Conscious Choice: Energy Efficient Watering Systems

September 2000 | Sensible Home

Energy Efficient Watering Systems

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: I have become interested in gardening and landscaping and I want to install the most effective and efficient watering system for my entire yard. Will commercial drip watering systems work? — Paul G.

Dear Paul: For most serious do-it-yourself landscapers, drip watering is by far the most effective and efficient watering system. Standard sprinklers are effective but less efficient because too much water evaporates and is lost into the air before it reaches the plant or ground.

Once installed below the ground level, or just under mulch, a drip watering system is hidden from view. People naturally think that gravity will cause the water to flow down even deeper. Actually some does go down, but it also goes upward and outward due to capillary action between the dirt particles.

Drip watering systems are simple for the homeowner to install. Most use quarter-inch or half-inch tubing below the ground level. Wherever it passes a plant that needs water, you attach a tiny emitter to the tubing. Emitters are available in various water flow rates and many cost less than a dollar.

Using a simple punch that all the manufacturers offer, punch tiny holes in the wall of the tubing. The tiny emitters are designed with a special end to snap and seal into the hole. Place them on the top side. They are sold as complete kits often with automatic fertilizer accessories available.

Most emitters are color-coded to indicate the water flow rate from them. The typical flow rates are 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 gallons per hour (GPH). As an example, a small young shrub would require one 0.5 GPH emitter. A small tree may require four 2.0 GPH emitters and a large tree may need up to ten.

For a complete landscaping watering system, add weighted emitters, foggers and micro-sprinklers. If you have hanging plants that often need regular watering, weighted emitters (available in different flow rates) hang down over each pot from small tubes. You can shut off each one individually.

Foggers (sometimes called misters) produce a very fine cloud of moisture at each plant. The water settles down to moisten the soil for the roots and also cools and moistens the foliage. Some plant types require this.

Micro-sprinklers, some with adjustable sprays, are often attached to the same system. These are located close to the ground and are ideal for flower gardens and ground cover. The spray patterns are as small as four feet in diameter.

For convenience, add an electronic control to your system. Some use only timers to control the on/off cycles and more sophisticated ones use moisture sensors in the ground. Adding a water filter is a good idea too.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 598, buyer’s guide of twelve drip watering system manufacturers describing each system, kits and accessories available, typical layout, and a landscaping watering chart. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244

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