Lush, vibrant lawns require regular watering. But as concerns over water scarcity and conservation grow, more sustainable irrigation options are needed. Green Turf Irrigation offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sprinkler systems.
In this guide, we’ll compare green turf irrigation to conventional irrigation. You’ll learn how underground drip-based turf watering provides similar benefits to sprinklers while using far less water. Whether you’re installing a new lawn or improving your existing landscape, green turf irrigation delivers efficiency.
Problems with Traditional Lawn Sprinklers
Standard above-ground irrigation sprinklers might seem like the obvious choice for watering lawns and gardens. But traditional sprinkler systems come with some downsides:
Water waste: Sprinklers spray water indiscriminately, missing plants and saturating pavement. Experts estimate 50% of water can be lost to runoff and evaporation.
Overwatering: It’s easy to oversaturate soil without realizing it, leading to erosion and fungal issues.
Inefficiency: Watering occurs at preset times whether plants need it or not at that moment.
Uniformity issues: Some zones receive too much water while others remain parched due to wind and pressure fluctuations.
Pipe leaks: Above-ground pipes are prone to breaks and leaks over time from weathering damage and lawnmower strikes.
Mosquitoes: Standing puddles and soggy areas attract mosquito breeding.
Runoff, waste and the labor for constant adjustments add up. There is a better method.
Advantages of Green Turf Irrigation
Synthetic grass irrigation systems solve many of the problems above through targeted underground drip watering directly to plant roots. Benefits include:
Water savings: Drip irrigation applies water only where needed using up to 60% less than sprinklers. Very little is lost to evaporation or runoff.
Healthier plants: Direct root watering nourishes plants more effectively compared to sprinkle irrigation. Growth and resilience improve.
Eliminates puddles and runoff: Water is delivered slowly and directly into the soil instead of spraying onto the surface.
Automated precision: Smart controllers adjust the watering schedule and duration based on weather and soil moisture. No overwatering occurs.
No maintenance: Buried drip tubing won’t clog and requires no seasonal blowouts or draining. It’s protected from damage.
No mosquitoes: Without standing puddles, mosquito infestations are no longer an issue.
Let’s examine the components of green turf irrigation systems and how they deliver those benefits.
How Synthetic Grass Irrigation Works
Green turf irrigation utilizes flexible polyethylene tubing with integrated drip emitters buried in the soil. Water is delivered to the root zone rather than sprayed overhead. Systems consist of:
Drip line tubing: 1⁄4” to 1⁄2” flexible tubing with pressure-compensating emitters spaced every 6-24 inches to discharge water.
Distribution piping: 1” rigid PVC lines that deliver water from the source to drip line areas.
Smart controller: Programmable timer adjusts run times and frequency based on weather. Advanced models monitor soil moisture.
Air relief and vacuum valves” Release trapped air and prevent roots from entering lines.
Filters and pressure regulators: Ensure uniform pressure and remove particles that could clog emitters.
Isolation valves: Allow easy shutoff of each zone for maintenance without disrupting the entire system.
Moisture sensors: Optional sensors signal controllers when soil moisture has reached desired levels.
Water-wise green turf irrigation delivers the right amount of water where and when it is needed for vibrant lawns and landscapes.
The Benefits of Green Turf for Different Lawn Types
Green turf irrigation offers advantages for all types of grass and landscaping:
Warm season grasses: Warm season varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia thrive with consistent moisture levels provided by drip irrigation.
Cool season grasses: Fescue and other types stay healthier with deep targeted root watering that sprinkle systems can’t match.
High traffic areas: Burying lines prevents damage from frequent mowing and wear in family activity zones.
Slopes and hills: Drip irrigation applies water slowly to prevent runoff erosion on inclined sites.
Oddly shaped areas: Customized micro drip lines easily water irregular lawn sections and borders.
Xeriscapes and native plants: Drip irrigation ensures ideal low-volume watering for drought-resistant landscapes.
While sprinklers work for basic rectangular plots, green turf shines for intricate or sloped lawns.
Green Turf Installation Tips
Achieving a beautiful, water-efficient lawn with green turf requires proper installation:
– Hire an experienced specialist, as burying the system requires care.
– Ensure adequate water pressure and flow rate to support drip tubing requirements.
– Test soil and amend as needed – drip irrigation works best with loose, low clay soils.
– Use filtered water to prevent emitter clogging.
– Install isolation valves to easily shut off zones.
– Position main and distribution lines appropriately to reach all areas.
– Determine the right emitter spacing for each plant type based on need.
With attention to details like these, your green turf irrigation system will operate smoothly for years.
Green Turf Makes Sustainability Easy
For environmentally conscious homeowners, green grass irrigation system offers a simple way to conserve water and care for your landscape responsibly through features like:
Water savings: Reduce usage up to 60% compared to traditional sprinklers.
Healthier plants: Nourish from the roots up and deal with less disease and die off.
Automation: Smart controllers adjust to weather so you don’t have to.
Native species support: Ideal for regional plants adapted to low-volume irrigation.
Fertilizer reduction: Less is wasted with targeted application through the lines.
Rainwater capture integration: Use free rain in place of potable tap water.
Go green and save green with ultra-efficient irrigation. Your lawn will thank you!
FAQs About Green Turf Irrigation
As you consider switching to sustainable drip irrigation, you probably still have some questions about costs and installation. Here are answers to some key queries:
How much more does green turf installation cost versus sprinklers?
Installed costs average $1800-$2800 for a typical home lawn, 2-3 times a basic sprinkler system. But water savings provide payback in just a few years.
Can I do a partial green turf installation first?
Yes! Many homeowners start with high visibility areas like the front yard to maximize the curb appeal impact while minimizing cost.
What happens if a line breaks?
Drip line tubing is designed to withstand buried installation but any needed repairs are simple since the system uses basic fittings.
Can green turf be added to my existing sprinkler system?
In some cases it’s possible to integrate drip lines into existing piping. Consult an irrigation specialist to explore your options.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Filters and emitters should be inspected annually. But overall drip line systems require minimal routine maintenance compared to sprinklers.
The Verdict: Embrace Green Turf Irrigation For A More Sustainable Landscape Transformation
When weighing all the factors – efficiency, water savings, automation and health benefits – green turf is clearly the most sustainable irrigation solution. Ditch your wasteful sprinklers and switch to targeted drip watering for a beautiful landscape that conserves precious resources. Your lawn and the planet will thank you.
Ready to upgrade? The irrigation experts at Creative Turf Install offer complete green turf installation services. Contact us to switch your lawn to water-wise drip irrigation. Go green today!
At Creative Turf Install, our professionals are expert at design and install a new green turf irrigation system for your landscape. Also, we provide sustainable solutions for quality turf landscaping, Installing Porcelain Pavers Over Concrete, and turf hardscaping services. Call today for a free quote and consultation!
Read More: Click Here
