Are you wondering if you should splurge on an in-ground sprinkler system? Depending on your yard and lawn care needs, a sprinkler hose attachment may be suitable. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of irrigation systems, and we're here to help you break them down.
By reviewing the cost, timing, convenience, and efficiency of both the in-ground watering systems and sprinkler hose attachments, you will be able to make an educated decision about your lawn care. We will even take a deep dive into the different types of sprinkler hose attachments. When it comes to watering your grass, you can make or break the health and appearance of a luscious green lawn. Learn more about why we emphasize the importance of watering your lawn.
The Importance of Watering Grass
Watering your grass is an essential part of proper lawn care. Without adequate water, the grass cannot undergo the process of photosynthesis and make appropriate food for itself. Without water, there is no way that photosynthesis can occur, and this can be quickly detrimental to your lawn. On the other hand, too much water can drown your grass. This is because roots need oxygen, and overwatering can restrict their access to oxygen, causing root rot.
Are you afraid that you are overwatering your lawn? Worry no more - you can rely on your friends at Simple Lawn Solutions for lawn care advice. If your grass needs more hydration, you can easily change the frequency and duration of watering sessions. Check these signs to tell if your grass has had more than enough H20. Keep reading to see which sprinkler system appeals to your needs and give yourself peace of mind that your lawn is receiving the right amount of water.
Comparing Sprinklers
While mother nature helps out our grass with rainfall, it’s more than likely that your lawn isn't getting enough water on its own, especially during the hot summer months. You don't have to worry about researching which option is best for you with our natural breakdown of these sprinkler considerations:
- Cost
- Timing
- Convenience
- Efficiency
- Types of sprinklers
Equip yourself with the knowledge to make the right lawn care decision by comparing in-ground sprinklers and hose attachments. If you are looking into selling your home, keep in mind that the appearance of a well-maintained lawn can impact your home's property value. Whether you are looking for the appreciation of potential buyers, or just for your own satisfaction, we understand the importance of excellent curb appeal. An excellent way to have the best lawn on the block is to start with proper grass care.
Cost of a Sprinkler System
The cost of installing a sprinkler system is a significant factor to consider when deciding between an in-ground system and sprinkler hose attachments. The average cost for a sprinkler system installation is around $5,500, with a lot of that cost being up-front for the initial setup.
No matter what sprinkler choice you choose, the cost of your increased water usage will depend on several factors:
- How frequently do you water your lawn
- The duration of the watering session
- Size of yard and number of sprinkler heads
Buying a sprinkler attachment from your local garden or hardware store will be less expensive. With sprinkler attachment costs of around $20, this route has far less sticker shock than an in-ground installation. Several factors may influence you to seek the route of a professional in-ground sprinkler system, such as time, convenience, and overall efficiency. Remember, you do not need to rely solely on professionals for in-ground sprinkler installation - this task can be done yourself as a less costly alternative. Let’s dive into exploring these factors to help you make a better decision for your individual lawn care needs.
Timing a Sprinkler System
In-ground sprinkler installation can take three to five days for the initial install, but turning this system on is as easy as the push of a button. If you can pre-program a watering schedule for your system, then it is even easier! Though running these sprinklers is quick and easy, the routine maintenance that comes with an in-ground watering system will be more time-consuming than using a sprinkler hose attachment. An excellent practice to implement at the start and end of your lawn care season is checking your sprinklers for clogs, leaks, or broken lines. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly. The day-to-day usage of an in-ground sprinkler will take less time to get up and run. Let's compare a sprinkler hose attachment.
Putting on a sprinkler hose attachment takes all but a minute or two each time you need to water unless you have a hose that can be used solely for lawn watering. You will need to make sure that the water reaches all parts of the grass and will likely need to move around the sprinkler to ensure all areas of the grass are receiving water. When you think about how long this takes, it is only a few minutes here and there, but these add up. Consider adding a timer to your sprinkler hose attachment for added convenience.
Convenience of Sprinklers
If convenience is a significant factor for you when it comes to lawn care, you will want to take deep consideration for this upcoming discussion. In-ground sprinkler systems are very convenient because once the installation is complete, it is pretty much smooth sailing. There is some level of maintenance involved in these in-ground systems. At the start of each season, ensure that all sprinklers are working correctly and without blockage or leaks. Popular in colder states, you will need to get your sprinklers blown out to rid any excess water in the pipes to prevent freezing in the winter. With automatic sprinklers popping up out of the grass and pre-programmed buttons, in-ground sprinkler systems are the most convenient for day-to-day ease.
