Drip Systems

Drip Systems can be simple or complex. Below is a schematic of both  systems. Manufacturers make booklets describing their systems available at stores supplying their products. Some irrigation supply stores will design a system for you when you bring in your landscape design. A few important points to remember are:

1) Group similar water use plants together.

2) Utilize different valves for the differing water needs. For example: 

Valve 1: Low water use trees

Valve 2: Low water use shrubs

Valve 3: High water use bedding plants

Valve 4: Turf

3) When choosing a controller (the automatic timer that controls the different valves), find one that has at least a 15 day interval- ideally 30 days. It is better to find a timer that allows you to space deep waterings farther apart than to be forced to give less water more frequently.

4) Make a diagram of your irrigation system and file it with your house papers. Once the system is in the ground, it will be hard to remember where it is for repairs. New home owners will appreciate it too!

5) Irrigation systems are not maintenance free. You must check your system at least once per season to make sure it is functioning properly. Clean or change the filter, check for leaks and plugged emitters, move the emitters to the plant's drip line and reschedule the amount and frequency of water to the different valves.

(Picture Courtesy of "Drip Irrigation, The Basics" by Tom Bressan, The Urban Farmer Store)