Most St Louis homeowners immediately picture either the standard rotating or oscillating sprinkler when they hear the term "lawn irrigation." Or they may envision a more sophisticated underground lawn irrigation system with "pop-up" sprinkler heads rising up from the turf, watering the lawn, then retracting again.
The only true underground irrigation system, however, is drip irrigation. Some experts feel it is superior to any sprinkling system which waters the turf above ground. In its simplest form, drip irrigation is a lattice-work of underground emitter lines which release water slowly over time. It is a reliable option that many homeowners have chosen in various climates around the country.
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.
These are the advantages of drip irrigation systems in St. Louis over standard irrigation methods:
* No water loss from evaporation
* No overspray even in small or irregular areas or on nearby windows
* Drip irrigation systems are totally safe from damage from above, whether intentional or accidental
* No water running down slopes, sidewalks or fences
* A reduced number of water supply valves, which means you need less water flow
* Emitter line spacing, and thus precipitation rate, can be adjusted to account for berms, slopes and flat areas
* Grass roots grow deeper to seek the water, making the lawn more drought resistant, and reducing thatch build-up
In heavy clay soils, maximum spacing is 18", with emitter holes a foot and a half apart. In lighter soils, the water doesn't travel as far, and tighter spacing is required. However, the tightest spacing necessary are lines a foot apart, with emitter holes a foot apart from each other. In St. Louis, be careful not to bury your drip irrigation lines in areas where they might be damaged by future planting efforts.
The only true underground irrigation system, however, is drip irrigation. Some experts feel it is superior to any sprinkling system which waters the turf above ground. In its simplest form, drip irrigation is a lattice-work of underground emitter lines which release water slowly over time. It is a reliable option that many homeowners have chosen in various climates around the country.
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.
These are the advantages of drip irrigation systems in St. Louis over standard irrigation methods:
* No water loss from evaporation
* No overspray even in small or irregular areas or on nearby windows
* Drip irrigation systems are totally safe from damage from above, whether intentional or accidental
* No water running down slopes, sidewalks or fences
* A reduced number of water supply valves, which means you need less water flow
* Emitter line spacing, and thus precipitation rate, can be adjusted to account for berms, slopes and flat areas
* Grass roots grow deeper to seek the water, making the lawn more drought resistant, and reducing thatch build-up
In heavy clay soils, maximum spacing is 18", with emitter holes a foot and a half apart. In lighter soils, the water doesn't travel as far, and tighter spacing is required. However, the tightest spacing necessary are lines a foot apart, with emitter holes a foot apart from each other. In St. Louis, be careful not to bury your drip irrigation lines in areas where they might be damaged by future planting efforts.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on drip irrigation supplies in St. Louis, then visit the MPR website to find the best advice on for you or your customers.
