Drip irrigation systems are becoming more common in today’s landscape. They offer several advantages over other types of watering methods. What are they?
Drip irrigation systems consist of a network of pipes connected to emitters placed at intervals along the length of the pipe. Water flows from each emitter into the soil via perforated tubing or drip tape. The water then slowly seeps through the ground until it reaches its destination. This method allows for precise control of the amount of water applied to each area of the garden.
Advantages
Watering overhead is wasteful because it runs off into the soil and evaporates. This wastes precious resources and increases the risk of disease and insect infestation. Drip irrigation systems deliver water where it’s needed most — directly to the roots of the plants.
The system delivers water slowly and evenly over time, allowing the plant to absorb moisture without causing stress. This helps prevent spots and blemishes on foliage. In addition, drip irrigation systems are easy to install and maintain. They’re also low maintenance, requiring no chemicals or power to operate.
Drip Systems Are Flexible
With drip irrigation technology, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different types of drip systems with varying features and capabilities. Some of the most common include:
• Single-zone – Water flows from emitters directly into the root zone of plants.
• Dual-zone – Water flows out of emitters in zones where it is needed.
• Zone-based – Water flows from emitter to emitter based on the location of each plant.
• Variable flow – Emitters deliver water at varying rates depending on how much water is required by the plant.
The flexibility of drip systems makes them ideal for growing in areas like gardens, parks, golf courses, farms, and nurseries. They are easy to install and maintain, making them great options for small businesses and homeowners alike.
Cost-Effective
For many people, installing a sprinkler system is easier than installing a drip system. In fact, it doesn’t even require digging holes. But what about the long term savings? A drip system requires far fewer parts and much less maintenance. This makes it a great option for both commercial and residential landscapes.
According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), drip irrigation saves up to 50% of water compared to traditional watering methods. With a drip system, you’ll save money over the life of the system because there are no pump motors, filters, pipes, valves, and faucets to replace. You won’t have to pay for electricity either since most drip systems use solar power.
The NALP estimates that a typical drip system will cost around $5,000-$7,500 installed. However, the initial investment isn’t necessarily the biggest concern. Many contractors offer financing options that make it easy to spread out the payments. If you’re looking to install a drip system, consider talking to your local irrigation supply store. They might be able to provide advice and help you find a contractor that specializes in drip systems.
Need A Drip Irrigation System? Water Wise Landscape is Here to Help
With all the advantages that a drip irrigation system brings, there is no reason why you shouldn’t switch to it for your backyard landscape. This is particularly true if you live in a desert city like Bermuda Dunes where water is a precious resource. The trick is getting a reputable contractor to design and install the drip irrigation system. In this case, the smartest choice is to go with Water Wise Landscape. We’ve been designing and installing drip irrigation systems for more than 20 years. Contact us today to learn more!
