For many homeowners, irrigation systems seem intimidating and costly. However, a properly installed irrigation system can save the homeowner time and money. Understanding the different types of irrigation systems and heads is an important aspect when deciding to have a system installed. Each area of your yard may require a different kind of head. The lawn will require a rotor head, whereas a landscape bed will require drip irrigation. Read on to learn the different types of heads, why they are used, and their required watering times.

Types of Irrigation Heads

There are many types of irrigation heads, and each one has a specific task. Designed to turn slowly, rotor heads spray in one steady stream. These heads can typically spray about 20 – 30 feet out. When selecting the duration of watering, be sure to set these heads to run for 30 minutes. This is important because the heads do not spray a specific area for an extended amount of time. These heads are cover a more broad area.

Mist heads are pop-up heads that emerge from the ground when the system turns on. These heads will spray in a fan pattern. Set watering times at 15 – 17 minutes for mist heads. Where the rotor heads were broader in their coverage, the mist heads are more specific. Mist heads cover a smaller area.

Drip irrigation is perfect for landscape beds and foundation plantings, as they do not waste much water. These heads are designed to efficiently water each plant or groupings using an emitter. This emitter drips water close to the trunk or stem of the plant. Set watering times at 15 minutes.

Adjusting Irrigation Heads

Rotor heads have two adjustments. On the Rainbird rotor head, the rear adjustment controls the rotation. The rotation can be increased or decreased. For example, you may set the rotor head to rotate a full 360 degrees, or you may set it to only rotate 180 degrees. The second adjustment, which is located on the top of the head, controls how far the water will be sprayed and how fine the spray is.

Importance of Irrigation

For your lawn to grow, thrive, and appear healthy, you must water. This is especially true in you are located in a hot environment, such as Fayetteville, NC. Many lawns will have bare, patchy spots with lack of water.

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