When determining the best method to water your plants, it is important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system. In this article, we will discuss drip vs sprinkler irrigation, outlining their pros and cons. We will also discuss when it would be best to use each system in order to help you decide which one is right for you and your garden.
Differences Between Drip Irrigation System vs Sprinkler System
When it comes to a drip system vs sprinklers, there are some notable differences. A drip
irrigation system has tubing that runs along the ground, slowing dripping water into the soil,
whereas a sprinkler system has tubing that is embedded in the ground and heads that are
above the ground, spraying water onto the plants. Now, let’s dive deeper into the pros and
cons of both systems:
Pros of Drip Irrigation
- Reduces Water Waste — Since water is sent directly to plant roots, this means that no water is wasted by being sprayed over your plants as a whole, which then minimizes the amount of water lost to evaporation and runoff.
- Cost-Effective — Reducing the amount of water wasted ultimately helps you save money on your utility bills, making drip irrigation a cost-effective system.
- Helps Prevent Disease — Diseases like powdery mildew often occur in plants due to wet leaves, but since drip irrigation sends water directly into the soil, the risk of any diseases developing is mitigated.
- Helps Prevent Weed Growth — Weeds typically grow because of wide watering, meaning that water is sprayed over top a large area, which often leaves water between the rows of plants. However,
Cons of Drip Irrigation
- Vulnerable to Damage — Since the tubing is above ground, the system is more vulnerable to damage from animals or even mowers. As well, exposure to the sun can weaken tubing that is made from plastic, resulting in cracks.
- Can Easily Become Clogged — The holes in the soil that the water drips through can easily become clogged, and if this is not dealt with quickly, it can potentially mean the death of your plants.
- Difficult to Install — It’s important to make sure that a drip system is installed by professionals as it is a complicated process. If installed incorrectly, the growth of plant roots
could be negatively affected and water could be distributed improperly, hindering plant
growth. - Aesthetically Unattractive — This is a relatively minor issue in the grand scheme of things, but being above ground, a drip irrigation system can be viewed as an eyesore, disrupting the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Sprinkler Pros
- Convenient — A sprinkler system comes with timers and sensors, so you can make sure your plants get watered a proper amount at the right time even if you are not home. Sprinklers also cover a lot of ground and can even distribute additives like pesticides and fertilizers, making plant care quite convenient.
- Stays Safe Underground — While sprinkler heads remain above ground, most of the system is buried underground, keeping it safe from mowers, animals, and sun damage.
- Increases Property Value — Property value is not just determined based on the inside of
your house; it is also determined by the outside. A sprinkler system is a great selling point that keeps your lawn looking good, which increases your home’s value.
Sprinkler Cons
- Wastes Water — Since water is sprayed on top of the plants, water can unfortunately be wasted due to runoff and evaporation, as well as the possibility of high winds blowing it away.
- Costly — Sprinkler systems are more costly than other systems as it needs a more powerful and uninterrupted power supply, increasing your utility bills over time.
- Lacks Efficiency — If you have sand or clay based soil, water from sprinklers will not be
able to properly penetrate it and reach the roots of your plants. There is also the potential of crops and fruits being
Is Drip Irrigation Better Than Sprinklers?
In considering drip line irrigation vs sprinkler systems, determining which one is better for you depends entirely on your needs. Drip irrigation works best for small plots like a small garden at the side or back of your house. It’s also great for plants that don’t require a lot of watering. On the other hand, sprinklers are best for large lawns or gardens because of their
wide range of coverage.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we have discussed drip irrigation vs sprinkler systems, outlining the pros and cons of both. Overall, drip irrigation is cost-effective and reduces water waste, but can be prone to damage and blockages, while sprinklers are convenient and increase property value, but waste water and can be more costly. For small gardens, it is better to go with drip irrigation, and for large gardens, it is better to go with a sprinkler system.
At ISR Gardening, we provide landscaping services across Toronto and the GTA. For more information, feel free to contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sprinklers are systems of tubing buried in the ground with heads above the ground that spray water onto plants. They are quite convenient due to their ability to be automated and tend to increase your property value. Meanwhile, drip irrigation has tubing that is placed on the ground and slowly drips water into the soil method that helps reduce water waste.
Drip irrigation systems are better for small gardens and plants that don’t need frequent watering. Since watering from drip irrigation takes longer to reach the plant roots, you only need to water them once or twice a week.
Sprinklers are better for large gardens or lawns. This is because the water from sprinklers is far-reaching and therefore can cover wide areas.