The Benefits Of An Underground Sprinkler System
By Terry Edwards

Many people ask if an underground sprinkler system is really worth it? Does it really help improve your lawn and landscape in general? Will, I think you probably already know the answer. Yes, an underground sprinkler system will help green up your yard as well as provide you with an incredible convenience.

We all are envious when we see that lush green lawn down the street. It tells everyone that the homeowner takes good care of their landscaping. But, what you may not realize is that some of this care is done automatically with their underground sprinkler system.

The keys to having a green lawn are pretty basic. You need sunlight and water. Controlling the sunlight is out of your hands of course, but watering your grass is not. The problem most people have is taking the time to water their grass.

Who really has the time to chase around the lawn sprinkler attached to your garden hose? None of us do. That's where an underground sprinkler system can be a big asset.

With a sprinkler system you get the benefits of:

-A scheduled time of watering your grass throughout the week. You set the schedule and the sprinkler system does the rest.

-The convenience of not having to move a lawn sprinkler around and keep track of how long you've watered an area, etc.

-Conservation. You won't be wasting water by forgetting to move the sprinkler and having water going down the drain.

-The ability to water every area of your yard, including shrubs, small trees, and even your garden on a set watering schedule.

As you can see, having an underground sprinkler system is much more than a luxury or a convenience. It's really a key element in having a happy and healthy lawn.

Yes, you'll still need to mow the yard and put on the fertilizer and weed killer, but an underground sprinkler system will take care of the most important part; keeping your grass watered.

Terry Edwards is the owner of SprinklersA-z, a website providing great information on lawn sprinklers. You can find out more about Underground Sprinkler Systems as well as more information on all types of sprinklers at http://www.SprinklersA-z.com.

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Lawn Sprinkler Systems - Your Way To The Greenest Lawn In Town
By Lee Dobbins

Maintaining a luscious and green lawn is best and easiest done by getting one of those lawn sprinkler systems. Not only do they provide you with the convenience of watering your lawn automatically, they also ensure that your turf gets the optimal irrigation it needs. While lawn sprinkler systems might be rather costly, it is not true that they are a waste of money, or only for people who are too lazy to water their lawn. In reality, lawn sprinkler systems could save you money because they ensure that you only consume the right amount of water for your lawn, keeping your water bills in check.

Why Get a Lawn Sprinkler System?

Using a hose to water your lawn wastes your time, effort and money. Aside from that, it also does not provide you grass with enough water because you would be quite difficult to ensure that you are targeting the roots correctly. But with lawn sprinkler systems, you are sure that your plants get the right amount of water in the right places. This decreases the likelihood of your lawn from experiencing drought, and thus avoiding the expensive ordeal of replacing dead grass, saving you even more money. In addition to all these is the convenience of not needing to devote much attention to your lawn because of automation. Furthermore, a lawn sprinkler system also raises the value of your property.

Kinds of Lawn Sprinkler Systems

There are many types of lawn watering systems available for different needs and budgets. Typical watering systems for residential use employ in-ground irrigation methods. This entails burying the sprinkler system underground. This allows you to avoid having eyesores on your lawns such as tangled pipes, irrigation valves, and sprinklers as they are all hidden from view.

Here are some variations of lawn watering systems: 1. Spray irrigation - this is the most common type of lawn sprinkler systems. As the name suggest, water is sprayed directly over the lawn with this type. Long tubes are imbedded in the lawn, and are attached to a water source. Water is then shoot out of the tubes using sprayers. Usually a center pivot is used where there are fixed points that form a large irrigation circle. Sprinklers are installed on top of the tubes and rotated throughout the landscape. Such types of sprinkler systems are good for light soil types. They can also be controlled by an electric device, making operation easier and more flexible.

2. Drip Irrigation - this type of irrigation is less common because it appears to be more complicated. Tubes with holes are buried under the turf. Holes are situated at set distances that are set specifically for the area where they will provide irrigation. The concentration of the holes can also be varied. Unlike the spray system, water is not sprayed into the air, but are sprinkled, or dripped near the plant roots, providing direct contact. Not only does this prevent people from getting went in the event that they pass through the lawn while water, drip sprinkler systems allow more precision when watering. Another great thing about drip sprinkler systems is that they use less water, saving you even more money while helping the environment. According to certain studies, drip systems use only about half the amount of water that spray systems use. Thus they are quite economical and practical.

Things to Consider When Choosing Lawn Sprinkler Systems

When choosing a sprinkler system to use for your lawn you should first check the capacity of the system to meet your landscaping needs. You might not need a complicated system for a small lawn area, but you might need something more complex for a large yard. You should also consider the water supply available as certain systems might need more water than others. Certain sprinkler systems may also be labor-intensive to install, if you plan to install them alone, you should consider the skills needed to use a particular system. The type of soil in your lawn should also be studied as some systems may be ideal to certain soil types. Lastly, you should check your budget and see if you can afford a particular type of sprinkler system.

