Sprinkler Systems: Creating the Perfect Layout

The addition of sprinkler systems can keep your front, back or even side yard looking beautiful. With the right amount of water coming at the right time during the day, plants, trees and bushes will thrive. But the process is more complicated than just setting up a few sprinklers and hoping for the best. There is a science behind where each piece should go and what its purpose will be.

What do your plants need?

Different plants have different needs. If you live in the desert, you may find that your cactus isn't going to need to be watered as often as your perennials. If you live in a rainy climate you may be able to depend on the weather to provide most of the water your plants need. Before you even consider any type of sprinkler systems, be sure to do a little research.

If you haven't already placed your plants in the ground, consider adding similar plants together. Grouping plants that need the same amount of water or shade together can make your sprinkler systems more efficient. Consider looking at the overall layout of plants and making a note of how much water each one needs and how often it will need to be watered.

What equipment will be necessary?

Once you know about the plants and what they need you can decide on the right equipment for your sprinkler systems. You can choose between traditional sprinklers that will cover a large amount of space if you have similar plants over an extended area. If you have a tree that needs its own attention you may want to set up a drip system that gives it small amounts of water over an extended amount of time.

Today the entire system can be personalized for each person's garden or space. Choose a control center that will give you the ability to create different timers for your different pieces of equipment. You can have the drip system come on twice a day and the sprinklers only once. You can choose the time of day and how often during the week you want it to water. Some equipment also includes an automatic shut off that will turn the system off if it rains.

Where should they be placed?

You know your plants and you have the right equipment. Before you make any permanent decisions on your sprinkler systems, lay out your equipment in the right locations. Measure just how far the water delivery will go. This way you can ensure that no plants are going to miss out on the necessary water.

Taking measurements now can save you time before you begin to set up the tubing and begin to dig into the ground. It could make for a lot more work to find that things need to be redone.