Figuring out how to choose an irrigation system for your landscape can be a whole ordeal. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all task—your final decision will depend on your yard’s layout, plant types, soil, climate, and your water-efficiency goals. In this guide, we’ll look at what you need to consider to help you make an informed choice and ensure your landscape thrives with minimal effort.
Assess Your Landscape Needs
Start by evaluating the zones in your yard:
- Lawns and open grass areas benefit from sprinkler systems that cover broad areas evenly. These are especially suited to flat areas.
- Gardens, beds, shrubs, and trees thrive with drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the root zone, maximizing efficiency and reducing evaporation.
- Hedges or linear plantings are a great match for soaker hoses—affordable and easy to install for targeted watering.
Understand Your Soil & Plant Needs
The type of soil in your yard will influence your watering needs:
- Sandy soils drain quickly and need shorter, more frequent watering.
- Clay soils retain moisture, so watering should be slower to avoid pooling.
Group plants with similar water needs into zones—a practice known as hydrozoning—so each area gets just the right amount of water.
Choose Among System Types
You may not realize there are different types of irrigation systems to choose from:
- Sprinkler Systems: Best for lawns; particularly effective when installed in-ground with timers for automation.
- Drip Irrigation and Micro-irrigation: Water-efficient systems delivering moisture slowly to the root zone. This category includes micro-sprayers, drip emitters, and subsurface drip lines—with field efficiency often between 80 and 90% when managed well.
- Soaker Hoses: Ideal for flower beds, affordable, and simple to install.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Equipped with weather sensors, timers, and smartphone controls, these systems adjust watering schedules based on real-time conditions, maximizing convenience and efficiency.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t make these common mistakes when it comes to your yard:
- Overwatering or using the wrong heads can cause uneven coverage or root issues.
- Neglecting maintenance may lead to clogs, leaks, or wasted water.
- Lack of proper plant or soil zoning may result in inefficiency or stressed plants.
- Ignoring weather conditions, like rainy spells or droughts, can lead to over or underwatering.
Installation and Support
While soaker hoses can be DIY-friendly, systems like in-ground sprinklers, smart controllers, or professionally designed drip systems come with the added benefit of expert installation. At Naiad Irrigation, we specialize in certified designs, installations, and post-installation care—including seasonal activations, winterization, and performance checks—ensuring long-term efficiency and peace of mind.
Naiad Irrigation: Your Experts on How to Choose an Irrigation System
When considering how to choose an irrigation system, it’s best to talk to the pros. At Naiad Irrigation, we’re specially trained and certified to install, maintain, and repair lawn irrigation systems, and will ensure you and your lawn are completely satisfied. For top-notch service and a quality irrigation system you can count on, contact Naiad Irrigation today.
Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
