Choose the Right Irrigation System for Your Yard
Learn the pros and cons of drip irrigation, soaker hoses, in-ground systems and more to see which will work best for you
A garden needs water to be healthy. And the right irrigation system, combined with today’s technology, can be tailored to fit your landscape, giving you the precise coverage you want while saving you time, water and money.
Windhill Builders
Hand-Watering and Portable Sprinklers
Containers, window boxes, hanging pots, and small garden beds and lawns can be set up with an irrigation system, but it’s often easier to use a watering can, hose or portable sprinkler.
Portable sprinklers can target a slightly larger area than hand-watering options without the work and disruption of setting up an irrigation system, especially if it would consist of only one or two lines or stations.
Components. Watering cans come in a range of sizes. Smaller ones work well for little pots and window boxes; larger ones will let you water more plants at a time.
Both hose-end nozzles and portable sprinklers come in a number of options. Those with multiple settings will give you more flexibility when watering different areas and plants.
Pros. Hand-watering keeps you closely connected to your garden. You can keep an eye on developments, whether they’re the first buds or early signs of a problem. You can apply water directly to the plants and root systems, and the start-up costs are minimal.
Cons. Watering by hand or setting up and moving sprinklers can be labor-intensive, especially in larger areas. These means also are not automated, which means you’ll need a backup plan if you are not available. Sprinklers also are less water-efficient than a drip system.
Edible Gardening Essentials: Tips for Traditional Hand-Watering
Hand-Watering and Portable Sprinklers
Containers, window boxes, hanging pots, and small garden beds and lawns can be set up with an irrigation system, but it’s often easier to use a watering can, hose or portable sprinkler.
Portable sprinklers can target a slightly larger area than hand-watering options without the work and disruption of setting up an irrigation system, especially if it would consist of only one or two lines or stations.
Components. Watering cans come in a range of sizes. Smaller ones work well for little pots and window boxes; larger ones will let you water more plants at a time.
Both hose-end nozzles and portable sprinklers come in a number of options. Those with multiple settings will give you more flexibility when watering different areas and plants.
Pros. Hand-watering keeps you closely connected to your garden. You can keep an eye on developments, whether they’re the first buds or early signs of a problem. You can apply water directly to the plants and root systems, and the start-up costs are minimal.
Cons. Watering by hand or setting up and moving sprinklers can be labor-intensive, especially in larger areas. These means also are not automated, which means you’ll need a backup plan if you are not available. Sprinklers also are less water-efficient than a drip system.
Edible Gardening Essentials: Tips for Traditional Hand-Watering
Urban Oasis Landscape Design
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems are the standard approach for low-flow irrigation. When correctly laid out, they deliver a small, steady flow of water directly to the root of each plant covered by the system. They also are flexible, so they can be adapted to different layouts and handle variations in terrain.
Drip systems are a good choice for most plants, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees and vegetable gardens. You’ll also find drip systems designed for container gardens, including hanging baskets. Subterranean drip systems can be installed for lawns, but they are far more expensive (closer to the cost of an in-ground system) and higher-maintenance.
Shop for watering and irrigation supplies on Houzz
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems are the standard approach for low-flow irrigation. When correctly laid out, they deliver a small, steady flow of water directly to the root of each plant covered by the system. They also are flexible, so they can be adapted to different layouts and handle variations in terrain.
Drip systems are a good choice for most plants, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees and vegetable gardens. You’ll also find drip systems designed for container gardens, including hanging baskets. Subterranean drip systems can be installed for lawns, but they are far more expensive (closer to the cost of an in-ground system) and higher-maintenance.
Shop for watering and irrigation supplies on Houzz
Hoffman Landscapes
Pros. Low-flow systems are the most water-efficient ways to irrigate garden plants. Water is delivered directly to the roots, with a minimal loss due to evaporation or overspray. Keeping water off leaves minimizes fungal diseases, and directing it away from unplanted areas reduces weed growth and fertilizer runoff. The right emitters also can deliver water uphill.
A drip system is less expensive to install than a traditional in-ground system. It’s also less disruptive to the landscape, as it doesn’t require digging trenches or connecting plumbing and electricity.
Cons. Tubing that is aboveground can be degraded by sunlight and more easily damaged by weed removal, people, and pets and other animals. The lines also can get blocked by dirt or debris.
Drip system components may need to be replaced every three to five years if they are aboveground, depending on their location and quality. Those set below the surface will last longer, usually 10 to 15 years.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Pros. Low-flow systems are the most water-efficient ways to irrigate garden plants. Water is delivered directly to the roots, with a minimal loss due to evaporation or overspray. Keeping water off leaves minimizes fungal diseases, and directing it away from unplanted areas reduces weed growth and fertilizer runoff. The right emitters also can deliver water uphill.
