Well, rotors do turn and also cover a larger area. Since they rotate, they have a lower precipitation rate than sprays which means they apply water slower than a spray. Generally a rotor will take three times (3X) as long to water the same square footage as a spray head. So basically it would take 45 minutes to put down the same amount of water that a spray head would put out in 15 minutes. Rotors are great for larger lawn areas.

With that being said, spray heads have a higher precipitation rate than rotors. This is mainly because they stay fixed and do not rotate or move. However they generally do not cover as big of an area as rotor heads do. Sprays are great for smaller lawn areas and shrub/flower beds.

Rotors will put out water an average of thirty feet (30ft) which can vary a few feet either way depending on nozzle type and system pressure. Spray heads throw water a range from four feet (4ft) to fifteen feet (15ft). There are nozzles that throw eighteen feet (18ft) but are not used as often as the others. The most common nozzle sizes used are probably 10′, 12′, and 15′. The footage refers to the radius of the throw. So a 15′ full circle would actually project water a 30 foot diameter.

Rotors are usually adjustable from 0 to 360 degrees. Sprays have nozzles that come in fixed patterns such as 1/4 (90 degree), 1/2 circle (180 degree), 3/4 circle (270 degree), and full circle (360 degree). There are also nozzles that are adjustable from 0 to 360 degrees which are good for certain situations such as on driveways along curves. However I don’t really care too much for the adjustable pattern nozzles because they always seem to get clogged easily and their spray pattern is not as nice and neat as fixed patter nozzles.

Both spray heads and rotor sprinkler heads have their place. A properly and professionally designed irrigation system will normally have a combination of both (not on the same zone) to provide adequate, even water coverage.

The post Difference Between Rotors and Sprays appeared first on Morris & Bergen Irrigation.

A professional spring sprinkler activation and tune up should consist of the following items to ensure your system is operating at optimum performance and is not wasting water.

Morris & Bergen Irrigation provides the following system inspection and basic tune up.

1. Recharge pipe system slowly to avoid pipe damage from water surge.
2. Inspection and cleaning of backflow to eliminate leaks.
3. Pressure test mainline pipe to detect leaks.
4. Zone inspection to ensure each zone is operating correctly.
5. Do a visual pressure test of each zone and note any pressure issues with recommendations for repairs or adjustments.
6. Clean sprinkler spray nozzles to ensure proper sprinkler coverage.
7. Inspect rain sensor for proper function and inform customer if repair is needed.
8. Replace batteries in wireless rain sensors.
9. Set a basic schedule for proper watering and to minimize excessive watering or run off.
10. Check and adjust sprinkler coverage to insure water is not being wasted on pavement.

Not all spring sprinkler activations or irrigation start-ups are created equal. Ask your lawn sprinkler service provider for a list of tasks that are included with their sprinkler start up.

When should you have your sprinkler system turned on? Usually any time after the second week of March is a safe bet for starting up your sprinkler system. I recommend calling early in the season to schedule your lawn sprinkler start-up; the best time to tune up your system is before you need it.

If you wait to call to schedule an irrigation Spring start-up when you need to run your sprinklers, you have waited too long. Your sprinkler company will have a back log and you might have to wait for a couple of weeks to get them out leaving your landscape to suffer because of a lack of water. If your system needs a major repair, which could also take some
time to complete, there could be a delay of needed water for your plants.

Having your sprinkler system started up for the season early will eliminate thirsty plants when the rain stops. When the time comes that watering must begin, all you have to do is turn the dial on your controller to the on position and you will be ready to water, ensuring you have a lush green lawn and a healthy landscape!

The post Why Hire Morris & Bergen Irrigation for Spring Activation? appeared first on Morris & Bergen Irrigation.

Water conservation isn’t the only reason to limit the amount of
water you give your lawn. Overwatering is also bad for your lawn’s health and
can contribute to the development of fungus and disease. Many people, however,
don’t know that they’re overwatering. Some types of grass require more water
than others, and environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and
wind, can dramatically affect how frequently you need to water your lawn.
Fortunately, the most accurate way to determine whether your lawn needs water
is also the easiest: just look at the grass. When grass needs water, it will
begin to take on a blue-gray tint, and the older leaf blades on the plant will
begin to curl up or wilt. In addition, footprints will remain on the grass for
longer than usual, as the grass won’t “bounce back.” When 30-50% of
your lawn shows these symptoms, it’s time to water.

The post How Much Should I Water My Lawn? appeared first on Morris & Bergen Irrigation.