Are you dreaming of a lush green lawn without the hassle? Are you tired of getting soaked every time you move the sprinklers? Depending upon the type of grass you have and your lifestyle, an irrigation system may be the solution.
Understanding Grass Types
There are several common types of grass used across central North Carolina with the most popular being Bermuda, Zoysia, and fescue. Bermuda and Zoysia are commonly dormant throughout the fall and winter, leaving the yard looking more brown and dry. However, these two species of grass perform well in full sun and are more drought tolerant, so they often fare well in the hot, often dry, North Carolina summers. On the other hand, fescue tends to look green and lush all winter but is a cool-season grass, so it needs more water and maintenance in the warmer months. This means without frequent watering in the spring and summer, fescue is likely to be dry and browning by August.
All three of these grass types have one thing in common: they need about one inch of water a week in the warmer months. If you don’t have time to be out in the yard on a weekly basis moving sprinklers around and tracking rainfall totals, an easy solution is an irrigation system.
All about Watering
Believe it or not, there is an ideal time of day to water your grass. This is typically in the early morning so that the grass has plenty of time to dry before nightfall reducing the chance of fungal growth. Additionally, watering in the sweltering sun can cause the water to evaporate quicker, resulting in more frequent watering and thus higher water usage.
Irrigation systems can be programmed to run overnight or early in the mornings to keep your grass the healthiest. Many systems even have rain gauges so if it has rained recently the system will not run, eliminating the threat of overwatering or wasteful watering. It has been found that irrigation systems can actually help to reduce water usage, thus saving you money on your monthly water bills. If you have ever forgotten to turn off your sprinkler, you will understand how this is possible (don’t worry— we are all guilty of it).
Additionally, the sprinklers and drip lines within an Irrigation system can be grouped into zones. Since some areas of your lawn or landscaping may require more water than other areas, utilizing the zone feature will help to maximize efficiency without wasting water on areas that don’t need it.
Overall, Irrigation systems can take the guesswork– and manual work– out of watering. They are a good solution for anyone who wants green, lush grass all summer long without a lot of upkeep. Depending upon your budget and the type of grass you have, an irrigation system might be the answer to your green-grass delima.
Installing an irrigation system
We aren’t going to sugar coat it, installing an irrigation system requires digging and it’s not always an attractive option for people with mature, thriving grass. However, if you are ready for an overhaul of your yard, it might be the perfect time to install an irrigation system, especially if you are about to lay sod, overseed, or finally start the patio project of your dreams (we can help with that too, by the way!).
Let a professional help
If you are tired of lugging a sprinkler around your backyard, or simply don’t have the time to worry with constant watering, then an irrigation system could be the solution to obtaining luscious and healthy grass with minimal effort. Our project specialists are happy to speak with you more about your yard, your needs, and what would work best for your lifestyle and budget.