You've invested in a new lawn, planting beds and trees. Then July arrives with two dry weeks, and everything starts to brown. An irrigation system keeps your landscape healthy automatically, while using water more efficiently than dragging hoses around the yard.
Here's what Syracuse homeowners should know about irrigation and sprinkler systems, from design to winterizing.
- How irrigation systems work
- Spray, rotor and drip
- Smart controllers and sensors
- Designing a system that works
- Seasonal care in Central NY
- Frequently asked questions
How Irrigation Systems Work
An in-ground system connects to your water supply through a backflow preventer, then divides your yard into zones. Each zone has its own valve and runs on a schedule set by a controller. Lawns, sunny beds, shady beds and trees can all be watered differently based on their needs.
Spray, Rotor and Drip
Spray heads
Pop-up spray heads cover small to medium lawn areas and planting beds with a fixed spray pattern.
Rotors
Rotor heads rotate streams of water across larger lawn areas, applying water more slowly so it soaks in.
Drip irrigation
Drip lines and emitters deliver water directly to plant roots in beds, foundation plantings and containers. They waste very little water to evaporation or runoff and keep foliage dry, which helps prevent disease.
Smart Controllers and Sensors
- Smart controllers adjust schedules based on local weather.
- Rain sensors skip watering after rainfall.
- Phone apps let you adjust zones from anywhere.
- Seasonal adjustment reduces watering in spring and fall.
Water wisely: Watering deeply and less often, in the early morning, encourages deeper roots and reduces evaporation. A well-programmed controller does this automatically.
Designing a System That Works
- Map sun, shade and slopes so each zone matches its conditions.
- Separate lawn and bed zones, since they need different amounts of water.
- Use head-to-head coverage on lawns for even watering without dry spots.
- Keep spray off the house, patios and driveways.
- Install during landscape projects when possible to avoid disturbing finished work.
Seasonal Care in Central NY
In spring, the system is started up, checked for leaks and broken heads, and the controller is programmed for the season. In fall, before freezing weather, the system must be winterized, typically by blowing out the lines with compressed air, so water doesn't freeze and crack pipes and heads. Backflow devices may also have local testing requirements.
Learn more on our irrigation page, and ask about our maintenance contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an irrigation system worth it in Central New York?
For many homeowners, yes. Even with our rainfall, dry stretches in summer stress lawns and new plantings. A properly designed system waters efficiently and protects your landscape investment.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the roots of plants through low-flow tubing and emitters. It's ideal for garden beds, shrubs and containers and wastes very little water.
When should my irrigation system be winterized?
In Central New York, irrigation systems should be winterized in the fall before freezing temperatures arrive, typically by blowing out the lines with compressed air so water doesn't freeze and crack pipes.
Can irrigation be added to an existing landscape?
Yes. Systems can be installed in established yards, though it's easiest and least disruptive during a new landscape or hardscape project.
What is a smart irrigation controller?
A smart controller adjusts watering schedules based on weather, rainfall and seasonal changes, often controlled from your phone, so you use less water without sacrificing plant health.
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