The standard rotating or oscillating sprinkler has been a staple of St. Louis homeowners for decades. More recently, they may have either seen or purchased an in-ground lawn irrigation system with "pop-up" sprinkler heads which rise up at pre-determined times, perform their function, then descend again underground.
Drip irrigation, however, is installed, and remains, completely underground. For some applications, it is clearly superior to both completely above-ground and standard underground "pop-up" sprinkler systems. Simply put, drip irrigation is a network of underground emitter lines which water your lawn, drip-by-drip. This type of underground sprinkler system is a solid option wherever you live.
A drip irrigation emitter line is simply a piece of plastic tubing with holes drilled in it. Typically buried 4-6 inches underground, emitter lines are installed underground either by hand-digging, mechanical digging machines or a vibratory plow, which penetrates the surface, then pulls the emitter line behind it. The best approach will depend on your budget and topography.
Advantages of underground drip irrigation over sprinkler system irrigation in the St Louis area:
* No water loss from evaporation
* No water spraying where it shouldn't, like on windows
* Underground drip irrigation systems are protected from both pedestrian or vehicle damage
* No water running down slopes, sidewalks or fences
* You don't need as many sources of water, and the flow needed is drastically reduced
* The spacing of emitter lines and the amount of water used, can be altered to account for terrain
* Roots from your vegetation will naturally grow deeper to seek the irrigation, making it hardier and decreasing thatch
Maximum spacing, for use in heavy clay soils, is 18" spacing of lines with emitters 18" apart on the lines. In lighter soils, the lateral water spread is not as great and tighter spacing is needed. The closest spacing ever needed is 12" spacing of lines with emitters 12" apart on the lines. To avoid damage to the underground lines from replanting, use subsurface drip irrigation systems for St. Louis lawns only in turf and perennial areas that are going to be left alone.
Drip irrigation, however, is installed, and remains, completely underground. For some applications, it is clearly superior to both completely above-ground and standard underground "pop-up" sprinkler systems. Simply put, drip irrigation is a network of underground emitter lines which water your lawn, drip-by-drip. This type of underground sprinkler system is a solid option wherever you live.
A drip irrigation emitter line is simply a piece of plastic tubing with holes drilled in it. Typically buried 4-6 inches underground, emitter lines are installed underground either by hand-digging, mechanical digging machines or a vibratory plow, which penetrates the surface, then pulls the emitter line behind it. The best approach will depend on your budget and topography.
Advantages of underground drip irrigation over sprinkler system irrigation in the St Louis area:
* No water loss from evaporation
* No water spraying where it shouldn't, like on windows
* Underground drip irrigation systems are protected from both pedestrian or vehicle damage
* No water running down slopes, sidewalks or fences
* You don't need as many sources of water, and the flow needed is drastically reduced
* The spacing of emitter lines and the amount of water used, can be altered to account for terrain
* Roots from your vegetation will naturally grow deeper to seek the irrigation, making it hardier and decreasing thatch
Maximum spacing, for use in heavy clay soils, is 18" spacing of lines with emitters 18" apart on the lines. In lighter soils, the lateral water spread is not as great and tighter spacing is needed. The closest spacing ever needed is 12" spacing of lines with emitters 12" apart on the lines. To avoid damage to the underground lines from replanting, use subsurface drip irrigation systems for St. Louis lawns only in turf and perennial areas that are going to be left alone.
About the Author:
Learn more about drip irrigation in the St. Louis area . Stop by MPR Supply's site where you can find out all about underground sprinkler systems #2 and what they can do for you.
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