In-ground Irrigation
The most effective and efficient way to keep your lawn green is to install an in-ground irrigation system. Green lawns can increase your home’s resale value by 14%, according to experts. This post will explain the basic components that are used in an underground irrigation system.
What is an In-ground Irrigation System?
An in-ground irrigation system disperses water through sprinklers attached to risers connected to a network of underground pipes that run throughout your lawn.
It can also include a drip system that disperses water to a precise area, producing deeper root growth and more abundant foliage for gardens, shrubs, roses and groundcover.
Drip irrigation offers many money and time saving benefits. Delivering water directly to plant roots saves you money by reducing up to 70% in water waste from evaporation and run-off. It replaces hand watering, and reduces yard maintenance by delivering water directly to plants, reducing weed growth.
Parts of an In-ground Irrigation System
Valves – Valves turn the flow of water on and off for your irrigation system. The two types of valves used in irrigation are anti-siphon and in-line.
Pipe and Fittings – Pipe used for irrigation includes:
- PVC – Rigid pipe available in sizes ranging from ¾” to 1 ½”.
- Polyethylene tubing – Flexible pipe that comes in rolls from ½” to 2″. Typically used in climates where freezing occurs.
Plastic pipes are connected using slip fittings, which glue together. Threaded fittings are used to connect pipe to valves and to risers for sprinklers.
Sprinklers – The type of sprinkler head you choose should cover the area adequately and apply water only where it is needed. The two basic types of sprinklers for in-ground applications are rotor and fixed, or spray, heads.
- Rotor systems – spray a rotating stream of water and have a lower application rate than fixed spray heads, making them more suitable for slopes.
- Fixed – spray heads disperse water in a set pattern at a high application rate and are most suitable for small level areas.
Risers – Risers are used to elevate spray coverage. They can also be used to add a few inches to improve the positioning of the head, and should not be used near sidewalks and driveways.
Flex Assemblies Flex assemblies, also known as “Funny Pipe™”, are an alternative to risers to for connecting sprinklers to pipe.
Drip Tubing – Drip tubing can be installed in conjunction with an in-ground irrigation system. While the hose itself is typically laid above ground, it can be linked to the in-ground system by connecting to a riser.
Timers – Timers tell valves when to open and close to start and stop watering. They allow you to program schedules for watering different areas, or zones, in your landscape automatically at a given time of day on specific days of the week.
Mountain High Tree, Lawn and Landscape offers a variety of lawn care services to keep your lawn green and healthy. Contact our lawn department for more information.