A: Since hand watering is done on a random basis, and at irregular intervals, an automatic sprinkler system will actually, in most cases, use less water. It will also disperse the water at an even rate, and for a predetermined amount of time. This allows you to water sunny and shady areas for different periods of time, and to water when it is most efficient. One obvious benefit is the ability to continue a watering program while you are away on vacation, etc.

A: While there are no set parameters for this, here are a few rules of thumb. The precipitation rates on geardrive/spray head zones is about a 4 to 1 ratio. This means that gear drive zones should be run @ four times longer than sprayzones. Gear drive zones should be run for a minimum of 30 minutes, except in very shady areas. In the hot parts of the summer, these should be changed to 45 minutes, even an hour. Spray head zones should be run for 8 to 10 minutes, and bumped up to 15 to 20 minutes in dramatically hot weather. In the spring and fall, you should be able to get by with every second or third day. When the weather gets very hot, once a day is a good idea, as this will keep the lawn from getting stressed. Time and experience will tell you what will work best on your own property. For a more detailed discussion of this, go to the “Troubleshooting” page, and click on “Zone Run Times”.

A backflow device is generally a brass assembly that will prevent any water from the sprinkler system from getting into the drinking water supply, and are required by all municipalities. There are many different types of these, and each individual municipality has differing requirements for the installation. Aqua Turf Irrigation is very familiar with most locales, and can provide the appropriate backflow device for your system.

A: On any system, one of the fundamentals of design is that each head hit the one to the left and right of it, and any other heads within its throw. This provides even water coverage, referred to as “Matched Precipitation”. Really what you are trying to achieve is artificial rainfall. Areas with only single coverage might fare well in cool conditions, but will be the first to brown up in very hot weather. You are far better off to design and install the system properly to begin with, as it is much harder and expensive after the fact to add or move heads to compensate for dry areas. You can always run zones with single coverage heads longer, but now you are over-watering the double/triple coverage areas to compensate for the single coverage areas. Head to head coverage is paramount for a lush, green lawn.

A: Gear drive heads have a water powered motor that makes the upper part of the head rotate. These heads are used for large turf areas, with throws of 15 to 35 feet. They are adjustable not only in the precipitation rate, but the arc as well. Aqua Turf Irrigation uses only Hunter gear drive heads, which are easily changed from 40 degrees, to a full 360 degree rotation. Spray heads are generally used for smaller or oddly shaped turf areas. Some companies still use them in flower and plant beds, but we prefer to use drip irrigation in these. Spray heads have no moving parts, and emit a spray of a particular pattern. The nozzles are interchangeable, and come in circular, rectangular, and square patterns, with throws of four to fifteen feet. The precipitation rates of these two types of heads are dramatically different, and should never be mixed on the same zone.

A: It would depend on the area that is trying to be covered. An average size lawn (@15,000 sq. ft.) can usually be done in one full day, depending on the situation. A large country lawn can take anywhere from two to four days. On average, we spend one to two days on a job.

A: Aqua Turf Irrigation installs a rain sensor on every system we install. This device senses rainfall, and will shut down your system when it has received enough rain. The sensor is adjustable, so it can be set to individual needs and preference.

A: Drip irrigation is a method where small amounts of water are placed directly on the root ball of plants, therefore using the water more efficiently. This is done with a network of small tubing that is all tied together, and provides water to many plants at once. A drip zone will usually run for several hours, not twenty or thirty minutes. It is generally considered to be better for most planting beds than topical watering, and also more water conservative. Your particular situation would dictate whether it was right for you.

A: Aqua Turf Irrigation owns a cable locator. We have had very little trouble with underground wires since we bought this unit.

A: While water is the key ingredient for a healthy lawn, it is not the only answer. Fertilization is generally required for that lush green look, as is bug control. We get calls a lot in the summer from people that think there is something wrong with their sprinkler system, but upon inspection, there are bugs destroying the lawn, or they have not used any fertilizer. If you are unfamiliar with fertilizer and pesticides, we recommend that you contact a company in that business to look after your lawn. Having a sprinkler system installed is the first step towards a healthy, green lawn, but it is not the only step.

A: Aqua Turf Irrigation has a reputation for doing the best work in the business. We pay attention to the small details, and take great pride in each and every system we install. At Aqua Turf Irrigation quality is our standard, not our goal. Owner Kevin Brasington is backed by 20 years in the irrigation industry and can take care of any and all irrigation needs that you have.