As an avid gardener, there’s nothing as satisfying as seeing green when you walk into your plot. You want that healthy dose of chlorophyll all around, denoting a healthy, thriving plant life. Of course, for this to happen, you’ll need to supply your plants with ample amounts of water. And this means investing in a quality watering system.
At the moment, there are two main systems proven to yield results: drip and sprinkler methods. And while they both do their job pretty efficiently; each one has its own qualities that might make it more or less fitting for your particular situation.
To help make your selection process a little easier, we’ve broken down what each one consists of, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Watering System
Before we delve into it, there are various factors you need to consider when choosing a watering system. Make sure you check on these before making a decision.
- Size of the land.
- Installation and maintenance.
- Eco-friendliness of the watering system.
- The kinds of plants being watered.
Now let’s look at the two systems.
The Sprinkler Watering System
Also known as the overhead spraying system, the sprinkler system has long been the most popular watering method. You’d see it used in everything from watering lawns to sports complexes and commercial properties.
This system consists of spraying guns, nozzles, and pipelines. Usually, water is pumped into a system of underground pipes then sprayed into the air through spray heads. The small droplets of water then fall to the ground, similar to rain.
Because of its wide reach, the sprinkler system is especially good for watering extensive, flat areas needing a lot of water all at once. These include lawns, fields, or commercial properties. Still, it can be adjusted for small areas as well. If placed right, each area of your yard should be able to receive ample water.
Sprinkler System Pros
Perhaps the best thing about the sprinkler system is its ability to cover large areas. It is also easy to install and will require minimal maintenance. Other than that, some other advantages include:
- Wets every area of the plant or grass
- Easy to install and affordable
- The sprinkler system can be programmed to run on a timer
- Serves as a cooling system for plants
- It is possible to add pesticides or fertilizers to the system
- Good for different soil types
- The pipes are safer underground
- Not easily clogged
Sprinkler System Cons
- The evaporation rate of the water is higher
- There is a need for a stable water supply
- Wind can divert the water the wrong way
- Unsuitable for irregularly formed or sloped landscapes
At Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care we have the knowledge and experience to walk you through your watering system options, contact us today.
Drip Irrigation System
Also known as micro-irrigation or trickle irrigation, the drip irrigation system works by dripping water on the soil at extremely low rates.
The system is mainly composed of pipes that have several tiny holes on them. The pipes are placed on the soil level, and then the plants are planted directly below where the holes are. This way, only the section of the soil that the plant grows is watered.
Since the water sips directly into the ground, there is little room for wastage or water loss due to evaporation.
Drip Irrigation Pros
Like the sprinkler systems we saw above, drip irrigation systems also have their perks. They include:
- Conserves water
- Deters growth of weeds
- Crop diseases are reduced due to overwatering
- It is cost-effective
- Reduces the chances of soil erosion
- Boosts plant health as water seeps deeper into the ground
Drip Irrigation Cons
- Tends to clog easily
- Discharge of water is in small amounts
- The high initial investment required
- Needs to be dismantled and stored away after each season
Take away
As you’ve seen, both methods can be applied and result in a healthy garden or farm. Hopefully now, with the pros and cons of each in mind, you can choose one depending on your landscaping. If possible, you can combine the two methods and enjoy the best of both worlds. For instance, you can use the sprinkler system for your lawn and drip for your flowerbed or garden.
For more information on which system is best for your situation contact the experts at Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care today.
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