While most homeowners will attest to their love of a well-kept garden, it is a common occurrence that not everyone was born with a green thumb. Whether it be staying on top of the weeds or remembering to regularly water, it is no secret that an envy-worthy garden requires effort. So, if you find yourself identifying as someone who struggles with upkeep, being able to automate any part of the maintenance process is a welcome relief.
Enter: sprinkler systems. Installing an automated irrigation system in your garden not only saves you time, but it has environmental benefits too! It eliminates the need for manual watering, reducing water wastage and allowing plants to get the exact amount of hydration they need, when they need it. While you have likely been convinced of the fantastic reasons to install a sprinkler system, let's look at some of the top benefits of incorporating one into your garden.
What is a Sprinkler System?
Before highlighting a list of benefits, it is important to understand what a sprinkler system does. It is an automated irrigation system that uses precise amounts of water and disperses it throughout your lawn or garden. These systems can be set up to run at specific times and are typically connected to an external water source so you don’t need to worry about manually filling any tanks or reservoirs.
Different Types of Sprinkler Systems
There are a few different styles of sprinkler systems available, however, not all systems are created equal. It is important to do your research and select the system that best fits your needs. The three main types of sprinkler systems are:
Underground Sprinkler Systems
Underground Sprinkler systems are installed below the surface of the ground and use a network of pipes to disperse water throughout gardens and lawns.
Portable Sprinkler Systems
These are a great choice for renters or those who want to save money on installation costs. As the name implies, they can be set up and moved around with relative ease depending on where watering is needed in your garden.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Often used in larger gardens and on farms, drip irrigation is a low-pressure system that utilizes specific drip points to slowly and precisely disperse water. The main difference between drip and other sprinkler irrigation systems is that drip systems deliver water directly to the roots with precision and efficiency, while sprinkler systems provide broader coverage but may have higher water loss potential.
Benefits of a Sprinkler System
There are plenty of reasons why more and more people are opting out of manual watering and opting into the sprinkler system life. These include:
Automated Watering
First and foremost, the top benefit of installing a sprinkler system in one's garden is that it eliminates the need for manual watering. Plus, with the sophistication of today's modern systems, owners also can forget about water pressure drops, uneven water distribution, and the over-watering of plants. Smart systems truly take the guesswork out of the equation, allowing one to be sure that plants are receiving the exact amount of hydration they need - no more, no less.
Less Weeds & Plant Disease
You may not be aware, but improper watering of plants can cause a host of problems! Due to overly wet or dry soil, some plants may become prone to weeds and diseases. Since sprinkler systems can all but directly ask the plants if they are thirsty, there is little to worry about when they are in charge!
Improved Plant Growth
Having a sprinkler irrigation system installed is a great way to ensure your plants will grow as large and healthy as possible. As mentioned, the precise hydration they need will be delivered according to your settings. This not only encourages healthy, proper growth, it will also mean that there is no risk of oversaturation which can literally wash away necessary nutrients found within the soil.
Money Savings
Another welcome benefit of installing a sprinkler system is that it actually can save you money in the long run. When done properly, irrigation systems use far less water than manual gardening ever could, resulting in lower water bills. Additionally, automated systems prevent evaporation, meaning that water is not wasted due to the elements, as would occur with manual watering.
Water Conservation
While it may be true that water is the most abundant natural resource found on planet Earth, that doesn't mean we should be mindlessly wasting it. Fresh water is a valuable commodity and as members of a larger, global community, water conservation should be everyone's goal. Despite having great intentions, most of us couldn't confidently say whether or not we were using too much water in our gardens.
Irrigation systems are a surefire way to eliminate the overuse of water. From their ability to detect soil hydration levels and adjust water output accordingly, to their ability to detect rain, modern irrigation systems promote water conservation, allowing one to enjoy their beautiful gardens without having to worry about wasting a valuable natural resource.
Saving Time
Another valuable, and often taken-for-granted resource is time. One of the most appreciated benefits for busy homeowners is the time savings an irrigation system provides, fully taking over the monotonous task of weekly watering. With a smart system, you can effectively automate your garden's maintenance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying its beauty and less time tending to it!
Increased Home Value
While an irrigation system is a great feature to have while living in your home, it is also a major bonus when it comes time to sell. Many buyers are opting for homes that provide ways to more efficiently manage their time, energy, and resources – making them more likely to choose a property that boasts less maintenance.
As you can clearly see, an automated sprinkler system provides a wide range of benefits, both for your garden as well as your wallet, and most importantly, planet Earth. If you have been on the fence about whether or not an irrigation system makes sense for you, this list should highlight some of the major reasons homeowners from all over are opting for a low-maintenance, cost effective method for all their lawn watering needs.