Are you jonesing for a summer home improvement project? Dreading another summer of dragging the hose around before work to keep your lawn and annuals from succumbing to the heat? Tired of getting up from “cocktails” to move the sprinkler to the next area? If you think that your property is too small for in-ground irrigation or that your needs are too simple for an elaborate system, you may want to reconsider. To maintain a green lawn and protect trees and plantings, an in-ground irrigation system is invaluable, even for smaller properties.

Customizing Your In-ground Irrigation System
Irrigation systems are by definition customized to your property and its lawn and plantings. The best way to install an irrigation system is to hire a professional who can determine the coverage that your property needs, and install the correct number and type of sprinkler heads. Micro-irrigation heads are used to water plants and shrubs by distributing less water via micro-sprays, micro-jets or drip irrigation. Rotary heads and spray heads are typically used to water grass. For a big lawn, rotary heads distribute water in large circular patterns. For a smaller lawn, a spray head gives a finer and more concentrated misting of water that will effectively cover the area without waste. To minimize wasted water, occasional maintenance is also recommended to check and adjust the heads as necessary to keep water from spraying onto pavement or roads, and to make sure the sprinkler heads are not sinking below grass level.

The timer is one of the most important parts of an irrigation system because it allows you to set the system to turn on automatically, whether or not you are home to water consistently and appropriately. A backflow prevention device, mandatory in Nassau County, keeps the distributed water from draining back into your drinking water supply. Rain and moisture sensors are also worth adding to your irrigation system to sense environmental conditions, which can help avoid wasting water. Rain sensors will determine when it’s raining and override the programmed timer when watering is not necessary. Moisture sensors monitor the amount of water that your plants are receiving to help you determine how much water they need and adjust the system as needed.