Using a sprinkler hose attachment is not the most viable option when it comes to convenience. You will have to add and remove the attachment for your hose at the start and end of each watering session unless you can dedicate this hose solely to this purpose. With sprinkler attachments, your hose will not always reach all areas that require watering at once, unless you are working with a smaller yard. Even with a smaller yard, it is difficult to ensure that all corners of the lawn receive equal water distribution. Sprinkler hose attachments don’t require any seasonal maintenance that in-ground sprinklers do.
Overall Efficiency of Sprinklers
With sprinkler hose attachments, you run the risk of wasting water that may drip onto the sidewalk or parts of your yard that do not need watering to reach more grass, which is not sufficient for lawn care. Depending on the type of attachment you are using, extra water can be dispersed and wasted. If you want to get an even distribution of water on your grass while using a sprinkler hose attachment, you will likely need more than one hose and attachment.
With any sprinkler setup, you need to consider the following factors:
- Control
- Coverage
- Water pressure
When looking at lawn care watering efficiency, you will need to ask yourself if an in-ground watering system will be more useful for your yard and lifestyle. The design of in-ground sprinklers aid in coverage, control, and water pressure when appropriately installed. These systems should equally distribute water to various parts of the lawn to avoid water waste and more grass watering efficiency. With in-ground sprinklers, water pressure is the same because of the underground pipe connection, which conversely could have more variance when using a variety of hose attachments.
How These Sprinkler Types Stack Up
Now that all is said and done let's see how sprinkler hose attachments and in-ground sprinkler systems stack up against one another. The pros of sprinkler attachments are that they are less expensive for areas that do not need frequent watering. The disadvantage of these sprinklers is that you can lose water from evaporation, which could occur on the soil surface or before the water even comes down from the sprinkler projection and reaches the grass. With hose attachments, it is hard to avoid uneven watering, even with a watchful eye.
In-ground sprinkler systems are costly to install and often require annual maintenance. With this type of system, you are more likely to see an increase in your water bill. The pros of in-ground sprinkler systems are that they are great for yards with large grass areas that require frequent watering and, most of all, the convenience that comes with the automation of pre-programmed, scheduled watering sessions.
Types of Sprinkler Attachments
It does not take more than a quick walk around your local hardware or garden store to know there are many options for sprinklers. For a hose attachment sprinkler option, let’s explore what these different sprinkler types can do for your watering lawn care needs.
Stationary sprinklers
The most common type of sprinkler you may see is attached to a hose. These sprinklers stay where you put them and have some type of water distribution pattern, like a rainbow shape, to cover more grass when engaged. Hose attachments are an excellent option for smaller yards that do not require frequent sprinkler relocation to completely cover your ground.
Oscillating sprinklers
An excellent option for water distribution in a semi-circle pattern. With an oscillating sprinkler, you water the grass in a side-to-side motion and cover slightly more grass than a standard stationary sprinkler. Similarly, a rotating sprinkler covers a 360-degree radius. With maximum range, you are getting the most coverage in terms of a fixed sprinkler hose attachment.
Traveling sprinklers
An interesting go-between for above-ground and in-ground sprinkler systems. You can cover far more ground by moving about the lawn, like an in-ground system without the hassle and installation expense. These sprinklers require some pre-work as a customized lawn pattern will need to be pre-determined for the sprinkler's travel route.
Lawn Care Watering Tips
No matter what kind of sprinkler you decide to use for your yard, we want to share some of our watering lawn care tips and tricks. Water is necessary for grass growth, but you can have too much of a good thing. Remember that you will accomplish more by watering for a more extended period than shorter, frequent water spurts to avoid overwatering your lawn. Overwatering your grass can lead to unsightly yard weeds. A summer lawn care tip is to avoid watering your grass during the day when temperatures are hottest. Instead, conduct your lawn watering in the early morning to prevent water loss by evaporation. Stay drought-free and beat the summer heat by implementing a watering schedule into your lawn care routine.
If your lawn is looking a bit lackluster and needs an extra boost, we have a collection of fertilizers with a range of nutrient blends that your lawn needs, including nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These macronutrients are essential for healthy, durable grass. There are so many reasons to love our liquid lawn treatments, including ease of application. This simple but effective lawn care product can be applied virtually year-round. Not only will our lawn food benefit the soil, but it will also lead you to excellent curb appeal and lawn envy from your neighbors.
One-Stop Lawn Care Shop
Choosing a sprinkler system does not have to be a headache. With our sprinkler comparison guide, we hope you can make the best decision that fits your lawn care routine, budget, and lifestyle. We believe that you do not have to be an expert to excel at grass care. From beginners to seasoned vets, there is always so much to learn about improving your grass's health. For all of your grass needs, Simple Lawn Solutions offers our breadth of knowledge and high-quality products.
From watering to weed prevention, you can learn more about lawn care by visiting our page.
