Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
How long will it take to install my irrigation?
This will depend on the size of your garden, the density of planting and the number of beds, pots and planters. A simple system run from mains water might take 1-2 days. A larger system with a water pump and reservoir tank might take 5 days. Extensive systems on large properties can take up to 3 weeks.
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When is the best time to have a system installed?
We install systems throughout the year. In spring and summer when plants and flowers are in full bloom, you may have a clearer idea of the plants that require watering. In autumn and winter, ground cover is less dense and it may be easier to install pipework making the installation work quicker.
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Will my lawn be damaged?
We do not necessarily need to disturb a lawn, often sprinklers can be positioned around the border instead. If we do need to lift turf, every effort is made to ensure that there is enough soil left on the turf to keep it in good condition. Lawns will always recover, the recovery time will depend on the type of soil, the season and the length of time the turf has been lifted. You may be reasured by the fact that we always make schematic diagrams of our irrigation systems to ensure that pipework can be found again in the future!
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What service is required after installation?
Your system should be shut down or "decommissioned" each autumn as it is important to remove all standing water from the system to prevent freeze damage. You may also wish for a start-up service or "recommission" in Spring. Occasionally your system may need a service and we take pride in our dependable maintenance service.
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Will I have to shut off the system when it rains?
No, usually we will install an automatic rain sensor which will turn the system off when it rains. It will automatically reset itself when the rain ends so even if you are on holiday your system knows what to do. We can also install rainwater harvesting tanks to collect rainwater for use in your irrigation system.
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When is the best time to water my lawn?
The best time to water is in the early morning or late evening. This reduces evaporation and maintains sufficient moisture in the turf. In addition, early morning watering reduces moisture related disease problems. Make sure to adjust your automatic timers or sprinkler system to accommodate the needs of your lawn when it gets hotter.
NB: Mowing lawns higher results in a deeper root system, and the lawn will survive longer during a drought or water ban. Lawns with a lower mowing height will develop a more dense canopy but the lawn will be less hardy during drought.
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How should I water my trees and shrubs?
Never water ornamental trees, shrubs and ground cover during the heat of the day - this can burn the leaves. Most of these plants require a great deal of water during their initial year. Water thoroughly at the base of the plant as needed, wet the plant's entire root system by watering over a large enough area. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated and remember that new plantings also require more and consistent moisture.
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Further Information
Sprinklers tend to be used for areas of lawn or grass but they can also be positioned to include surrounding borders. In domestic gardens we generally install small pop-up sprinklers in or around the lawn using underground pipework. This makes the system invisible when not in use and the sprinkler 'pops up' when watering commences. Typically we will set these systems to operate early in the morning or in the evening when evaporation is minimal.
Micro Sprays are especially useful beneath tree and shrub foliage, avaoiding wetting foliage and giving a good coverage over the whole root zone. Along with driplines they are also used for watering raised beds, borders, baskets, pots, vegetable gardens, allotments, greenhouses and poly tunnels. Mini sprinklers can be run from a timer, allowing irrigation in the early hours when the air is still and cool, reducing evaporation losses.
Drip lines are a very water efficient method of watering. Delivering water slowly along a leaky pipe or from a weeping emitter is accurate and ideal for established plants and ones in rows. The drippers are spaced to ensure that each plant or pot has a specific water supply delivering water to just where it is needed. They can be hidden beneath soil or mulch, which also avoids evaporation losses. These work best on heavy soil where the water spreads further sideways as it sinks than on lighter soils. They lend themselves to automation using a timer.
Further useful information about irrigation and watering methods can be found on The Royal Horticultural Society website.
Supplies & Equipment: We use a range of irrigation equipment and products including Nelson, K-RAIN, Pope, Philmac, Orbit, Antelco, Hunter, Hozelock, Gardena, Drip pipe, Rainbird, Toro, Claber, Netafim, Holman and Geka. As an independent company we make use of a range of suppliers to obtain parts and products at competitive prices
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