Keeping your lawn healthy and looking good can be a battle, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. A big part of ensuring your lawn grows properly is giving it enough water.
Many people may overlook the prospect of getting in-ground sprinkler systems because they do not understand how they work and their benefits over manual watering. Another large area of concern is the sprinkler system cost and maintenance.
What Is an Irrigation System?
An irrigation system is a pathway of sprinkler heads and water lines that allows you to deliver hydration to your lawn easily. A sprinkler system makes sure your lawn receives even watering that will keep it looking lush and green.
How Does a Lawn Sprinkler System Work?
All irrigation systems, which you may hear called sprinklers, work in the same basic manner. Each system has piping or water lines that lead to individual sprinklers that run throughout your lawn. The lines run between a water source and the sprinklers installed throughout your lawn. There are two main types: an above-ground sprinkler system and an in-ground sprinkler system.
Lawn Sprinkler System Cost
The cost of a lawn irrigation system is specific to your situation. Many factors go into determining the overall price you will pay. Forbes states that a system runs from $1,500 to $3,000 on average. But Bob Vila notes that costs can range from $400 to $5,000.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Sprinkler System
The sprinkler system cost you will pay depends largely on your lawn and your preferences. You can often customize your professionally installed sprinkler system to match your needs or budget.
Size of the Lawn
One of the main factors in the cost of a lawn irrigation system will be the size of your lawn. Larger lawns cost more because they require a bigger system with more sprinkler heads and water lines.
Type of Irrigation System
Systems vary widely in their makeup and design. In-ground systems will be more expensive than above ground due to the extra work of burying the components. In addition, various features will affect the price. If you decide to go high-tech, you will pay more than for a simpler system.
Type of Soil
Soil type comes into the picture when you want an in-ground system. If you have difficult soil that is hard to dig, it will take more time to install the sprinklers, which means you spend more money on the sprinkler system installation.
Type of Plants
Your lawn irrigation system will water not only your yard but any plants you have in your landscaping. The needs of any plants could alter the overall design of your system, which may increase the cost of an automatic sprinkler system.
Water Source
According to the University of Georgia Extension, your water supply source may affect the cost of a lawn irrigation system because you may need to make adjustments to the controls and design to account for pressure issues.
Terrain and Slope
The terrain and slope of your lawn also affect sprinkler system costs, as they factor into the overall design and needs of the system. Accounting for steep slopes and runoff, for example, will increase your costs.
Installation Method
The installation method you choose will directly play into cost because, as mentioned, going with an above-ground system is a much cheaper option than an in-ground system. Any choices that increase labor will also increase your cost to install a sprinkler system.
Benefits of a Lawn Irrigation System: 4 Reasons It’s Worth the Money
Choosing to install a lawn irrigation system can be a great way to maintain your lawn, and it has multiple benefits.
1. Saves time and effort
The system will handle watering for you, which will save you time. It also means you won’t have to tackle this physically demanding task yourself.
2. Conserves water
While it may seem like a sprinkler system will use more water, it actually helps reduce water usage. Systems have controls and allow you to monitor the exact water usage.
3. Improves lawn health and appearance
The greatest benefit is that your lawn gets the hydration it needs, which allows it to grow healthy and maintain a green, lush look.
4. Increases property value
When your lawn looks good and you have an installed sprinkler system, it can increase the resale value of your home. Curb appeal really does matter.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy with Grizzly Bear Lawn Care
If you are in Missouri, you can get a lawn irrigation system from experts in the field. Grizzly Bear Lawn Care will help you design a system that meets all of your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the cost of a lawn irrigation system for your home.