Here in California, where long periods of drought are something you can count on, irrigation systems are often a must if you want to keep your gardens healthy and your landscape looking good. There are a wide variety of irrigation systems available on the market today, though, and to choose the right ones depends on what types of plants or trees you have, the amount of water they need, and the terrain where they will be installed. Plus if you’re worried about conserving water, irrigation systems can actually help you save water because a properly installed and maintained system will conserve water by directing it exactly where and when it’s needed.
Here at Rainscape, we help our clients determine the right type of irrigation systems for their needs, then install them for maximum effectiveness. If you’re thinking of installing new irrigation systems it’s good to have a working knowledge of the choices available to you. We’ve outlined the five types of systems we install here and how they work to keep your landscape healthy and long-lasting.
Sprinkler irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation is probably the most common method people see. It’s consists of water distributed through underground pipes, then sprayed into the air through attached sprinkler heads that mimic rainfall. This kind of system is best for yards, golf courses, and large area of grass or ground cover that need a uniform application of water.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is similar to sprinkler systems, however the pipes that the water is pumped through are often placed on top of the soil, and the heads where the water comes out emit a slow, precise application of water directly to where you need it. Drip irrigation is a good choice for plant and flower beds, vegetable gardens, and drought tolerant landscaping.
Deep root watering
The deep root watering method is one of the best ways to keep trees hydrated during dry spells and prolonged drought. Plus it actually uses less water than traditional sprinkler so it’s good for people who live in areas with water restrictions. Deep root watering is a system that enables water and nutrients to bypass compacted soil and reach roots systems where it’s needed most. Shallow watering, or using traditional sprinkler systems, isn’t able to penetrate the ground very deeply, which creates shallow root systems. By using deep root watering, you are encouraging deeper root growth, which means trees and shrubs will be stronger, healthier and able to withstand things like high winds and floods.
Localized irrigation
Localized irrigation is a type of drip irrigation. It’s also sometimes called trickle irrigation or micro irrigation. It uses less water by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either on to the soil surface or directly on to the root zone, through a network of narrow tubes, valves and pipes that deliver water directly to where it’s needed. This is a good system for gardens and agricultural areas.
Bubblers
Bubblers are generally used to flood small areas with water. They are often used in smaller areas where a concentration of water is needed. Generally they are not suitable for lawn irrigation and are used instead for watering shrubs or groundcovers that need a good soak. Bubblers are usually installed in level areas, since they flood water over the ground surface.
If you’d like more information about the right irrigations systems for you, give us a call at (559) 651-2333. Rainscape brings more than 40 years of irrigation and water management experience to all of our projects. We can help maintain the beauty of your site, while also lowering utility costs and reducing water usage and wastewater. From quick audits to identifying inefficient irrigations systems and installing smart controllers, Rainscape can provide the budget-friendly solutions you need.