So that the lawn stays fresh and green even in the hot and dry summer months, it needs to be watered regularly. Watering by hand is tedious, especially with large lawns, especially since many mixtures require a high volume of between 20 and 25 liters per square meter. Watering is easier with an automatic irrigation system.
What options are there to water the lawn automatically?
In order to water the lawn automatically, underground systems such as sprinklers and drip systems are available, as well as above-ground systems consisting of hoses, sprinklers and irrigation computers. The amount of water varies depending on the type of soil, but 10 to 20 liters per square meter per week is recommended.
Water your lawn underground
Irrigation systems installed underground have many advantages:
- they are invisible and do not stand out
- the lawn can be mowed easily and without obstacles
- If the depth is sufficient, the system can remain in place in winter as it is frost-proof
However, underground systems have the disadvantage that they require very careful planning and can usually only be installed in a new system - after all, trenches have to be dug into which the irrigation pipes will ultimately be laid. If this is not a problem for you, you can choose between a sprinkler system or drip systems. Drippers are particularly suitable for smaller areas and hedges.
Above-ground watering of the lawn
On the other hand, above-ground irrigation systems, which typically consist of a hose, sprinklers and an irrigation computer, are much easier to install. You connect this between the other two components and then specify
- when to water the lawn
- how often to water
- and how long the water should run
If possible, choose a model with a rain sensor so that the system works depending on the weather and does not additionally flood the lawn when it rains. Even too much of a good thing can be harmful.
These sprinkler systems exist
You have a wide choice when it comes to sprinkler systems, although not all models are suitable for every garden.
- Spray sprinklers: are set up with a ground spike or base, have no moving components, well suited for smaller lawns and gardens
- Square sprinklers: reliably water square surfaces, nozzles tilt and move due to the water pressure
- Circular or sector sprinklers: different models, which are often installed underground, irrigate circular areas
How much water does the lawn need?
Much more important than the type of irrigation is the question of how much water the lawn actually needs. There is no general answer to this question because water requirements are different and depend on various factors. However, the amount should be enough to moisten the soil to a depth of ten to 15 centimeters.
Tip
As a rule of thumb, sandy soils should be supplied with 10 to 15 liters per square meter about every three to four days and loamy/clayey soils should only be supplied with about 15 to 20 liters per square meter once a week.
