Spacing is important when it comes to sprinkler systems. If you place sprinklers too far apart you will end up with donut shaped brown spots in your lawn. If sprinklers are spaced too close together you can overwater areas and create water logged spots that suffocate grass roots. At Irrigation Outlet, we recommend using head-to-head coverage. This means that the sprinklers are placed so that the water spraying from one sprinkler touches all adjacent sprinkler heads. This applies to both rotors and spray heads. You will need to space the heads to overlap from one head to the next. Each head should throw enough water a great enough distance to hit the next head.
Get Started
We recommend beginning with the rectangular spaces in your lawn. It is best to map out your space using marking flags to make sure you have a clearly defined plan before you break ground. Start by installing sprinklers at the corners of the space and then add more along the perimeter as needed, your lawn may also require one in the center for equal coverage.
For unusual spaces, you can use more specialized nozzles like side-strip nozzles for edges, or corner strip nozzle for tight corners. You can also find sprinkler heads that have adjustable pattern nozzles for odd shaped areas.
You never want to have rotors and spray heads operate on the same zone. Rotors and spray heads need to be piped separately.
Factors to Consider When Laying Out Your Sprinkler System
Before you install the sprinklers, consider how the following factors affect them:
- Gallons per minute
- Location
- Slope
- Sprinkler head
- Types of plants
- Water pressure
- Wind conditions
The size of the area you wish to irrigate is the determining factor in whether you should use a spray head or rotor. Since rotors cover a much larger area, this is the best choice for an expanded area. You can also space them further apart, which means that you need fewer overall heads and will need to complete less trenching. Rotors typically throw water between 20 and 70 feet.
Spray heads cover a much smaller area of four to 15 feet. It’s common for many irrigation designs to require a combination of both types as well as drip irrigation to ensure even coverage for the entire landscape. Just remember not to include rotors and spray heads on the same zone.
Need More Advice?
We are happy to help if you need input setting up a sprinkler system or choosing the right products. Feel free to contact us at 803-461-0561 or send an email inquiry. You might also consider signing up for our newsletter for additional tips.
