The Smart Way to Water: Everything You Need to Know About Irrigation Systems

A professionally installed irrigation system is one of the best investments you can make for your home. There’s no easier way to beautify your property, increase its value, and save yourself time. In addition to keeping your landscape attractive, an automatic sprinkler system conserves water by delivering the right amount to your lawn and garden—no more, no less. Put down the garden hose and let us do the watering for you.

How Much Water Do You Need?

The amount of water that turf needs to stay healthy varies based on several factors, a general rule is that soil requires 1" of water per week. That typically means watering every other day for:

• Rotor heads: 30 minutes per zone

• Spray heads: 8 to 10 minutes per zone.

See our Irrigation Run Times PDF.

How Often Should You Water?

We recommend watering every other day throughout most of the season. If your lawn looks dry, increase the watering time, not the frequency. This method drives water deeper into the root zone, encouraging stronger, deeper roots.

Exceptions to the rule:

• New lawns need the top inch of soil to stay moist.

• Water new lawns lightly (about 10 minutes per zone) three times a day.

• During extremely dry or windy weather, low humidity means you may need to water more often.

When Is the Best Time to Water?

Water your lawn early in the morning, between 4:00–6:00 AM.

Why?

• Humidity is highest, so less water is lost to evaporation.

• The sun will soon rise and dry the foliage, which helps prevent turf diseases and insect damage.

• Watering at night or in the evening leaves the grass wet longer, making it more susceptible to problems.

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Why Use an Irrigation System?

Efficiency. An irrigation system eliminates wasted water by directing it exactly where and when it’s needed.

• No more dragging hoses

• Today’s controllers offer flexible programming

• Many models now feature Wi-Fi control from your phone or computer

Should All Parts Be the Same Brand?

No! Every system component is independent. An experienced contractor can integrate different brands to create a superior system. Each brand has its strengths—mixing them often results in the best overall performance.

What About Maintenance?

Maintenance is minimal if the system is installed properly.

• Have a professional start the system in spring and shut it down in fall

• Other than mechanical issues, those are typically the only services needed

• See our Service Price List for details and pricing

Will My Lawn Be Damaged During Installation?

If installed with proper equipment, your existing lawn should experience minimal disturbance.

• Modern tools allow pipes and wires to be installed underground with little digging

• Problems only arise in extremely dry, dusty lawns where turf breaks apart easily

• In those cases, we recommend patching areas with loam and seed

Can I Use a Well for My System?

Yes! Wells offer the same advantages as town water—without the water bill.

• Installation typically costs $5,000–$7,000

• Most wells pay for themselves in 5–7 years

• Your irrigation system will operate the same way whether it’s connected to a well or municipal supply