Lawns usually need to be watered in almost every area of the country at some point during the year. Maybe you live in an area that has a large amount of rainfall. However, if you have just planted or sodded a new yard, it may not rain when you need it the most. You will need to water that new lawn. Maybe you live in a drought prone area. If so, you especially need to pay attention to your lawn’s hydrating needs.
Some people water occasionally by turning on their water hose, standing outside in the morning or evening, and spraying whatever area of the yard they determine needs to be watered. Other homeowners buy sprinklers which attach to the end of the hose to water their lawns, moving the sprinkler around the yard as needed. Another type of hose-end sprinkler has wheels, and can self-propel itself across the yard. Still other people invest in sprinkler systems that are installed in the ground and can be programmed to turn on and off.
There are a variety of hose-end sprinklers to choose from. One type of hose-end sprinkler that has been around for a long time is an impulse sprinkler. It is characterized by its clicking sounds as it sprays water. This sprinkler travels in a half or full circle, but it still must be moved around the yard.
Another common hose-end sprinkler is the oscillating sprinkler. These are typically rectangular shaped, and water sprays from a rod that traverses the length of this sprinkler. The rod or pipe that the water comes out of can be set to remain motionless or adjusted to move back and forth, arching the water as it moves. This sprinkler can still only offer good water coverage over a limited area.
Sprinklers that are known for covering smaller areas are generally shaped like boxes or cones. They usually have a knob in the center that can be used to select what type of spray is needed. These are also generally the cheapest of the sprinklers, and with good reason. These sprinklers basically water your lawn in spots.
Another sprinkler that turns in a circular motion is a revolving-arm sprinkler. Its twisted rod allows water to be sprayed out of both ends. The rod rotates in a circle, but again, the accuracy and distance of this type sprayer leaves something to be desired.
Creeping sprinklers are sprinklers that have two wheels. They move across the yard, spraying water out of something like a revolving arm. The problem with these sprinklers is they may cover the same area many times, while completely ignoring another area of the yard. They may work their way onto a neighbor’s yard, also.
If you drive through more affluent neighborhoods, you will generally conclude that the houses have one thing in common…sprinkler systems. You might see lush, green lawns that feel like carpeting. You might not see hose-end sprinklers spread across the yards. This is because most of these yards have in-ground sprinkler systems installed.
In-ground sprinkler systems, if installed correctly, can be a lawn’s best friend. The key to these systems, however, is that they are installed correctly to accurately, consistently, and thoroughly water a lawn. Sprinkler systems should be installed after seriously considering each area that they are to cover and that area’s needs. A good system needs to meet the demands of how much water is needed and when to apply that water. Homeowners should be instructed as to how often and what time of day their sprinkler system should be programmed to turn off and on.
If you are serious about cultivating a beautifully manicured lawn, you will probably want to check into buying an in-ground sprinkler system. If you’re not sure what type of in-ground system to go with, ask your neighbors or people whose yards you admire. You might want to get two or three estimates if you are going to hire someone to install your sprinkler system. When you meet your lawn’s hydrating needs, you are going a long way towards ensuring a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Susie McGee
