When looking to update your home, there are many areas to consider. From replacing some doors and windows with more energy-efficient models and improving the security of your home to getting a new roof and building an addition, there are a lot of options available. Many of these projects might seem expensive but they will all pay off in the long run.
For example, if you’re looking to make your outdoor space more beautiful and green, one such addition you can consider is installing a sprinkler system on your lawn. While you might think that there is no need for one if you have a hose that you can use to water your lawn, read on to learn some essentials about sprinkler systems and all the benefits you could experience by installing one.
What you need to know
Sprinkler systems provide us with an easy way to keep our lawns hydrated. Whether you choose to install an above-ground or an underground sprinkler system, it’s vital to install it in an optimal location so that it evenly waters your greenery. While there are some online instructions on how you can add an above-ground sprinkle system on your, for an underground one, it’s best to turn to professionals. For some smaller lawns, all you would need is a sprinkle attachment that you would connect to your hose.
Now, in terms of price, the cost of buying and installing a sprinkler system will surely depend on the area you live in and how big you need the system to be. However, you might also have to pay for the system to be winterized if you live in a climate where there is a risk of freezing when not in use. This is something you will have to do on a yearly basis. Moreover, tuning up might also be necessary on occasion. Additionally, you might have increased water bills, especially if you never before used to water your lawn.
Installation is best done anytime between April and October and a system usually takes about two days to install. Experts know how many are necessary for a standard home, so if you’re thinking about doing it on your own, make sure to do plenty of research.
Finally, you need to check whether your region requires you to have a sprinkler system permit. This is common in areas that are prone to drought, so make sure you follow the local laws and regulations in terms of conserving water.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at all the perks of a sprinkler system and how it is actually worth the investment.
Your lawn will look more beautiful and even
First of all, we can all agree that no one wants an unsightly lawn. It reflects poorly on you, your home and family, and the neighborhood. What is more, even if it’s out of sight of passers-by, you don’t want an ugly lawn in your backyard where you want to spend quality time with your family and host parties for your friends. As a sprinkler system ensures all parts of your lawn are getting the same amount of water, the lawn will look even and uniform throughout. Therefore, getting a sprinkler system is essential if you want to have a beautiful lawn.
You will prevent the development of fungi
Improper watering techniques can lead to your lawn developing various diseases. For example, if you leave the hose on for too long, you can overwater the lawn and irrigate it unevenly. A consequence you might be faced with after such practices is the development of fungi. If you notice that an area of your lawn looks like there is cotton candy all over it, you are probably dealing with a fungus called Red Thread. Moreover, it can easily spread to the rest of the lawn. To clean it up, you will need to apply a standard chemical treatment. To prevent such issues, having a sprinkler system that will ensure you are properly watering your lawn is vital.
The water will be distributed better
Speaking of proper watering techniques, water distribution plays a big role in having a healthy lawn. As mentioned earlier, watering with a hose with no sprinkler attachments can lead to certain parts of the lawn getting more water than others, especially if you tend to just run the hose and place it down on the ground. On the other hand, a sprinkler system or simply an attachment will ensure that every area of the lawn benefits from the watering in the same manner. Moreover, if the grass on your lawn doesn’t require too much water, you can simply use a quality auto wind hose reel and place it back on the wall. Once you need to use it again, take it out and attach it to your sprinkler. Of course, if you’ve opted for an underground sprinkler system, you will have no such tasks.
You will never forget to water the lawn
Besides improper water distribution, forgetting to water the lawn can also hurt it. Sometimes you can be super swamped with work, personal obligations, and other chores around the house that you simply overlook watering the lawn. Well, if you install a sprinkler system that has a timer, you will not have to worry about this ever again. You simply put in the time when you need the system to start and stop and you can go on about your day. Moreover, many timers can be overridden, so you can prevent them from going off if rain is expected. That way, you will help water conservation efforts.
You can save time as well as water
If you install a programmable sprinkler system, you will save yourself plenty of time. This means that you will not have to go around your yard holding the hose and ensuring every part gets its share of the water. Moreover, as watering should be done for about 15 minutes early in the morning, you will not have to leave your warm and cozy bed to deal with this. Additionally, watering at that time saves you water as if you were to do it in the afternoon, you’d have to use twice as much water due to evaporation. What is more, manual watering usually uses up more water than is necessary.
You will boost your home’s curb appeal
Regardless of whether you like to compete with your neighbors when it comes to who has the best-looking lawn or not, you surely want your home’s curb appeal to be top-notch. Well, in order for that to happen, it’s not enough to simply focus on your property’s façade, front door, and house number. No, you also need to put some effort into the landscaping. Other than trimming trees and shrubs, you also want a healthy and green lawn that will catch the eye of everyone that passes by your home. To achieve that feat, your lawn needs to be adequately watered, preferably with a sprinkler system.
You can boost the value of your home
By boosting the curb appeal of your home, you might become the talk of the neighborhood; however, if you are looking to sell your home, you can also increase its value and attract more buyers to your open house. Not only will a well-kept lawn signal to prospective buyers that you are also taking proper care of the home’s interior but it will also show them that the water sprinkler system is already in place and they will not have to make an investment later on nor put too much effort into lawn maintenance. Plus, experts agree that homes with lush lawns and sprinkler systems resale for a higher price.
It will help you save money in the long run
Finally, while a sprinkler system might seem like a big investment upfront, it will also help you save money in the long run. From not using too much water and receiving high bills to not having to deal with weed control, fungi, and grass replacement, a sprinkler system can really pay off, not to mention that it has the potential to boost the value of your home.
If you were on the fence about installing a sprinkler system, we’re sure these reasons showed you all the benefits you could experience.