A drip system is less expensive to install than a traditional in-ground system. It’s also less disruptive to the landscape, as it doesn’t require digging trenches or connecting plumbing and electricity.
Cons. Tubing that is aboveground can be degraded by sunlight and more easily damaged by weed removal, people, and pets and other animals. The lines also can get blocked by dirt or debris.
Drip system components may need to be replaced every three to five years if they are aboveground, depending on their location and quality. Those set below the surface will last longer, usually 10 to 15 years.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Technitron Garden and Irrigation
Components. A drip system consists of the elements that regulate the system, plus the main and auxiliary tubing and emitters.
Unless you live in an area with a warm-winter climate, you’ll need to detach the timer, control valve, filter, pressure regulator and backflow and move them indoors over winter.
Components. A drip system consists of the elements that regulate the system, plus the main and auxiliary tubing and emitters.
- A timer allows you to set the days and times your system will run.
- A control valve controls the flow of water.
- A filter prevents clogs.
- A pressure regulator protects against too-high water pressure.
- A backflow prevention device, also known as an anti-siphon unit, stops water from flowing back into the home’s plumbing system and is usually required by code.
- A swivel adapter or thread-to-tubing compression adapter ties larger-dimension plumbing pipes into the smaller drip lines.
- A fertilizer injector allows you to add fertilizer to the water.
- Drip lines deliver water throughout the system. The tubes are flexible, allowing them to be placed precisely throughout the garden, and have end caps to stop the flow of water. Larger tubes are used for the main lines. Smaller tubes are then connected to them and run to the individual plants. You can connect them with elbows and T-shaped connectors. Some lines may have pre-placed emitters, but most allow you to place the emitters exactly where you need them.
- Drip, or button, emitters are the most familiar emitters; they simply let water drip onto the ground. Microbubblers let a slightly larger amount of water bubble out of the line, usually into a well around the plant. Foggers or misters let out a light spray and are a good choice for hanging baskets. Microsprays give off a small spray, much like their larger sprinkler cousins, and can provide water to a slightly larger area (such as one with a ground cover) where emitters around each individual plant would be impractical. Pressure-compensation emitters are used to deliver water up a slope.
Unless you live in an area with a warm-winter climate, you’ll need to detach the timer, control valve, filter, pressure regulator and backflow and move them indoors over winter.
My Landscape Guide
Soaker Hoses and Drip Tape
Soaker hoses and drip tape are similar to drip systems, but they are less efficient. They can be set up with a timer, like a drip system, but need a dedicated hose and faucet. These are a good choice for smaller garden beds and vegetable gardens.
Components. Soaker hoses are slightly larger than standard drip tubing, with evenly spaced holes along one side. They attach to a hose at one end and are closed at the other end. Drip tape is a single thin tape with emitters set at distinct intervals. It’s designed as a temporary stand-alone solution.
Pros. They’re a good compromise if you don’t want to hand-water but aren’t ready for a drip or in-ground system. They use more water than a drip system but not as much as an in-ground high-flow system.
Cons. They’re designed for straight rows rather than allowing for curves or bends between the plants. The preset holes may not match your plants and can encourage weed growth. They also aren’t very long-lasting.
Soaker Hoses and Drip Tape
Soaker hoses and drip tape are similar to drip systems, but they are less efficient. They can be set up with a timer, like a drip system, but need a dedicated hose and faucet. These are a good choice for smaller garden beds and vegetable gardens.
Components. Soaker hoses are slightly larger than standard drip tubing, with evenly spaced holes along one side. They attach to a hose at one end and are closed at the other end. Drip tape is a single thin tape with emitters set at distinct intervals. It’s designed as a temporary stand-alone solution.
Pros. They’re a good compromise if you don’t want to hand-water but aren’t ready for a drip or in-ground system. They use more water than a drip system but not as much as an in-ground high-flow system.
Cons. They’re designed for straight rows rather than allowing for curves or bends between the plants. The preset holes may not match your plants and can encourage weed growth. They also aren’t very long-lasting.
Tierra Designs
In-Ground Sprinkler System
The familiar in-ground sprinkler system is the prime example of a high-flow irrigation system for home gardens, and is most often used for lawns or large areas with low ground covers. The pipes are installed in trenches, and the system is connected to plumbing and electrical lines. A connected controller or timer turns the system on and off at preset intervals.
Pros. In-ground sprinkler systems are designed to provide water to larger areas, especially lawns. Sprinkler-head options can give you the ability to target where the water goes to some degree. Once in place, the system should last for up to 20 years or more.
