Get to Know Lawn Sprinklers

TYPES OF SPRINKLER:

• OSCILLATING: Prices range from $5 to $25.

• IMPACT: Prices range from $5 to $50.

• ROTATING: Prices range from $5 to $20.

• STATIONARY: Prices range from $4 to $40.

• TRAVELING: Prices range from $45 to $70.

• IN GROUND: Prices vary with installation.

SHOP SPRINKLERS

• HOSES:
• SPRINKLER HOSE:  Prices range from $8 to $15.

• DRIP HOSE:  Prices range from $15 to $40.

SHOP HOSES

TIMERS:

• AUTOMATIC TIMER:  Prices range from $5 to $65.

• FLOW TIMER: Prices range from $7 to $200.

• AUTO SHUTOFF VALVE: Prices range from $10 to $60.

SHOP TIMERS

TIPS FOR WATERING LIKE A PRO:

• DON’T RUSH IT: When the weather begins to warm up and you have a dry spell, don’t rush to water your lawn. Wait until you can see noticeable marks left from someone walking across the lawn. Then it’s time to begin your watering regimen.

• ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Your objective should be to water your lawn to the roots but not drown it. Over-watering can lead to problems like crabgrass. In dry, hot weather, water every two to three days. Allow the water time to get down to the roots. If you’re making puddles, you’ve gone too far.

• HOW LONG DO I WATER?: For a normal lawn with good aerated soil, 15 to 20 minutes should be adequate to the purpose. If your soil is harder, go for thirty. Allow the water to soak in nicely for 20 to 30 minutes before checking your soil. (Use a shovel or a screwdriver to see how deep your watering is getting). Then repeat if needed. If more water is not needed, you’re done.

• IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING: The optimal time to water is early in the morning. That’s when your lawn is its most thirsty and will absorb more nutrients from the soil. By the time people are active or the heat has begun to climb, your lawn will have pretty much closed shop for the day.

• BE CONSISTENT:Make sure that every portion of your lawn gets the same amount of water. Try not to water with a hose, due to the uneven distribution of water. A sprinkler works best due to its even, regimented coverage.

• AVOID OVERWATERING: Too much of a good thing is still too much. Over-watering leads to a lot of tougher problems like bugs and weeds. Using rain gauges around your lawn will tell you if you’re getting even coverage. Your lawn will require about 1 inch of water per week. If you can’t find a rain gauge, try plastic bowls or tuna cans, they will give you the same info. (Don’t leave these on your lawn all the time, or you will develop brown spots).

• LET IT RAIN:If you get a good rainfall, let it do it’s thing. If you continue to water on top of the rainfall, you risk over-watering problems.