Are you in the market for a better way to water your grass lawn and landscape? You have some choices, such as above-ground sprinklers, soaker hoses, or investing in an in-ground sprinkler system.

While some folks may opt for the above-ground sprinklers that they can find in most big box stores, you may want something that gives you better control of watering wisely.

Right now, soaker hoses and in-ground lawn sprinklers are the two top choices for conserving water use as well as to emit water directly to the root systems of your lawn and gardens.

Soaker Hoses versus an In-Ground Sprinkler System and Drip Irrigation

You can find soaker hoses at your favorite garden center or big-box retailer. Garden hose manufacturers make soaker hoses with materials that emit small amounts of water.

You can use your soaker hoses in your lawn, in landscaped areas, and your flowerbeds. However, anyone stopping by your house will see these hoses serpentine their way throughout your property.

Here are the pros and cons of using soaker hoses:

1.  Soaker hoses are larger and bulkier than a drip irrigation system.
2.  You can buy a timer to add to your soaker hoses to set up the start and stop times.
3.  Soaker hoses’ material will dry out and disintegrate quicker in direct sunshine than drip irrigation emitters.
4.  You need to install your soaker hoses every growing season. It’s best to add them early in the season, so you don’t need to thread soaker hoses over established plants.
5.  You can control how much water is used with a soaker hose.
6.  You can only use soaker hoses on flat ground—not on slopes.
7.  You don’t need to worry about your soaker hoses clogging.
8.  Since the sun can dry out soaker hoses, you’ll need to add some light mulch on top of it.
9.  Soaker hoses can’t cover a large area and can be inefficient.
10.  Soaker hoses don’t directly deliver large water droplets to the root zone like a drip irrigation system.
11.  Soaker hoses can’t be repaired, and they lay on top of the soil or lawn grass. If soaker hoses stay on your grass yard for most of the summer, you’ll notice that you’ll have dead grass where the soaker hoses were positioned.
12.  You can’t configure soaker hoses making them less versatile.

While lawn sprinkler systems and drip irrigation are more of an investment compared to soaker hoses, you get a return on your investment since these systems are designed to save you money and water for the long-term.

Plus, the manufacturers design lawn and landscape sprinkler systems to last, and it’s easy to buy replacement parts. Here are some other pros and cons of an in-ground sprinkler system and drip irrigation:

1.  When you install your sprinkler system correctly, it’ll work efficiently, keeping your lawn grass well-watered.
2.  Technology makes saving water a cinch. You can control your sprinkler system by using an app on your mobile device.
3.  In addition to adding a timer to your drip irrigation or in-ground irrigation system, you can add a clock to set the time to turn on and off your watering systems.

You can also add freeze/moisture sensors as well as other ways to control the amount of water used on your property.

4.  Drip irrigation delivers large water drops at the base of the plant.

5.  Drip irrigation is easy to install.

6.  If you’re the type who wants to install their in-ground sprinkler system, you can by following the manufacturer’s directions.
7.  Alternatively, you can hire a landscape contractor to install your in-ground lawn sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. It does cost more to hire a contractor compared with installing the sprinkler system yourself.
8.  You can install pressure-compensating emitters to cover your entire property, including areas with slopes.
9.  You or your landscape contractor can configure your sprinkler system and drip irrigation the way that benefits your unique lawn and landscape needs.
10.  You can trust that your sloped areas will get an equal amount of water when you add pressure compensating emitters.
11.  You save water and money on your utility bills when you use drip irrigation with ground covers and in your landscaped areas.
12.  Drip irrigation trumps lawn sprinklers in gardens because there is less water evaporation and runoff on slopes.
13.  Drip irrigation works perfectly in a small lawn or urban property.
14.  Drip irrigation works efficiently in mulched areas because it soaks into the soil and doesn’t wash away the mulch.

Install a K-Rain Sprinkler System and Dripline Irrigation to Keep Your Property Looking Its Best

If you want to conserve our most valuable natural resource, then invest in a K-Rain lawn sprinkler and dripline irrigation systems.

You can either install it yourself or hire a contractor to do the work for you. You can find K-Rain irrigation materials at these retailers or our online store. You can also contact customer service at 800-735-7246 or email them.

Sources:

Learn.EarthEasy.com, “Drip Irrigation vs. Soaker Hoses: Which is Better for Your Garden?”

WaterUseItWisely.com, “Efficient Irrigation.”