Last month, Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping discussed the types of sprinkler heads available for setting up an irrigation system. This month, we are discussing the basic body styles of sprinklers along with the types of materials available so we can give you the most up-to-date information when considering the purchase of an irrigation system.
There are several body styles used for sprinkler irrigation: pop-up style sprinklers, and shrub style sprinklers. Each has unique benefits and are best suited for certain scenarios.
Pop-up sprinklers are exactly what they sound like – sprinklers installed underground that pop up when operating. A piston that holds the nozzle elevates from the sprinkler body to operate and then retracts below ground when finished. Pop-up sprinklers work best with fields and large open areas with a lot of foot traffic. These sprinklers work particularly well in these situations because the sprinklers recede into the ground when they are not in use making it easier to mow and use the area.
According to Eric Romano, Sprinkler Technician at Aeroscape: “The height you choose should depend on the type of grass, plants, or groundcover you’re working with.” Pop-up sprinklers come in several different heights – 4”, 6”, and 12” being the most common. If you have a weekly landscape maintenance service, your grass shouldn’t get taller than 3”, so you always want a sprinkler taller than 4”, so any heights taller than 4” would work. If there are a lot of taller bushes and plants in your yard, a 12” pop up sprinkler might be the best way to go.
There are two versions of shrub style sprinklers. The spray and the drip style.
Spray – Within the spray shrub sprinkler there are two water distribution methods. One is a fixed riser with a directional nozzle allowing you direct the water where it is needed most.
Pop-Up Sprinkler –The second method uses a 6” or 12”pop-up sprinkler head attached to a fixed riser to distribute the water evenly throughout the area.
Other shrub sprinklers use low risers to irrigate the landscaping. Low riser shrub sprinklers are typically installed against buildings or behind landscaping where they won’t get in the way of foot traffic or landscaping equipment.
One of the biggest benefits of using fixed riser shrub sprinklers and pop-up sprinkler systems is the price. Fixed riser sprinklers are about 1/8th the cost of a pop-up sprinkler system.
Drip – The drip irrigation systems are above ground pipes or hoses that allow water drip directly onto the roots of plants keeping them moist but not soaked. This method reduces evaporation and tends to be more efficient than other types of irrigation systems.
The current generation of irrigation equipment uses plastic. Luckily, most plastic sprinkler heads are carefully crafted and perform just as well as metal sprinklers did in the past. Plastic is cheaper, easier to replace, and easier to install.
At Aeroscape, we can help you set up your irrigation system and answer any other questions you might have. Call us at (801) 569-2383 or click on our Contact an Expert green arrow on any page of our website to get in touch with us today.
