a sprinkler system for your property, consider factors such as the size and shape of your lawn or garden, the type of vegetation you’re watering, your water source and pressure, and your budget. It’s also essential to properly design and install the system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Consulting with a professional irrigation specialist can help you select the right type of sprinkler system and design a customized solution tailored to your property’s needs.
In Summary
If you have the budget, installing a sprinkler system is a no-brainer. While it might be a significant cash expense initially, the return on investment is well worth it with the amount of money you will save on your water bill over the years. You’ll appreciate the time it saves you each year in your watering duties as well!
Nature’s Helper – Lawn Sprinklers Omaha
With so much drought in recent years, it’s an essential step to install a sprinkler system designed for maximum water efficiency that still delivers a lush, healthy lawn. For more than 25 years, Nature’s Helper has been helping Omaha residents turn their lawns from ordinary into extraordinary. Through designing and installing residential and commercial underground sprinkler systems, we’re committed to providing innovative solutions and outstanding customer service every single time.
Are you noticing brown spots even with a drought-resistant lawn and a water-efficient sprinkler system? Periods of drought can reveal a poorly designed sprinkler system. At Nature’s Helper, we don’t just get water on the lawn, we focus on hydraulics, spacing, and nozzling to put down 1/3” of water on the lawn as evenly as possible every time your system runs. If you find yourself pulling hoses even with an irrigation system, call Nature’s Helper – we can help you!
To request service or schedule a free installation estimate, contact us online or call us at (402) 334-2625.