A healthy lawn needs a good irrigation method. Using a lawn sprinkler system is the most efficient and effective way of filling this requirement for having a good lawn.

If you want a lawn you can be proud of, follow Lee Dobbins to http://lawncare.garden-corner.com where you can get more great tips on lawn care.

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Consider Drip Irrigation For Your Landscaping!
By Bill Prudehome

Drip irrigation

- reduces water usage,

- easily irrigates odd-shaped and narrow areas,

- accommodates hanging baskets and other types of planters,

- may be exempt from water restrictions imposed during drought.

Installation of a drip irrigation system is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most home handymen. The required parts, pipe, fittings, tubing, valves, emitters (nozzles) and controllers to install a drip irrigation system are readily available at most of the “Big Box” home improvement centers in both individual units and packaged systems. As well, most landscaping and garden centers now carry a complete inventory of drip irrigation systems and parts.

Drip irrigation utilizes a network of plastic pipes and tubing. Water is distributed slowly, at a low flow and pressure rate to all plants, unlike sprinkler style irrigation systems, which always end up "over spraying" the areas that need watering.

A normal in-ground sprinkler system has an efficiency of between 50 and 70 percent, whereas a drip irrigation system should provide efficiencies in excess of 90 percent, providing the systems watering scheduled has been considered and programmed properly.

Plant growth is highly improved with drip irrigation because it inherently maintains a proper balance of air and water in the soil around the plants roots. With drip irrigation water is not supplied in excess quantities, it is delivered often and at low flow rates keeping the soil continually moist. Sprinkler irrigation systems have the inherent problem that produce a much more dramatic wet to dry variation in the soil and hence restrict plant growth.

Drip irrigation systems have been available to commercial growers involved in vegetables, orchards, nursery plants and greenhouses for many years. As with many products and systems originally designed for commercial use, drip irrigation has been packaged and re-engineered for residential applications. In home landscaping, drip irrigation systems provide exceptional service in vegetable, herb and flower gardens and can be readily adapted to provide watering for fruit trees and hanging baskets.

If you are considering adding or currently have a berm or mound in your landscaping, drip irrigation provides the most efficient and effective method of watering any associated plants. Any slope in landscaping is difficult to water as large quantities of water run off prior to soaking into the ground. By using the low flow rates associated with drip irrigation on a berm or mound, water is more likely to soak into the soil than run off.

For additional information on drip irrigration systems for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Prudehome

23 Great Tips on Saving Water No Matter Where You Live
By Paul Guzman

1. Use a water timer for all plants, lawns, trees, and shrubs.

2. Save water by using a drip system. Check your local yellow pages for landscaping or drip system for installations. Most drip systems are inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Always water in the early morning hours, especially your lawn. Avoid watering during the mid or late hours. Who knows what you might see!

4. Watering during the late hours and standing water may promote fungus and diseases. You will save water by watering in the early morning hours.

5. Check your sprinkler system to make sure you are NOT watering the drive way or your neighbors yard.

6. Be sure all sprinkler hoses are not leaking, blocked or pinched.

7. Chose Bermuda sod or grasses over others, as it is drought tolerant and requires less maintenance. Check with your local nursery for other types of low water grasses.

8. Deep Watering is much better than shallow watering. Make sure water drains well.

9. Remember that most trees, plants and shurbs need little watering once they are well established. This is usually about 1 year after being planted.

10. Use a soaker hose for most plants as this provides for less evaporation.

11. Always use a good mulch for planting trees, shrubs or plants. Mulch will help retain water.

12. Do NOT use a water hose to spray debris from pavement or sidewalks. Use a push broom instead.

13. Use a bucket to wash your vehicle. Use a good "Car Wash" detergent that helps prevent streaks. Use a hand held nozzle that will turn off after rinsing your vehicle.

14. Shut off water sprinklers and drip systems right after a good rainfall.

15. Avoid watering during windy days. Wind will make water evaporate much faster.

16. Keep your mower blades sharpened, dull blades tear grass making it take more water to recuperate.

17. Keep your yard maintained on a year round bases. Mow, prune, and weed out. Your neighbors will appreciate it and you will feel better afterwards.

18. Save the long hot baths for special occasions. Take short showers instead.

19. Do not turn your cooler on until it is at least 80-85 degrees. You evaporative cooler will use much less water.

20. Be sure to slightly open your window in each room so that warm air will escape.

21. Water conservation requires that you maintain your evaporative cooler - check for leaks and proper water flow.

22. Install efficient shower heads. Most are inexpensive and easy to install.

23. Bath with your significant other! Yes take a bath or showers with your spouse, you could almost cut your water bill in half!

If you have other great water saving tips please contact us.

Gary & Paul Guzman are the authors of this article: Gary is the owner and Color Your World Nurseries Located in Las Cruces, NM. Paul is the webmaster of www.guzmansgreenhouse.com Comments should be sent to mgr@guzmansgreenhouse.com

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