Most St Louis homeowners immediately picture either the standard rotating or oscillating sprinkler when they hear the term “lawn irrigation.” Or they may envision a more sophisticated underground lawn irrigation system with “pop-up” sprinkler heads rising up from the turf, watering the lawn, then retracting again.

The only true underground irrigation system, however, is drip irrigation. Some experts feel it is superior to any sprinkling system which waters the turf above ground. In its simplest form, drip irrigation is a lattice-work of underground emitter lines which release water slowly over time. It is a reliable option that many homeowners have chosen in various climates around the country.

Emitter lines consist of polyethylene tubing with drip emitters installed at specific intervals. Subsurface emitter lines do best when buried 4-6″ below the surface and installed with air vents and automatic flushing ends. Emitter lines are placed under the soil in one of three ways. The first is hand trenching, the second is a mechanical trencher that cuts a narrow slot, and the third is with a pipe pulling vibratory plow. There is no best method, but usually site conditions suggest the most economical approach.

Here are the pros of utilizing drip irrigation in St. Louis as contrasted with above-ground sprinkler systems:

* No evaporation

* No water spraying where it shouldn’t, like on windows

* Underground drip irrigation systems are protected from both pedestrian or vehicle damage

* No runoff on slopes-and no water on sidewalks or fences

* A reduced number of water supply valves, which means you need less water flow

* The spacing of emitter lines and the amount of water used, can be altered to account for terrain

* Turf roots grow downward further, in order to reach the water, making your lawn tougher and reducing thatch

Maximum spacing, for use in heavy clay soils, is 18″ spacing of lines with emitters 18″ apart on the lines. In lighter soils, the lateral water spread is not as great and tighter spacing is needed. The closest spacing ever needed is 12″ spacing of lines with emitters 12″ apart on the lines. To avoid damage to the underground lines from replanting, use subsurface drip irrigation systems for St. Louis lawns only in turf and perennial areas that are going to be left alone.

Want to find out more about drip irrigation in St. Louis , then visit the MPR Supply website on how to choose the best irrigation supplies for your needs.