If you are looking to ensure your garden is watered effectively and consistently, an automated irrigation system is a perfect solution. At Instant Rain, we are adept at installing irrigation systems that are not only inconspicuous and quiet but fit in an around your existing plants and gardens with the minimum of disruption.
Every garden has different requirements, and we always advise our clients of the best systems to meet theirs.
Many customers ask about the difference between a micro-sprinkler and a drip irrigation system so, the following will, hopefully, help to explain the differences:
Micro-sprinkler systems are similar to drip irrigation systems except drip irrigation has tubing that runs low along the ground and slowly drips water into the soil around your plants, whereas micro-sprinklers spray water out through a small sprinkler device.
Drip Systems
Drip irrigation systems are also designed to deliver water directly to the roots zones of plants using low pressure tubing to deliver water droplets at a slow and steady rate. By applying water slowly, directly to the soil, it means the water soaks into the soil before it can evaporate or run off and the water is only applied where it is needed, (at the plant’s roots) rather than sprayed everywhere.
While these systems can be used towards small areas of lawn, they are not generally recommended for larger lawns because they are not designed to distribute water evenly over a wide area.
The Benefits of Drip Systems
Water Conservation – As mentioned, drip irrigation allows an efficient watering by supplying water where it is needed – at the very roots of the plants. As a result, water is not wasted on leaves or soil.
Reduce Weed Growth –Since drip irrigation applies water to the root zone of your plants, the spaces in between plants remain dry. This greatly inhibits weed seed germination.
Reduce Plant Stress – When plants get deep, consistent watering, they thrive. Inefficient, shallow watering can contribute to plant stress.
Micro Sprinklers
Micro-sprinkler systems are designed to deliver water directly to the roots zones of plants which can help to minimise water waste and improve your plant growth. As such, micro-sprinkler irrigation is a smart and efficient way to disperse high volumes of water efficiently.
Micro-sprinklers distribute a rotating stream of heavy water droplets over a larger area, deliver more water more quickly and offer a much higher flow rate when compared to micro drip systems.
The Benefits of Micro Sprinkler Systems
Precise Watering – Micro-irrigation systems incorporate tiny openings usually referred to as emitters. They facilitate the release of water in small quantities. These emitters are strategically arranged on or in the ground so that they can deliver water straight to the root systems of the plants they are irrigating.
Customisable – Micro-sprinklers are customisable solutions for complete garden watering. Perfect, if you enjoy seasonal planting or switching and changing your garden layout throughout the year as the system can be easily changed, adapted, or expanded depending on your needs.
Reduce Water Wastage – You can use micro-sprinklers to create a low volume irrigation system for landscaped gardens or garden beds where plants are more tightly packed. Spray patterns can penetrate more dense foliage and cover many plants from just one emitter. They emit low precipitation rates making them more suitable for longer watering times with less run off and therefore, less water wastage.
A micro-sprinkler system uses water effectively yet still ensures thorough irrigation and complete water coverage providing a more sustainable garden watering method. These systems can also incorporate automatic delivery software linked to a timer device, enabling water to be diverted to different areas at predetermined times of the day.
However, because emitters can be damaged easily, it’s important to inspect the micro-sprinklers from time to time, either yourself or with a dedicated service and maintenance plan from Instant Rain.
Lawns
Whilst micro-sprinkler systems and drip irrigation systems are very efficient for watering garden beds and smaller areas, they’re not generally recommended for watering large areas of lawn. The coverage of these systems is usually limited, and they may not provide sufficient water volume to fully irrigate a lawn.
For larger areas and lawns, the most appropriate irrigation system would typically be a conventional sprinkler system. These systems can be designed to provide uniform coverage across the lawn with adjustable spray patterns and a range of flow rates to meet the specific needs of the lawn and soil type. By using a properly designed sprinkler system, homeowners can ensure their lawn receives the necessary amount of water to maintain good health while minimising water waste.
If you would like to discuss the best solutions for your garden irrigation, please get in touch.