Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Picking the Right Irrigation System for You

If you are looking for ways to improve your property, increase it value and make it more appealing on the market, then there is no better means of doing so than a stunning landscape.  An effective and attractive landscape plan does much more than just raise the value of your home.  Landscaping can improve the privacy and safety of your property and can lower your energy bills, too.

When most people think landscaping, they think plants, fountains and other features.  However, the irrigation system that will support your landscape is just as important as the features themselves.  Your irrigation system is the lynchpin upon  which the success or failure of your landscaping project depends.  As such, it should be the first consideration that you make when beginning to plan for you project.

When deciding what sort of irrigation system is best suited to your needs and the needs of you landscape, it is important to have an understanding of the types of irrigation systems available.  There are three basic types of irrigation, each one offering its own set of strengths and liabilities.  Planning ahead so that you have a clear idea of your long term needs is best when deciding which system is most appropriate for you situation.

Underground sprinkler systems are the most often used, especially in large landscaping schemes.  Since underground sprinkler systems are automated, it takes all of the guesswork out of watering and frees up your time as well.  Aboveground systems are not very efficient though, and lose a lot of water to evaporation.  Therefore, they are not the best option for those wishing to minimize water usage, or those in areas where water use may be restricted.

A more cost effective and conservative form of irrigation is the aboveground drip system.  These irrigation systems offer a couple of benefits above underground sprinklers.  Drip irrigation uses less water, losing less to evaporation.  They are also able to water more deeply, which encourages root growth.  On the negative side, aboveground drip systems can be more easily damaged, and, because they are more conspicuous, are not as aesthetically pleasing as underground systems.

By far, the most effective, efficient and inconspicuous means of irrigation is to water manually.  Not only can you completely control water delivery, but by watering manually you can focus water delivery exactly where it is needed most, rather than equally across the entire landscape.  The big drawback to manual watering, and what makes it impractical for many, is the time required to water by hand.  If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to maintaining your landscape, then manual watering probably isn’t the best option for you.

It is important to have a clear idea of both the water needs of your landscape and your time constraints as an owner before deciding which type of system is best for you.  Again, installing a system before starting your installation will save you a lot of time and a huge headache should you realize that you are unable to water by hand after the fact.  With a bit of planning before hand, you will be able to protect your landscaping investment and enjoy it for years to come.

Orlando Sod. Ground Source has been providing landscape design and installation for almost 10 years. For a professional service that caters to all your lawncare needs check out  Sprinkler installation. Get a quote for your landscaping needs. Call Or Email Now To Inquire About Our Online Exclusive Specials 321-231-5961

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