5 Tips for Water-Efficient Irrigation

Water conservation is an important topic for us at Nutri-Lawn Irrigation Burlington. Water is a valuable resource and we all have a responsibility to be careful with how we use it. This doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our lawns in the hottest weeks of the year, but there are things we can all do to help our inground irrigation systems operate efficiently to conserve water.

1. Don't Overwater

Although in many cases "if a little is good, more may be better," this principle definitely does not apply to watering our lawns and gardens. Overwatering can lead to weak plants with shallow root growth as plants are not putting any energy into growing strong deep roots. Water less frequently to encourage plants to grow deep roots.

2. Consider The Weather

Taking recent weather into account before watering may mean that you skip a watering if there has been adequate recent rainfall. Install a weather sensor to help your irrigation system be more efficient by reducing watering quantity and frequency when soil moisture levels are sufficient.

3. Perfect Timing

Shorter irrigation cycles with some time between them will help to reduce runoff and wasted water. This gives the water a chance to soak into the ground. Also, when those cycles occur is an important consideration. Watering during the heat of the day is less effective and efficient because of evaporation. It is best to water early in the morning, just before the sun comes up.

4. Give Your System A Checkup

Take some time occasionally to run your system so that you can make sure all the heads are functioning properly, correctly aligned, and not broken. An incorrectly aligned or broken sprinkler head can lead to massive water waste as it sprays on the sidewalk or the driveway, or it could lead to uneven watering - too much water in one location and not enough in another. Also, keep an eye out for areas that are extra wet after watering. This may be a sign of a leak in the line. A leaky supply line can result in significant loss of water. Regular checkups keep your system running at its efficient best.

5. Water Appropriately

Not every plant requires the same amount of water. Setting up zones for different areas of your yard can make your irrigation system more efficient. You can control how much each area gets based on what plants are being watered, whether the area is more shaded and needs less water or more sunny and requires more water. Native plants often require less water, so if you're selecting new plants for your gardens keep this in mind and you may be able to save a little extra water. Also, if your flower gardens are mulched they will require less water.

These are just a few ideas to help you have a system that is not just functional, but efficient as well. For more information on our Nutri-Lawn Irrigation systems or to learn how we can help you maximize the efficiency of your ingroundsprinkler system, contact us today!