If you’re looking for ways to conserve water this summer, consider installing an irrigation system.
There are two methods of watering your lawn and garden if you’re not depending solely on Mother Nature; hose and sprinkle and an automated irrigation system.
While using a hose and sprinkler to water your lawn may seem the most economical – it costs the least up front – you may pay the difference in the long run. Not only does watering with a hose and sprinkler often cause a loss of water to runoff, but it also requires substantially more water to reach a plant’s root system as well as your time to monitor and manage everything. As a result, your plants may not be receiving the water they need to thrive and it requires a consistent presence.
An automated irrigation systems offer the most options, making them ideal for homeowners with expansive yards, flower gardens, and areas with varying water needs.
An automated irrigation system allows for multiple watering zones. This means you can water separate areas at different times or with varying amounts of water. It also gives you the option to use drip irrigation in one area – on your trees and shrubs, for example – and a sprinkler or spray system for another.
A drip system is best for watering trees and shrubs and small areas, rather than flower gardens and large lawn areas. Because the drip system is underground, there is no runoff and it ensures water directly to the root system of trees and shrub. The water is released slowly, which stimulates deep root growth and increases a plant’s ability to survive in drought conditions.
Of course, the added features of an automated irrigation system also mean increased cost and maintenance. You’ll need to hire a professional to activate your system in the spring and blow it out before it freezes in the autumn. These systems do need to take into account water volume and pressure, which can be an issue for older houses around Summit County.
Depending on the system you install, you can save money over the years through the water you conserve. Regardless, an irrigation system – drip, in particular – can help you conserve water while also providing your plants with the water they need to flourish.