When it comes to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn, proper watering is crucial. However, not all sprinklers are created equal.
Different types of sprinklers serve different purposes, and understanding their unique strengths can help you make the best choice for your lawn’s needs.
Whether you have a large, sprawling lawn or a smaller, more intricate space, this guide will help you find the best sprinkler for your specific situation.
1) Impact Sprinkler: The American Classic
The impact sprinkler, often recognized by its characteristic “click-click” sound, is what many people associate with summer. It’s durable, covers a wide area, and offers several adjustable features that allow for fine-tuning the watering pattern. This makes it a great choice for large, established lawns.
Setup: Easy to set up by simply attaching a hose to the sprinkler. The complexity arises in how to adjust the sprinkler for your desired coverage.
Adjustability: You can control the radius and the arc of coverage by manipulating collars at the base. These collars determine how wide the sprinkler’s arc will be. Additionally, a trip pin can be adjusted to allow for full 360-degree coverage, which is particularly useful for lawns with low water pressure.
Coverage Area: With the ability to throw water up to 43 feet, the impact sprinkler can cover approximately 5,800 square feet. This makes it ideal for large lawns but not for smaller gardens or windy conditions.
Water Distribution: While the impact sprinkler can cover large areas, its water distribution is not always even. It tends to throw water forcefully, which can be a problem for new lawns or areas with delicate grass seed that require gentle watering.
Best For: Large, established lawns that require extensive coverage. It’s not ideal for small gardens or lawns in windy areas.
2) Oscillating Sprinkler: A Gentle Classic
The oscillating sprinkler is another popular option, especially for homeowners with rectangular lawns. This sprinkler is known for its gentle watering pattern, which mimics natural rainfall, making it a better choice for newly planted lawns or delicate grass.
Setup: Like the impact sprinkler, it’s easy to set up by attaching a hose. Positioning it in the middle of the lawn ensures even coverage.
Adjustability: Oscillating sprinklers allow for adjustments in both the width of the coverage and the direction. The nozzle tips can be adjusted to control the angle of the water, providing either more vertical or wider coverage.
Coverage Area: Typically, oscillating sprinklers cover around 3,600 square feet, depending on the model. The coverage is more rectangular than circular, making it ideal for lawns shaped like rectangles or squares.
Water Distribution: The water distribution is much more even and gentle compared to the impact sprinkler, making it an excellent choice for new grass seedlings or delicate plants. However, this gentle spray can be easily disrupted by wind, causing uneven coverage.
Best For: Rectangular lawns, new lawns with delicate seedlings, and homeowners seeking a gentle, rain-like watering pattern.
3) Rotating Rotary Sprinkler: Simple and Effective
The rotating rotary sprinkler is perfect for those who want simplicity and effectiveness without the need for adjustments. It’s a low-maintenance option that provides even, circular coverage and works well in windy conditions.
Setup: Very straightforward—just attach a hose and you’re ready to go. There are no additional adjustments needed.
Adjustability: While it lacks the customization options of the impact and oscillating sprinklers, you can control the water pressure from the faucet to adjust the reach. However, the arms of the rotary sprinkler are fixed, so there’s not much room for fine-tuning.
Coverage Area: Rotary sprinklers cover around 1,300 square feet, making them best for medium-sized lawns. The water coverage is gentle, making it suitable for areas with wind, as the water stream isn’t as easily blown off course.
Water Distribution: The sprinkler offers a consistent, even stream of water, which is great for uniform watering across medium-sized lawns. However, because it covers a smaller area, it’s not ideal for large lawns.
Best For: Medium-sized lawns and areas with windy conditions. Not recommended for large lawns due to limited coverage.
4) Lawn Tractor Sprinkler: The Ultimate for Large Lawns
The lawn tractor sprinkler is a unique and highly effective solution for very large lawns. As its name suggests, this sprinkler moves along a path that you set with your garden hose, covering vast areas with minimal effort.
Setup: This sprinkler requires a bit more effort to set up. You must lay out a hose path for the tractor to follow. It performs best on flat or slightly downhill terrain and struggles with uphill movement.
Adjustability: The lawn tractor sprinkler offers a variety of controls, including speed settings (high, neutral, and low). The wands on the sprinkler can be adjusted to control the angle of the water, allowing for more or less coverage depending on your lawn’s needs.
Coverage Area: With the ability to move along a 200-foot hose, the lawn tractor sprinkler can cover up to 13,000 square feet, making it the top choice for large lawns. You can extend this even further by adding more hose length.
Water Distribution: The tractor’s movement ensures that the water is evenly distributed over large areas, and you can control how far the water is thrown by adjusting the wands.
Best For: Large lawns with irregular shapes. This is also the best choice for homeowners who want to set and forget, as the tractor moves on its own and automatically stops when it reaches the end of its path.
5) Gear-Driven Rotary Spike Sprinkler: The Versatile Option
The gear-driven rotary spike sprinkler is a versatile option with plenty of customization. It offers precision control over water distribution and coverage, making it suitable for medium to large lawns.
Setup: Simple setup, just attach to a hose and go. The spike helps anchor it into the ground for stable watering.
Adjustability: This sprinkler offers plenty of options for adjusting water output. You can control the spray pattern, coverage distance, and even diffuse the water for a more gentle spread. It also has tabs to adjust the direction of the spray.
Coverage Area: This sprinkler covers around 4,500 square feet, with a maximum throw distance of 38 feet. This makes it ideal for medium-sized lawns.
Water Distribution: The water distribution is even, and you can adjust the intensity of the spray to suit your lawn’s needs. Whether you want a powerful jet or a gentle mist, this sprinkler can handle it.
Best For: Medium to large lawns that require customized watering solutions. It’s ideal for homeowners who want precise control over their sprinkler’s performance.
Which Sprinkler is Right for You?
Choosing the right sprinkler for your lawn depends on several factors, including the size and shape of your lawn, the type of grass, and your local weather conditions. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Impact Sprinkler: Best for large, established lawns with a circular shape. Not ideal for new grass or small gardens.
- Oscillating Sprinkler: Perfect for rectangular lawns or delicate seedlings. Avoid using in windy conditions.
- Rotating Rotary Sprinkler: Great for medium-sized lawns and windy conditions. Limited coverage makes it unsuitable for large lawns.
- Lawn Tractor Sprinkler: The best choice for large lawns with irregular shapes. High water pressure is required.
- Gear-Driven Rotary Spike Sprinkler: Best for medium to large lawns that require precise water distribution.
Ultimately, each sprinkler has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best sprinkler for your lawn will depend on your unique needs. With the right choice, you can ensure your lawn stays green, healthy, and well-watered all season long.