How To Choose and Use Lawn Sprinklers

Keeping your lawn lush and green requires the right sprinkler and the proper watering techniques. If you aren’t sure which type of sprinkler to buy, consider your local weather conditions, which sprinkler accessories are important to you, and whether your soil is sandy and dry or loamy. Read our guide below to help you decide which type of sprinkler is best for your lawn, whether it’s a rotary sprinkler, a square pattern sprinkler, or something else entirely.

Types of Lawn Sprinklers

Consider your lawn’s size, shape, and specific watering needs when deciding which sprinkler is right for you. Below are some of the most common lawn sprinkler types.

Oscillating Sprinklers

Oscillating sprinklers are best for large, square lawns. They have long tubes that move back and forth and create a fan-like spray pattern. These sprinklers are adjustable and deliver even coverage, which makes them perfect for most rectangular areas.

Pulsating Sprinklers

Pulsating sprinklers, also known as impact sprinklers, are suitable for lawns of many shapes and sizes. You can easily install them by driving a single spike into your lawn, and the sprinklers can cover complex layouts. Pulsating sprinklers can water in a 360-degree pattern, or you can customize them to cover more specific shapes. 

Rotary Sprinklers

Rotary sprinklers feature spinning arms that throw water in a circular pattern. They’re suitable for medium- to large-sized lawns, and a single unit can cover a significant area. Some models come with wheels, which makes it easy to reposition your sprinkler when necessary. Rotary sprinklers are your best bet for tackling irregular shapes or tough-to-reach areas.

Square Pattern Sprinklers

Square pattern sprinklers produce precise, square patterns that are ideal for small, square lawns. These sprinklers are especially efficient, and you can use them to reach the corners of your lawn without wasting water on non-grassy areas.

Sprinkler Accessories and Features

Consider investing in the accessories below to help you water your lawn more efficiently:

Battery-Powered Programmable Timers

Use battery-powered programmable timers to set automatic watering schedules. These timers let you customize watering days, durations, and start times, so you can keep your lawn healthy without having to wake up early and manually turn on the hose.

In-Ground Sprinklers

Professionals can permanently install in-ground sprinklers, which pop up when you activate them and provide consistent coverage across your lawn. This type of sprinkler is ideal for homeowners who want a set-it-and-forget-it system and reliably even water distribution.

Quick-Connect Couplings

You can easily attach and detach hoses to sprinklers or spray nozzles with these devices. Quick-connect couplings save you time and hassle, especially if you frequently switch between different watering tools.

Incorporating Technology for a Smarter Lawn

Certain modern devices can help you maintain a healthy lawn more easily. Read about some of the newest and most popular tech devices below. 

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems can tend to specific areas of your lawn or garden, and provide water directly to the roots of plants. This reduces water waste and promotes healthier plant growth. Drip irrigation is especially beneficial for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and newly planted trees and shrubs.

Smart Sprinkler Controllers

You can connect smart sprinkler controllers directly to your home’s Wi-Fi, then control the sprinklers through a smartphone app. These controllers can adjust watering schedules based on local weather data, which is a game-changer for busy homeowners.

Soil Moisture Sensors

You can place these devices throughout your lawn to monitor your soil’s moisture levels. These sensors communicate with your sprinkler system and adjust watering schedules based on real-time soil conditions. This prevents overwatering and underwatering, and offers a watering strategy that matches your lawn’s specific needs.

Best Practices for Lawn Watering

Follow the best practices below to maintain a healthy lawn and conserve water. 

Adjust for Weather Conditions

Monitor rainfall using a rain gauge, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. This will help you to conserve water and protect your lawn from oversaturation, which can lead to rot and other issues.

Consider Soil Type

Learning about your specific soil type will help you to maintain a healthy lawn and avoid overwatering or underwatering. Sandy soils dry out quickly and may need frequent watering, loamy soils have moderate water retention, and clay soils hold water for long periods of time.

Measure Water Output

Use a rain gauge to measure sprinkler output and determine whether your lawn receives the right amount of water. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, divided into two 1/2-inch waterings. Run your sprinkler for about 30 minutes, then check the rain gauge to calculate how much water you’re releasing per hour.

Water in the Morning

Water your lawn between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. if you can. Watering early in the morning allows water to soak into the soil before evaporating, and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. 

Use Timers for Consistency

Use battery-powered, programmable timers to maintain consistent watering schedules. These devices allow you to schedule specific start times for watering, and program how long you want each watering session to last.

Water Deeply and Infrequently

Watering deeply and infrequently helps grass roots to grow deeper into the ground, which leads to a more drought-resistant lawn. This method also helps to prevent fungal diseases and weed growth by curbing the conditions in which fungi thrive.

Troubleshooting Common Sprinkler Issues

Sprinkler systems can encounter problems even if you install and maintain them correctly. Read how to address common issues below. 

• Clogged nozzles: Sprinkler heads can become clogged with debris over time, which affects water distribution. Clean sprinkler heads regularly to prevent blockages.
• Low water pressure: Check for leaks in the hose or sprinkler system if you notice that your water pressure is lower than usual. Consider using a pressure regulator too. 
• Uneven coverage: If your sprinkler system isn’t covering your lawn evenly, adjust the sprinkler heads or add more sprinklers for complete lawn coverage. Even water distribution can help you to maintain uniform grass growth.