Cons. In-ground sprinkler systems waste more water than drip irrigation systems. Because the sprinkler heads spray water into the air rather than directly onto the plants, water is lost to evaporation before it hits the ground. You also can lose more water to overspray, as water’s large arc makes the spray harder to fine-tune. The broad spread of water also encourages weed growth and fertilizer runoff.
The layout of an in-ground system is rigid, with the pipes connecting either in a straight line or at right angles. This system also doesn’t work well for slopes and is more expensive to install than other types. You will need professional help with both laying out the system and connecting to your home’s sewer and electrical lines.
In-Ground Sprinkler System
The familiar in-ground sprinkler system is the prime example of a high-flow irrigation system for home gardens, and is most often used for lawns or large areas with low ground covers. The pipes are installed in trenches, and the system is connected to plumbing and electrical lines. A connected controller or timer turns the system on and off at preset intervals.
Pros. In-ground sprinkler systems are designed to provide water to larger areas, especially lawns. Sprinkler-head options can give you the ability to target where the water goes to some degree. Once in place, the system should last for up to 20 years or more.
Cons. In-ground sprinkler systems waste more water than drip irrigation systems. Because the sprinkler heads spray water into the air rather than directly onto the plants, water is lost to evaporation before it hits the ground. You also can lose more water to overspray, as water’s large arc makes the spray harder to fine-tune. The broad spread of water also encourages weed growth and fertilizer runoff.
The layout of an in-ground system is rigid, with the pipes connecting either in a straight line or at right angles. This system also doesn’t work well for slopes and is more expensive to install than other types. You will need professional help with both laying out the system and connecting to your home’s sewer and electrical lines.
South Coast Landscapes
Components. An in-ground system consists of a timer or control system, PVC pipes that carry the water, and sprinkler heads. The piping is standardized, but you’ll find a number of options for timers or controllers, ranging from relatively simple ones for the days and run times for each zone to those that use smart technology.
Maintenance. In-ground systems require regular maintenance. Flush the entire system in spring and again in fall, and check for overall function. Fix any broken sprinkler heads and valves, and adjust the spray heads. Look for signs of broken pipes, such as an unexpectedly soggy area or a larger-than-expected water bill.
You’ll need to shut down your system if winter temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This involves turning off the water supply, draining the pipes and insulating any aboveground components. You may want to call in a professional to help with this.
Components. An in-ground system consists of a timer or control system, PVC pipes that carry the water, and sprinkler heads. The piping is standardized, but you’ll find a number of options for timers or controllers, ranging from relatively simple ones for the days and run times for each zone to those that use smart technology.
Maintenance. In-ground systems require regular maintenance. Flush the entire system in spring and again in fall, and check for overall function. Fix any broken sprinkler heads and valves, and adjust the spray heads. Look for signs of broken pipes, such as an unexpectedly soggy area or a larger-than-expected water bill.
You’ll need to shut down your system if winter temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This involves turning off the water supply, draining the pipes and insulating any aboveground components. You may want to call in a professional to help with this.
Mierop Design
Choosing Which Irrigation System Is Right for You
The right watering system depends on the size and layout of your garden, what you’re growing and how much watering effort you want to put in. You can go with one approach or mix and match to get the best combination for your garden.
Choosing Which Irrigation System Is Right for You
The right watering system depends on the size and layout of your garden, what you’re growing and how much watering effort you want to put in. You can go with one approach or mix and match to get the best combination for your garden.
- Hand-watering options or portable sprinklers are fine for a small space or when the lack of sufficient rainfall is rare. Hand-watering also is a good choice for containers, especially those on patios, porches and decks, where a drip system might be difficult to set up or unsightly.
- Drip irrigation generally is the best choice for most homeowners. It’s far more water-efficient than other options, and it’s less likely to cause problems with pests, diseases, weeds and over- or underwatering. It has the most flexibility in terms of layout and water-delivery methods. It’s also less expensive than in-ground irrigation systems. (You can even retrofit an in-ground irrigation system to accommodate a drip irrigation system.)
- Soakers and drip tape may be good solutions for small, relatively flat areas that require just a little extra water on occasion.
- An in-ground system makes sense for lawns or large patches of ground covers.
Acme Irrigation
Other Considerations for Choosing an Irrigation System
Technology. With smart water systems, controllers or timers use technology to automatically adjust a watering schedule to the weather and soil conditions. Your plants will get the moisture they need when they need it, and you’ll save water and money on your water bill when they don’t need it.
To get the most from your system, consider incorporating some or all of these: Rain sensors will override the settings if rain is falling or has fallen recently; smart features and Wi-Fi connections will let you monitor and program your system from your phone or computer.
