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The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Sprinkler systems


Portable hose and sprinkler

A hose attached to a sprinkler head is not the most efficient or convenient way to water your lawn. You have to be home when the sprinkler is on to be able to move it from spot to spot. Make sure that you move the sprinkler to all areas of the lawn and that each spot gets watered for the same duration so that you get uniform coverage. Use a sprinkler head that will cover a good amount of lawn at a time so that you do not have to move the sprinkler too many times. Choose one with a low flow rate to avoid runoff.

Automatic sprinkler systems

Automatic sprinkler systems are more efficient than portable sprinklers, provide uniform coverage if designed and installed properly, and can be programmed to be turned on and off at certain times.

Shut off automatic sprinkler systems during the rainy season to conserve water. After the rainy season, check all the sprinkler heads to make sure they are working properly.

 

Maintain your sprinkler system and fix problems as they arise

  • If you are watering according to schedule, yet have brown spots, check to see that your sprinkler system has uniform coverage.

  • Repair or replace broken or clogged sprinkler heads that are preventing the flow of water to all areas of your lawn.

  • Raise low sprinkler heads so that water flow is not obstructed. You may wish to mow the lawn a little lower around sprinkler heads.
  • If your sprinkler system is inefficient, determine if it was designed and installed correctly. If it wasn't, consider replacing it so that in the long run you will be saving water and be getting better coverage and a healthier turf.
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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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