Lawn irrigation is the mock application of water to soil to assist in the growth of crops, maintenance of landscapes and the re-vegetation of soil in dry areas during periods with insufficient rainfall. It also protects plants against frost, controls weed growth and helps prevent soil consolidation. Irrigation systems are used to restrain dust, dispose of sewage and in mining for cooling and watering.

A healthy lawn makes a very good filter for absorbing many things that can be washed into streams. The ideal lawn is one that will grow best in your environment without lots of supplemental watering. We all read about people living in desert areas trying to grow lawns that require almost daily watering just to survive the summer heat. This is extremely foolish and short sighted. Turf grasses were never intended to grow everywhere. There are parts of the country where various turf grasses are well suited without the need for daily watering. In many places, grass can be grown without any supplemental watering, or only very minor supplemental watering. Turf grasses need approximately 20-30mm of water per week to remain green and healthy. It is thus important to consider the following when planning irrigation:

Watering the awn does not automatically accompany the first warm days of summer. It is, in actual fact, true that if a lawn grows under mild drought stress at first, its rooting is increased. Monitor footprints or marks remaining after walking on the lawn, instead of leaves bouncing back. Grass tends to turn darker when under drought stress. It is a good option to thus let an expert sample root soil to determine how your soil holds water so you can plan and set your irrigation effectively.

An advantage of irrigation (and especially drip irrigation) is that water is put where it is needed. These water lines water the roots of plants, allowing it to saturate soil underneath each plant. There is no over watering and species that need a period of dryness will get it. It is most effective to give each individual plant the water it needs so you will save water. Irrigation also means you do not water unnecessary areas like rock gardens and sidewalks. Drip lines reduce runoff water drastically, so you ultimately save water and money.

Irrigation systems are quite inexpensive and are very easy to install. Drip irrigation systems are easiest to install. These systems are also very easy to expand for when you need more lines when adding plants to your garden.Two-way and three-way splitters can be installed anywhere on the line, allowing water to be re-directed and placed just where you choose. When you have installed your irrigation line, it requires little to no maintenance. Occasionally, you will have to replace and clean parts, but they can work for years without problems.

The greatest advantage of these systems is that you do not have to turn it on and off. You merely adjust settings according to the seasons so your irrigation system will effectively take care of your garden. If you are not sure how and when to set the watering, ask a landscaping professional.