Garden work
Irrigation Installation
Irrigation systems water lawns and gardens automatically. Learn about system types, design, permits and smart controllers.
What it is
An irrigation system delivers water to lawn and garden on a schedule, which saves time and, when designed well, saves water too. The main types are spray or rotor heads for lawns and drip irrigation for beds, trees and vegetable gardens. Many properties use a mix, with separate zones for each.
Design is the most important step. A good installer maps the property, checks water pressure and flow, divides the system into zones by plant type and sun exposure, and chooses heads that deliver matched amounts of water. Mixing spray heads and rotors on the same zone, or lawn and shrubs on the same zone, leads to overwatered and underwatered areas.
Components worth discussing include a smart controller, which can adjust schedules using weather data, a rain or moisture sensor, and a backflow preventer. A backflow preventer protects drinking water from contamination and is typically required by plumbing codes. Many cities require permits, licensed installers or periodic backflow testing, so ask what applies where you live.
Drip irrigation delivers water slowly at the root zone with less evaporation and runoff, and it suits beds and trees well. Pressure regulators and filters help keep it running.
Winter matters in cold regions. Systems must be blown out or drained before freezing weather to prevent cracked pipes, and many companies offer seasonal startup and shutdown services. Water restrictions also vary by municipality, so a schedule that is legal in one town may not be in the next.
Before digging, the installer should call 811 so buried utilities are marked.
What to expect
A site survey, a design with zone map, trenching or pulling pipe, installing valves, heads and controller, testing coverage, and a walkthrough on how to run the controller. Expect some lawn disturbance that recovers with time.
Typical season
Spring through fall in most places; cold regions need installation before ground freezes and winterization afterwards.
Do it yourself or hire?
Simple drip kits are a reasonable DIY project. Full in-ground systems require design, pressure calculations, backflow protection and often permits, so most homeowners hire.
Questions to ask
Will you provide a zone map and design plan?
Is a backflow preventer included, and do I need a permit?
Do you recommend a smart controller or rain sensor?
Do you offer seasonal startup and winterization?
Do you call 811 before trenching?
Questions and answers
How much water does my lawn need?
It varies with grass type, soil, and weather. Many extension offices suggest deep, infrequent watering rather than short daily cycles.
Is drip irrigation better than sprinklers?
For beds, trees and vegetables, drip is usually more efficient. Lawns generally need spray or rotor heads.
Do I need to winterize an irrigation system?
In regions with freezing temperatures, yes. Water left in pipes can crack them.
Do I need a permit?
Often, yes, particularly for backflow devices and connections to the water supply. Rules vary by city.
