Which Sprinklers Are Best for Your Landscape Setup?

Choosing the right products to facilitate your ideal landscape is a vital task, and sprinklers are often high up on this list. You have a wide range of sprinkler options out there that can help you maintain each and every part of your landscape, and choosing the ideal setup can be immensely helpful in several ways.

At Wright Landscaping, as the top landscaping company across Salt Lake City, Layton, Kaysville and nearby areas, we’re happy to offer numerous residential and commercial landscaping services – including help with any sprinkler needs you may have. Our landscapers regularly work with clients to assess their needs and goals, then help them select the ideal products from here. Let’s dive into the various sprinkler options you have both above-ground and below-ground, plus some important considerations to keep in mind when making your selection.

Above-Ground Sprinkler Options

For those who want a flexible watering system that’s much easier to adjust or tweak than an in-ground option, above-ground sprinklers are a great choice. They’re also generally more affordable than their underground counterparts, plus give you the flexibility to move them around as needed.

Now, there can also be some drawbacks of above-ground sprinklers. For instance, they may be more susceptible to damage or wear-and-tear from external factors (like children or pets playing in the yard). They also may not provide quite as consistent watering coverage as an underground option.

There are a wide variety of above-ground sprinkler types to consider if you want to go this route:

• Oscillating sprinklers: Perhaps the most well-known sprinkler type out there today, oscillating sprinklers work by shooting out jets of water in a back-and-forth motion. They’re generally very easy to set up and use, though some people can find the sound they make annoying.
• Impact sprinklers: These are similar to oscillating sprinklers except instead of using a back-and-forth motion, they rotate in a circle while spraying water. This means they cover a larger area but may require more precise placement for optimal coverage.
• Stationary or pulsating sprinklers: These types of sprinklers stay in one place and shoot out jets of water in all directions. They’re great for watering large areas, but you’ll need to move them around periodically to get full coverage.
• Traveling sprinklers: If you have a large, open area to water, traveling sprinklers may be the best choice. They’re mounted on wheels and use a hose to follow a predetermined path, providing consistent coverage as they go.
• Flood (bubbler) sprinklers: Designed specifically to flood a specific area with water, these sprinklers are great for watering trees, shrubs or other plants that need deep watering.

In-Ground Sprinkler Options

In-ground sprinkler systems have numerous benefits over their above-ground counterparts. They’re generally considered more aesthetically pleasing since they don’t clutter your yard, plus they provide reliable and consistent watering coverage without the need to constantly move them around.

But in-ground sprinkler systems do have some considerations to keep in mind as well. First and foremost is the cost – they can be significantly more expensive than above-ground options. Installing them also requires digging up your yard, which can be disruptive and time-consuming.

If you want to go with an in-ground sprinkler setup, there are also some options to consider:

• Fixed spray: These sprinklers are designed to spray a fixed area with water. They’re great for small, precise areas like flower beds or individual plants.
• Gear-driven rotary: Similar to impact sprinklers, gear-driven rotary sprinklers provide full-circle coverage but can be adjusted for different patterns and ranges.
• Pop-up rotor: These types of sprinklers pop up from ground level when in use and rotate in a circular pattern, providing consistent coverage over a larger area.
• Drip irrigation: Designed specifically for gardens or other plantings that need slow and steady watering, drip irrigation systems use tubes or pipes to slowly release water directly into the soil.

How to Choose

So how do you choose the right sprinkler setup for your landscape? Well, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Your landscape size and layout: The first thing to think about is how big your yard is and what type of plants or areas you need to water. This will help determine the coverage area and type of sprinkler that will work best for your needs.
• Water source and pressure: Be sure to check your water source and pressure before deciding on a sprinkler system. Some may require higher pressure than what you have available, while others may have specific requirements for installation.
• Budget: As mentioned earlier, cost can be a major factor in choosing between above-ground and in-ground sprinklers. Make sure to consider both the upfront cost and any ongoing maintenance or repairs that may be needed.
• Personal preferences: Do you prefer a certain type of sprinkler or have specific needs for your landscape? Consider these factors as well when making your choice.

Whichever option you choose, know that Wright Landscaping is here to help you select and install the perfect sprinkler setup for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and start creating your ideal landscape, whether you’re in SLC, Kaysville, Layton or any nearby area!