Choosing the right sprinkler system for your lawn
Whether it is an oscillating sprinkler on a hose or permanently installed pop-up sprinklers: a sprinkler system is only as good as the way it distributes water. Unevenly watered areas soon show up as brown patches next to spots that are too wet. Here you can read which sprinklers there are, which areas they suit and what matters when planning.
In short
- For small gardens, oscillating or rotary sprinklers on a hose are enough. Permanent systems are mainly worthwhile for larger areas and regular watering.
- Sprinklers are placed head-to-head: each sprinkler reaches the next one. Overlap is intended.
- Sprinklers with different precipitation rates belong in separate zones.
- The cup test shows you how much water your system really delivers.
- Drain the pipes before the first frost.
The common sprinkler types
| Sprinkler | Pattern | Suitable for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscillating sprinkler | rectangle, adjustable via the swing width | rectangular areas up to medium size | cheap and simple, often uneven at the edges, a lot of loss in wind |
| Rotary and impulse sprinklers | circle or sector, long throw | large, open areas | need sufficient water pressure, define edges cleanly with sectors |
| Sprinkler hose | narrow strip | long, narrow areas | distribution decreases towards the end of the hose |
| Pop-up with spray nozzle | circle, sector or strip, short throw | small and angular areas | delivers a lot of water in a short time, on heavy soils water in several short cycles |
| Pop-up gear-driven rotor | circle or sector, long throw | medium to large areas | low precipitation rate, water can soak in well |
Portable or permanently installed?
| Sprinkler on a hose | Permanent system | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | low | much higher, planning and installation |
| Everyday effort | set up, move, clear away before mowing | none, automatic via a controller if you like |
| Evenness | depends on how it is set up | very even if well planned |
| Suitable for | small gardens, occasional watering | larger areas, regular watering |
A permanent system is mainly worthwhile if you have to water regularly, for example on sandy soil or with a large lawn. For a small garden that only needs water during heatwaves, a good sprinkler on a hose is the more sensible solution.
Head-to-head: why overlap is intended
A sprinkler does not distribute water evenly across its throw circle. More arrives close to the sprinkler, much less at the edge. That is why sprinklers are placed so that each one reaches the next. Professionals call this head-to-head spacing. The edges overlap and compensate for each other.
If the sprinklers are too far apart, dry zones remain between them. In summer these show up as brown patches while other spots get too much water. Simply watering for longer then wastes water and makes the wet spots even wetter.
Planning a permanent system
- Measure water pressure and flow: hold a bucket of known volume under the tap and time it. This tells you how many litres per minute are available, which determines how many sprinklers can run at the same time.
- Create zones: the area is divided into zones that run one after the other. Each zone only gets as many sprinklers as the flow allows.
- Same sprinklers in one zone: spray nozzles deliver several times the water of gear-driven rotors. Mixed in one zone, some spots get wet while others stay dry.
- Separate sun and shade: areas under trees need water differently from full sun.
- Controller with rain sensor: a rain or soil moisture sensor prevents the system from running after a shower anyway.
Good to know
If you mow short with a reel mower, make sure the sprinkler heads sit flush with the ground. A head that sticks out can damage the reel. After top-dressing, or once the soil has settled, it is worth checking.
How long should the system run?
That depends on how much water your sprinklers deliver per hour. The cup test tells you: place containers, run the system, measure the water depth. 1 millimetre equals 1 litre per square metre.
How much water your lawn needs and when it is best to water is explained in Watering your lawn. If water soaks in poorly, no sprinkler system will help. The problem then lies in the soil, more on this in When soil repels water after drought.
Water source: mains, rainwater tank or well
| Source | Advantage | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Mains water | always available, constant pressure | cost, sometimes restrictions by the local authority during droughts |
| Rainwater tank | rainwater, saves drinking water | needs a pump, supply is limited in long dry spells |
| Well | large quantities, low running costs | may require a permit, iron-rich water leaves brown stains on paths |
Preparing for winter
Before the first frost, pipes and sprinklers must be empty. Freezing water bursts pipes and sprinkler housings. Portable sprinklers just need to be taken in and stored frost-free. Permanent systems are drained via drain valves or blown out with compressed air. Switch off the controller over winter.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Better |
|---|---|
| Sprinklers too far apart | place head-to-head, each sprinkler reaches the next one |
| Spray nozzles and rotors in the same zone | separate zones for each sprinkler type |
| A short sprinkle every evening | less often and deeply, ideally early in the morning |
| System runs despite rain | retrofit a rain or soil moisture sensor |
| Pipes full of water in winter | drain before the first frost |
Frequently asked questions
Is a permanent sprinkler system worth it?
For larger areas, sandy soils and regular watering, usually yes. For small gardens that only need water during heatwaves, a good sprinkler on a hose is enough.
Why is my lawn patchy despite watering?
Usually the sprinklers are too far apart or different sprinkler types share a zone. The cup test shows you where too little arrives.
When should the system run?
Ideally early in the morning. Little evaporates then, and the grass dries off during the day.
Can I use rainwater?
Yes. Rainwater from a tank is well suited for lawns. You need a pump that delivers enough pressure for your sprinklers.
