The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Irrigation System for Your Lawn  

An irrigation system is a great investment for homeowners looking for lawn care essentials. However, understanding the different options available can be overwhelming. This is your ultimate guide to choosing the right irrigation system for your lawn. 

How to Choose the Right Irrigation System 

Evaluating your yard, location, and needs is a must before diving into the different types of irrigation systems. You’ll need to consider the size of your yard, the soil you have, the weather patterns in your area, and your grass type. Here’s why: 

Size of Your Yard

The size of your yard matters to determine how much coverage you’ll need. Some systems can cover a lot of ground, while others are better suited for smaller areas. 

The Type of Soil You Have

Certain soils (like clay soil) retain water better than others but need to be monitored for runoff. Other soils (like sandy soil) will require more frequent water applications to keep your yard hydrated. 

The Weather Patterns in Your Area

Dry climates and areas suffering from drought can cause water to evaporate quickly, requiring an irrigation system that waters closer to the soil. Areas with high winds may also carry water away and require a similar setup to prevent water waste. 

Your Grass Type

Knowing what type of grass you have will help you determine if it needs less frequent watering or a regular, deep watering schedule. 

Your Guide to the Different Irrigation Systems 

There are four main types of irrigation systems used by homeowners: drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, surface irrigation, and subsurface irrigation. Here are the differences between each that will help you pick the right one for your yard’s needs. 

Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system lies close to the soil and provides water at the base of your grass, making it great for dry or windy areas. It consists of a flexible tube that waters from small holes and is one of the more efficient ways to water your lawn.  

Who’s it For:

Drip irrigation is great for those who are looking for efficiency or who live in areas that suffer from droughts and watering restrictions. It’s fairly simple to use and customize as needed. However, it does require a little more maintenance as the emitters clog and will need to be winterized. 

Advantages:  

• Efficient 

• Great for areas with heavy droughts and watering restrictions 

• Simplicity of use and customizability 

 Disadvantages: 

• Requires more maintenance due to emitters clogging 

• Will need winterization.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation is one of the more popular types of irrigation for homeowners that comes with many different options. Above-ground, in-ground, and pop-out sprinklers all fit within this category. Each provides your lawn with water through the sprinkler head and will have its water source connected by a hose above or underground. 

Who’s it for:

This is perfect for those looking for a more customizable irrigation system due to the different types of sprinkler heads available. These systems are well-suited for smaller or larger yards due to the amount of ground they can cover. However, homeowners run the risk of evaporation as the water is sprayed into the air before falling to the ground. 

Advantages: 

• Customizable 

• Great for any sized yard 

• Good watering uniformity 

• Suitable for any soil type 

• Suitable for heavy water application 

 Disadvantages: 

• Water evaporates quickly 

• More expensive 

• Usually requires higher water pressure 

Surface Irrigation 

Surface irrigation is a more manual type of irrigation that requires homeowners to provide water through a source like a hose to the area. The water is then simply allowed to run off into the lawn. It’s one of the simplest irrigation options for homeowners. 

Who’s it for:

Surface irrigation is great for homeowners who prefer a more hands-on approach to their lawn’s watering schedule. It’s one of the cheaper options available, as you only need a hose to get started. Since the yard is being watered at the surface, there’s less concern about evaporation with this system.  

However, this system leaves room for human error and may lead to under- or overwatering your lawn. It might not be a suitable option for many because it is labor-intensive and requires you to manually turn it on. It is also ineffective for land that isn’t flat, as watering will end up being uneven. 

Advantages: 

• Hands-on approach 

• Inexpensive 

• Rainwater is more efficient when land is even 

Disadvantages: 

• Easy to under or overwater 

• Labor-intensive 

• Inefficient if land is uneven