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Key Points
- Lawn professionals recommend in-ground irrigation systems and systems that fit the needs of individual homeowners’ lawns.
- Programmable systems with timers that connect to Wi-Fi and are weather-sensitive can help reduce water waste.
- Watering early in the morning—and not watering for too long—can help save water regardless of the type of irrigation system.
The best irrigation system for your yard can vary based on what you’re growing there, where you live, what your soil is like, whether your yard is sloped or flat, and how much you’re willing to pay on your water bill.
But we were curious what the irrigation pros themselves prefer for their own yards—and if they have any water- (and therefore money-) saving tricks up their sleeves. Here’s how the pros recommend maximizing hydration for your plants and minimizing water bills.
Meet the Expert
- Ron Henry is the turfgrass specialist at the Golf Course Lawn Store.
- Heather Todd is the brand president of Conserva Irrigation.
The Irrigation System a Lawn Pro Uses
Ron Henry, the turfgrass specialist at the Golf Course Lawn Store, says he uses an in-ground irrigation system consisting of several zones with pop-up sprinklers.
“While more expensive to install, these types of systems offer greater convenience and control of watering,” he notes.
He adds that some of the most common in-ground irrigation systems for homeowners are Rain Bird and Hunter.
Henry recommends investing in in-ground irrigation systems with a programmable controller.
“They offer greater consistency, can be programmed with a desired start time and can take upcoming weather into account when irrigating the lawn,” he says. “Newer controllers have wireless capability, allowing the customer to control the system remotely.”
Heather Todd, the brand president of Conserva Irrigation, says the best irrigation system for you depends on your lawn’s unique layout and needs.
“Every landscape has different watering needs based on its plants, soil, sun exposure, and drainage,” she says. “In most cases, systems that can water different zones independently and adjust watering based on weather or soil moisture work best for most landscapes. These systems deliver water where it’s needed without overwatering, saving water and promoting a healthier lawn.”
Tips for Saving Water in Your Yard
Regardless of what irrigation system you choose for your lawn, these tips can help you save water in your yard so you’re not racking up a huge utility bill.
Water Early in the Morning
Try to water your lawn between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., just before the sun rises.
“This reduces water loss due to evaporation and limits the conditions where lawn diseases can become a problem,” Henry says. “If your lawn is larger, you may have to begin watering earlier so that the program completes before sunrise.”
Water Carefully to Avoid Runoff
Overwatering certain spots of your lawn can lead to unwanted runoff. Todd cautions against letting the sprinkler run for a long time.
“Your landscape is not a storage tank,” she says. “Depending on the soil type, it can only hold so much water and if you over apply that water, much of that application can be pure waste.”
Instead, she recommends simply watering your lawn a second time if it needs more hydration.
“Water again after allowing for infiltration and some uptake from the plantings,” she says. “This avoids the inevitable runoff and is more beneficial to the landscape in the long run.”
Read the original article on The Spruce
