Gardening Guides
How Smart Is Your Irrigation System?
New weather- and sensor-based controllers take the efficiency of your sprinklers to the next level
An automated irrigation system may be more efficient than watering by hand, but it doesn’t ensure that you’re providing the amount of water your plants need or even helping save a precious resource. Once you’ve set a traditional controller, you still have to make manual adjustments. If you don’t constantly tweak the settings, you may see your system operating during a rainstorm or, conversely, your plants wilting during an unexpected heat spell.
With smart water systems, the controllers or timers use technology to automatically adjust your watering schedule to your 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. You also can program most controllers from your phone or computer.
With smart water systems, the controllers or timers use technology to automatically adjust your watering schedule to your 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. You also can program most controllers 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 or weather-based systems. You also can find weather stations that combine both features, along with other data, for even more precise information. Manufacturers often introduce new features in their latest models.
Types of Irrigation Systems
Sensor-based systems. Sensors measure the moisture levels in your soil and wirelessly relay that information back to your controller. There are also sensors that measure rainfall. They’re a good starting point if you’re willing to take the time to install the sensors, which go in the soil or in a spot where they can reliably measure rain, and to fine-tune the system, which can take a few weeks. Also, while they’re good for measuring when the water level in the soil is high, they don’t always recognize when moisture levels are low. Sensors may be available as an add-on to your existing irrigation system, or you may want to buy a new controller.
Weather-based systems. Weather-based controllers use historical or current local weather data to turn the system on and off as needed. Generally, you set the system for your highest water use, and then the controller regulates it for the actual climate conditions, including temperatures and rainfall. You also can add moisture sensors to many of these systems. They’re considered more reliable than sensors, although you still will want to monitor them at first and check them periodically.
For controllers using historical information, you typically share your ZIP code with the system, and it regulates the watering schedule based on weather patterns in that area. Controllers using real-time weather data tap into local weather stations or satellite data to adjust the watering schedule. You may need to pay a subscription fee for this service.
Weather stations. If you are looking for an all-in-one system, you may want to consider adding a weather station to your yard. These measure your soil moisture, rainfall, transpiration levels, temperatures and wind information, and then relay the information to your controller. They’re somewhat more time-consuming to install.
Sensor-based systems. Sensors measure the moisture levels in your soil and wirelessly relay that information back to your controller. There are also sensors that measure rainfall. They’re a good starting point if you’re willing to take the time to install the sensors, which go in the soil or in a spot where they can reliably measure rain, and to fine-tune the system, which can take a few weeks. Also, while they’re good for measuring when the water level in the soil is high, they don’t always recognize when moisture levels are low. Sensors may be available as an add-on to your existing irrigation system, or you may want to buy a new controller.
Weather-based systems. Weather-based controllers use historical or current local weather data to turn the system on and off as needed. Generally, you set the system for your highest water use, and then the controller regulates it for the actual climate conditions, including temperatures and rainfall. You also can add moisture sensors to many of these systems. They’re considered more reliable than sensors, although you still will want to monitor them at first and check them periodically.
For controllers using historical information, you typically share your ZIP code with the system, and it regulates the watering schedule based on weather patterns in that area. Controllers using real-time weather data tap into local weather stations or satellite data to adjust the watering schedule. You may need to pay a subscription fee for this service.
Weather stations. If you are looking for an all-in-one system, you may want to consider adding a weather station to your yard. These measure your soil moisture, rainfall, transpiration levels, temperatures and wind information, and then relay the information to your controller. They’re somewhat more time-consuming to install.
Which system is best? For most people, a weather-based controller is the best choice. You can adapt for different zones in your garden, allowing you to set the optimal timing for areas with fruit trees versus those with drought-tolerant landscaping, for example. Sensors work best if your entire landscape is in full sun. A full weather station can allow you to fine-tune to an even greater degree, a good choice if you have specialty plants.
While you’re at it. If you’re using your smart controller for an inground irrigation system, go the extra step and replace your existing sprinkler heads with energy-efficient rotator heads. You will lose far less water to evaporation.
Costs and getting started. Costs for controllers begin at just over $100 and go up to about $500, although they can run even higher. Sensors are less expensive, usually $50 to $200. Weather stations start at about $130 and go up from there.
Check with your local utilities to see if rebates are available, especially if you live in a drought-prone area. You’ll also need to spend some time setting up other elements, and possibly up to a month fine-tuning your data and timing.
If you’re handy, you can probably install a new controller. If this sounds overwhelming, look for landscaping professionals who specialize in irrigation systems for help to be sure everything is done correctly. You’ll also want to check periodically — at least yearly — to be sure the system is continuing to operate as it should.
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While you’re at it. If you’re using your smart controller for an inground irrigation system, go the extra step and replace your existing sprinkler heads with energy-efficient rotator heads. You will lose far less water to evaporation.
Costs and getting started. Costs for controllers begin at just over $100 and go up to about $500, although they can run even higher. Sensors are less expensive, usually $50 to $200. Weather stations start at about $130 and go up from there.
Check with your local utilities to see if rebates are available, especially if you live in a drought-prone area. You’ll also need to spend some time setting up other elements, and possibly up to a month fine-tuning your data and timing.
If you’re handy, you can probably install a new controller. If this sounds overwhelming, look for landscaping professionals who specialize in irrigation systems for help to be sure everything is done correctly. You’ll also want to check periodically — at least yearly — to be sure the system is continuing to operate as it should.
More
10 Tips for Beginning Gardeners
Browse watering and irrigation supplies