If you have an existing irrigation system, the only part you’ll need to adapt is the controller or timer. You have two basic options: add-on sensors and weather-based systems. You also can find weather stations that combine both features, along with other data, for even more precise information.
Other Considerations for Choosing an Irrigation System
Technology. With smart water systems, controllers or timers use technology to automatically adjust a watering schedule to the weather and soil conditions. Your plants will get the moisture they need when they need it, and you’ll save water and money on your water bill when they don’t need it.
To get the most from your system, consider incorporating some or all of these: Rain sensors will override the settings if rain is falling or has fallen recently; smart features and Wi-Fi connections will let you monitor and program your system from your phone or computer.
If you have an existing irrigation system, the only part you’ll need to adapt is the controller or timer. You have two basic options: add-on sensors and weather-based systems. You also can find weather stations that combine both features, along with other data, for even more precise information.
Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes
Whom to hire. Simple drip systems can be a do-it-yourself project. You can find the individual elements or kits at home supply stores. If the installation is more involved, with different zones, a landscape pro who is knowledgeable about drip systems can help you determine where you need the lines, the correct water delivery rate and the type of emitters that will best suit your space.
Turn to a landscape professional to install an in-ground system. It is labor-intensive and requires expertise in assigning different watering zones for maximum efficiency. You’ll also need pros to handle the plumbing and electrical connections.
When to do it. You can add a drip system at any time and an in-ground system when the ground can be worked. Spring is a good choice, as you can put the system in place before spring and summer growth makes it more difficult to work around the plants. Fall is also a good choice, as you’re getting the garden ready for both winter and the next growing season.
Find an irrigation system installer near you on Houzz
Whom to hire. Simple drip systems can be a do-it-yourself project. You can find the individual elements or kits at home supply stores. If the installation is more involved, with different zones, a landscape pro who is knowledgeable about drip systems can help you determine where you need the lines, the correct water delivery rate and the type of emitters that will best suit your space.
Turn to a landscape professional to install an in-ground system. It is labor-intensive and requires expertise in assigning different watering zones for maximum efficiency. You’ll also need pros to handle the plumbing and electrical connections.
When to do it. You can add a drip system at any time and an in-ground system when the ground can be worked. Spring is a good choice, as you can put the system in place before spring and summer growth makes it more difficult to work around the plants. Fall is also a good choice, as you’re getting the garden ready for both winter and the next growing season.
Find an irrigation system installer near you on Houzz
jennifer rhode design
How long it will take. Most systems can be set up in a day, although a more complex system, especially in-ground sprinklers, may take a bit longer.
Permits and regulations. Always check whether you’ll need a building permit. An in-ground irrigation system likely will require one. Many places also require a permit for drip systems. If you’re working with a pro, ask about the local requirements and if it is part of what he or she will take care of. If you belong to a homeowners association, check for any requirements or restrictions it imposes.
Cost. The cost will depend on where you live and the complexity of your installation. Having a professional install a drip system could cost between $400 and $800. An in-ground system often will cost around $2,500 to $3,000 installed, on average.
More on Houzz
Browse landscape photos
Read more landscape stories
Hire a landscape contractor
Shop outdoor products
How long it will take. Most systems can be set up in a day, although a more complex system, especially in-ground sprinklers, may take a bit longer.
Permits and regulations. Always check whether you’ll need a building permit. An in-ground irrigation system likely will require one. Many places also require a permit for drip systems. If you’re working with a pro, ask about the local requirements and if it is part of what he or she will take care of. If you belong to a homeowners association, check for any requirements or restrictions it imposes.
Cost. The cost will depend on where you live and the complexity of your installation. Having a professional install a drip system could cost between $400 and $800. An in-ground system often will cost around $2,500 to $3,000 installed, on average.
More on Houzz
Browse landscape photos
Read more landscape stories
Hire a landscape contractor
Shop outdoor products
Irrigation Options
Hand-watering options and portable sprinklers are many homeowners’ first approach to watering their yard. They’re familiar, easy to use and inexpensive.
Less hands-on home irrigation systems generally are divided into two categories. Low-flow systems, such as drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses and drip tape, consist of polyethylene tubing or tape that is laid out on top of the soil or buried slightly underground. Small holes, emitters or sprayers embedded in the tubing or tape deliver water directly to individual plants.
High-flow systems are the familiar in-ground sprinkler systems. PVC pipes are set into trenches in the ground, with sprinkler heads or rotors set at intervals. These in turn deliver a spray of water through the air, which “rains” down over a large area.
Find a local landscape designer