When it comes to our yards, there are many different options to irrigate them. Some ways are more efficient than others depending on the type of plant material. Lawn is best irrigated by sprinkler heads while trees, shrubs, perennials and vegetables are best irrigated with drip irrigation.

What is drip irrigation?

Unlike traditional lawn sprinkler heads that spray evenly over a designated area, drip irrigation slowly delivers water directly to the base of a plant in a slow and controlled manner.

There are two basic types of drip:

1. Point source.

Point source drip irrigation consists of a main line, usually a flexible poly pipe tube, snaking through a flower bed. From the main, smaller distribution tubing branches off with an emitter on the end to deliver a specific amount of water to the base of a plant. This allows you to control how much water each plant receives. By watering only the base (or root zone) of the plant, you significantly reduce water lost to evaporation and minimize the chance of the plant being affected with mildew. By watering only the plants and not watering the area in between, you cut back on a number of weeds that will germinate which will reduce maintenance time.

This method of drip is best used in areas where plants are spaced further apart in flower beds with mixed plantings or to water mound-type vegetables such as squash and melons.

2. In-line.

This method of drip irrigation includes such products as drip tape, Netafim™, and other brands where the emitter is manufactured inside the poly pipe. These have evenly spaced emitters or openings the full length of the tubing that allows a specific amount of water through each emitter. This allows water to soak evenly into the soil at the base of a row of plants, or when set up in a densely planted flower bed, this method will water the full area evenly, slowly, and without the blocking of spray from sprinkler heads. When done this way, less water is lost to evaporation, and you can get a good deep soaking without any runoff.

In-line drip systems are great for gardens where row crops like corn, peas, and beans or other veggies are grown.

Both point source and in-line work well when installed correctly and operated as they are designed: to apply water slowly and directly to the desired plant material.

When incorporating a drip system into the landscape...

There are a few things to consider:

1. Filtration.

Filtering is a must if you use secondary irrigation water to irrigate the landscape. Secondary water is not treated and has sediment and other debris that can plug up drip irrigation emitters. A filter must be used so that emitters don’t get plugged, resulting in a plant not getting the water it needs. It’s good practice to always install a filter if you have secondary water and check and clean the filter regularly if you plan on using drip irrigation.

2. Maintenance.

For the most part fixing a drip system is actually easier than fixing a traditional spray system because the entire thing is above ground or just hidden below a layer of mulch. Checking it every month, like you should a spray system, should be adequate to keep your drip system functioning properly.

3. Use with mulch for best results.

Your drip tubing can last a long time without having to be replaced if cared for and maintained properly. To help them last as long as possible, consider covering them with mulch to keep them out of the sun. Mulch is also one of the best barriers against weeds. Using drip irrigation combined with mulch can greatly decrease the amount of time you spend weeding flower and vegetable beds. But no landscape is without maintenance so enjoy the landscape while you are out maintaining it.

Manage water responsibly

Drip is a great irrigation option for our area that is worth considering. Utah’s water supply is decreasing because of growth and increased water demands. One way to manage water more effectively and have beautiful landscapes and productive gardens is to learn how to irrigate more effectively. There are many ways and many different products to choose from when doing drip irrigation.

Do a little research, ask questions, and within a short time, you will be a drip irrigation expert for your yard.

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