If you're ready to install a new sprinkler system, your first task is to choose what type of system will serve your yard best. There are a few options to choose from. 

1. Traditional Pop-Up Systems

When most people think of sprinkler systems, they are thinking of the pop-up system. Sprinkler lines are buried in the lawn, with attached sprinkler heads. When not in use, the sprinkler heads descend into the ground and out of sight. Most pop-up heads send out a diffuse spray of water in a pattern that ranges from a full 360-degree circle to a quarter circle. Pop-up systems are excellent for small to average-sized grass lawns.

2. Rotor-Driven Systems

Rotor systems have a powerful spray emitter that rotates around in a partial or full circle, sending a more powerful stream of water over the top of the lawn as it rotates. The rotors are gear driven, which is what gives them the stereotypical sprinkler noise as they rotate. Due to their power, they are best suited for medium to large lawns where you need to water a lot of area with minimal sprinkler heads.

3. Drip Irrigation Systems

When conserving water is at the top of your list, then a drip system is your best bet. Underground lines feed the drip emitters, which are situated right on the soil surface. These emitters drip out water slowly and directly into the soil, so little is lost to evaporation or runoff. Most drip systems are designed for use in flower beds or around trees and shrubs. There are lawn systems available, but these are best suited to small areas of grass.

4. Above Ground Systems

Less common are above-ground systems. For these, permanent posts are installed with emitters on top. The posts may be only a few inches tall to a foot or more in height, depending on the type of landscaping. A hose is connected to the emitter when it is time to irrigate. Sometimes a post emitter is installed in a home landscape to make it easier to water a trickier area, like a hillside terrace. More often, these systems are used for irrigating fields or pastures, or they are used for commercial landscaping or parks. 

5. Combination Systems

Combination systems consist of two or more of the above systems. For example, your large front lawn may do best with a rotor system, while the small side yard is better served by a pop-up spray system. Garden beds may have drip systems while lawns may require pop-up or rotor systems. All of the systems within the combination are typically controlled by a single control box. 

Contact a sprinkler installation service to learn more about the options available for your landscaping.