You know that watering your lawn is an important part of lawn care but you have limited time to do it. Other than hiring someone to do it for you, you can set up a Portable Lawn Sprinkler to do the job for you.
A portable sprinkler is particularly useful if you have a small lawn since it can be chore to move it around by hand for a large lawn. If you live in an area with reasonable amount of rainfall, the portable sprinkler can be use to supplement rainfall when the occasional drought period arise.
You can shop for a portable sprinkler easily in any well-stocked nursery or hardware store. Review the information on the sprinkler box. It should indicate the size and shape of the area it can cover.
There are many designs for portable sprinkler and you should evaluate carefully which one will meet your needs. Some models allow you to cover odd-shaped lawn while other may have a tractor system that can move along the water hose.
After you purchase your portable sprinkler, you will want to do a test to see how it performs. In particular you want to know how much water it is using to cover your lawn. First, place the portable sprinkler at the center of your lawn and turn it on for about ten seconds. You want to know exactly how much area it can cover. After ten seconds, turn the portable sprinkler off and place about seven or eight empty cups in the area covered by the portable sprinkler. Turn on the portable sprinkler again and leave it running for ten minutes.
After ten minutes, turn off the portable sprinkler and check the amount of water for each cup. The amount in each cup will vary, as portable sprinklers tend to have uneven water distribution. However, the variation should not be more than 0.25 inch. You will use the cup that has the least amount of water for your estimation. Lets assume that there is 0.2 inch of water in the cup with the least amount of water. If you want to apply 0.5 inch of water, you will have to leave the portable sprinkler running for 25 minutes.
A good hose is also vital for your portable sprinkler to work efficiently. A good hose will roll up easily in any weather and does not kink or crack. A cheap hose will give you more maintenance headaches down the road as it tend to kink and crack after using it for some times. You will also waste precious water due to leakage from the cheap hose.
It is also advisable to hook up a timer between your faucet and your hose. You simply set up the timer and it will shut off the sprinkler automatically after the set amount of time has elapsed. This will prevent any wastage of water.
Once you have everything set up properly, you will want to monitor the response of your lawn and adjust the water application accordingly. The portable sprinkler may not cover a few spots in your lawn and you will have to do the watering manually for these spots. Nevertheless, with the introduction of a portable sprinkler, the time you spent watering your lawn will be dramatically reduced and you can have more time to relax and do the things you want to do.
Tips for Choosing The Right Portable Lawn Sprinkler For Your Lawn
Watering your lawn is an essential part of maintaining its lushness and vitality. With the myriad of portable lawn sprinklers available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the one best suited for your needs. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Evaluate Your Lawn Size and Shape:
- Small to Medium Lawns: Oscillating sprinklers or stationary sprinklers are ideal as they provide a uniform spray over a limited area.
- Large Lawns: Rotating or impact sprinklers can cover a wider radius, ensuring that every part of your expansive lawn gets watered.
- Consider the Water Pressure:
- High Pressure: For areas with high water pressure, impact sprinklers work best as they can handle the force and distribute water evenly.
- Low Pressure: Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems can be more effective for low-pressure areas as they release water directly to the ground.
- Type of Soil:
- Clayey Soil: Use a sprinkler that delivers water at a slower rate to prevent run-off and allow the soil to absorb the moisture.
- Sandy Soil: Opt for sprinklers that release water more quickly, ensuring the soil retains the necessary moisture.
- Adjustability and Features:
- Look for sprinklers that offer adjustable patterns and ranges. This flexibility can help you water specific sections of your lawn or avoid over-watering areas.
- Some advanced sprinklers come with timers or sensors to optimize water usage.
- Ease of Use and Durability:
- Opt for sprinklers made of durable materials like metal or high-quality plastic to ensure longevity.
- Portable sprinklers should be easy to set up, move around, and store.
- Budget:
- While it’s essential to invest in a good quality sprinkler, there are options available at various price points. Determine your budget and choose a sprinkler that offers the best value for your money.
In conclusion, understanding your lawn’s specific needs and being aware of the different types of portable sprinklers available will help you select the right tool. With the perfect sprinkler in hand, you can ensure your lawn remains green and thriving throughout the year.
