3 Things To Consider When Choosing An Irrigation System

Homeowners who take pride in their landscaping and want it to look great often spend a lot of time choosing an irrigation system. Irrigation systems allow for hands-free watering of the landscaping surrounding the home. Today's irrigation systems are automated and can deliver water exactly where and when it's needed. With all of the options and new technology available, it can be difficult to make a decision. Here are three things to consider when choosing a new irrigation system. 

Types Of Irrigation

The first thing that any homeowner who is looking into an irrigation system should know is that there are different types of systems to choose from. In-ground sprinklers are what comes to mind for many homeowners when they are searching for a new system. Drip irrigation is also another popular choice. Soaker hoses and even rainwater harvesting systems are also options for irrigation systems. Some forms of irrigation work better than others for certain plants, and many irrigation systems use a combination of these options. It's important to choose irrigation that will work well with the existing landscape.

Climate

Another thing to consider when choosing an irrigation system is the climate. Weather patterns can have a major impact on how effective an irrigation system will be. In areas with a lot of wind, high temperatures, and low humidity, evaporation can be a major problem. Drip irrigation will work better in areas with higher evaporation rates than sprinklers will. Soil types also play a role in how well an irrigation system works. Runoff can be a major issue with soils that are high in clay, while sandy soils require more moisture. Choosing an irrigation system that can effectively water your landscaping is highly dependent on climate.

Cost

Cost is also a major factor to consider when looking at irrigation systems. Overall, automated systems tend to cost more than manual systems. Drip irrigation costs, on average, between $1,000 to $3,000 for a typical home. A sprinkler system for an average-sized home runs between $1,500 and $2,500. It's also important to consider the impact that an irrigation system will have on monthly water bills. Around 30 percent of the average water bill can be attributed to outside watering. Those who are eco-conscious may want to consider making use of rainwater in their irrigation system in order to use less municipal water. 

Irrigation systems are a great way to keep a home's landscaping looking lush. When looking into an irrigation system, it's important to consider the different types of irrigation available and choose the ones that will work best with the home's landscaping. Climate also plays a big role in choosing an irrigation system. Some systems work better in certain climates than they do in others. Cost is also a factor. The more automation and specialization when it comes to the irrigation, the more expensive the system tends to be. 

To learn more about irrigation systems, contact a company like Hydrotech Irrigation Co.


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