Irrigation or sprinkler solutions can be an investment for your lawn, especially throughout dryer seasons, however it can be difficult to determine what is the best choice for you especially when there are many different types on the market.
We have looked into the world of sprinklers to help you find the best choice for you and your lawn size, while considering factors such as cost, coverage and convenience.
Wobble-Tee Sprinkler
The Wobble-Tee Sprinkler works by throwing water in every direction at different distances while rotating in a circular motion. This allows for water to be evenly distributed across your lawn. These sprinklers spray water similar to the way light rain may fall on your lawn. Distributing water in this way helps water soak into the profile of the soil and avoids pooling of water and runoff which can ultimately waste water. The sprinkler also has the ability to connect other sprinklers from the same tap, which is a handy feature when watering over a larger area. The Wobble-Tee Sprinkler price point is higher than other sprinkler options, however they are definitely worth their investment.
Impact sprinkler
Impact sprinklers have two arms, the larger arm spitting water at high pressure and the other hitting the stream of water to distribute evenly. These sprinklers can have a spike that will go into the soil to provide more stability, however, may require a little more time when installing compared to other sprinklers.
Impact sprinklers mostly come with an adjustable arc, which enables you to avoid certain areas in your garden such as kids play equipment. These sprinklers can produce less mist which otherwise can be easily carried away with the wind, allowing for more water to land on your lawn. It is important to also note they can be noisy, depending on the brand and model. These sprinklers do vary in their price point depending on their quality and model. Impact sprinklers are a good option for you if you have a large area to be watered and/or have areas which may need to be avoided.
Oscillating sprinkler
Oscillating sprinklers move in a back and forwards motion across your lawn imitating rainfall. These sprinklers can cover a medium rectangular sized area and are best suited for wide-open areas where no obstacles are where you are wanting to water. Some oscillating sprinklers are not adjustable which may make it more difficult to avoid garden features, such as trees and kids play areas. So, if you are wanting to water a medium sized open area, the oscillating sprinkler is a good option for you.
Stationary sprinklers
Stationary sprinklers are one of the most common types of sprinklers on the market. These sprinklers will usually have a hole at the top where the water is dispersed from and only spread water out to one location. This allows for the targeted area to be watered quickly. Some stationary sprinklers will have adjustable settings to allow you to control where water is released from and what direction they will spray at. These sprinklers are best used for small garden and lawn areas.
Soaker hoses
Soaker hoses have small holes on one side of the hose allowing for water to be distributed across the length of the hose. As these sprinklers do no throw water across an area, less evaporation and water loss will occur compared to other sprinkler types. These sprinklers work best when laid out straight and flat so that water can be dispersed evenly across the selected area. It is also important to note that these sprinklers do have a varying price point, depending on the length, brand and material of the hose. These sprinklers are best used for open lawns or longer narrow lawns such as up the side of the house.
Another more professional and water efficient soaker hose available is the Sumi Soaker. The Sumi Soaker is a lightweight watering solution available in 12.5m length with ready to use fittings perfect for home lawns.
By knowing what type of sprinkler will work best for your lawn and garden area you will be able to water your area more effectively. The best time to water your lawn is early morning or in the late afternoon when there is no wind and less chance for heat related evaporation.
For more information on watering your lawn check out our blog A Complete Guide for Watering Lawns.
