Eight ways to managing irrigation better
Irrigation is vital for keeping your lawn and garden healthy. But if not managed properly, it can be a huge waste of water – and money.
Here are eight ways to help you better manage your irrigation system:
Know your soil type
The type of soil you have will dictate how much water it needs. For example, sandy soils need more frequent watering than clay soils. Knowing your soil type will help you determine how often to water and how much water to use.
Use a rain sensor
A rain sensor is a device that measures rainfall and then sends a signal to your irrigation controller to turn off the system when enough rain has fallen. This helps prevent overwatering and ensures your system only runs when necessary.
Check for leaks and breakages in your irrigation system regularly
A leaky or broken sprinkler can waste a lot of water – and money. To prevent this, check your system for problems on a regular basis, and make sure to fix them as soon as possible.
Set up automatic watering schedules
Instead of wasting water by leaving the sprinklers running all day long, program your irrigation controller with an automatic schedule instead. This way, you’ll only need to worry about turning the system off when it starts raining.
Divide your yard into zones and run each zone separately
Instead of watering your whole yard at once, which wastes a lot of water, split your yard into zones and run each zone separately. This way, you can set different watering schedules for different areas of your yard, and it also makes it easier to find and fix any problems or leaks that may arise.
Adjust the water pressure
Make sure to adjust the pressure so that enough water is hitting each sprinkler head but not so much that you’re wasting a lot of water by spraying it on the sidewalk instead of your lawn. You can usually do this by adjusting the screws on the sprinkler nozzle (or nozzles). If you have a lot of spray heads in one area, consider replacing them with rotors instead – these will use less water while still giving you good coverage.
Install channels and flumes
If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, or if your yard is on a slope, consider installing channels or flumes to help direct the water where you want it to go. This way, you won’t have to worry about runoff wasting water or causing erosion problems.
Consider upgrading to an automatic irrigation system
If you’re still watering your yard manually, consider upgrading to an automatic irrigation system. This will not only help you better manage your water usage but also save a lot of time and effort in the long run. Talk to a local landscaper or irrigation expert for advice on what kind of system is best for your needs and budget.
With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy lawn and garden without spending too much on your water bill each month. You can save water – and money – while still keeping your lawn and garden healthy!
