Design Tips for Your Lawn Irrigation System: Get the Most from Every Drop

A lush, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it takes more than just turning on a sprinkler and hoping for the best. A well-designed irrigation system saves time, conserves water, and ensures your landscape stays healthy all season long.

At Laurian Outdoors, we specialize in smart, efficient lawn irrigation solutions. Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an old system, these design tips will help you get the most out of your investment—and your yard.

Plan Zones Based on Plant Needs

Not all parts of your yard require the same amount of water. Divide your lawn into zones based on:

• Sun exposure

• Soil type

• Grass vs. flower beds or shrubs

• Slopes or flat areas

This allows you to fine-tune how much water each zone receives, reducing waste and helping every plant thrive.

Shady areas usually need much less water than sunny spots.

Choose the Right Sprinkler Heads

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sprinkler heads. Here’s a quick guide:

• Fixed spray heads: Best for small, flat areas

• Rotary heads: Ideal for large, open spaces like front lawns

• Drip irrigation: Perfect for flower beds, shrubs, or gardens

Mixing the right types ensures even coverage and efficient watering.

Ensure Head-to-Head Coverage

A key rule in irrigation design is “head-to-head coverage.” This means each sprinkler sprays to the next one’s location, overlapping just enough to prevent dry spots.

Proper placement ensures consistent moisture throughout the yard—and avoids overwatering areas trying to “make up” for poor design.

Factor in Water Pressure & Flow Rate

Too many sprinkler heads on a single zone can result in poor performance. During design, we measure:

• Water pressure (PSI)

• Flow rate (GPM)

These numbers help us balance each zone properly, so your system operates at peak efficiency without stress on your water supply.

Automate with Smart Controllers

A traditional timer is helpful—but smart irrigation controllers take things to the next level. These systems adjust watering schedules based on:

• Weather forecasts

• Soil moisture sensors

• Seasonal changes

This reduces water waste and saves money on your utility bill—while keeping your lawn healthier.

Don’t Forget Drainage & Winterization

Great irrigation design also accounts for where excess water goes. Poor drainage can lead to soggy patches or even foundation issues. We design your system to direct water away from trouble spots.

And don’t forget winterization: blowing out your system before freezing temperatures prevents cracked pipes and costly repairs.

Let Laurian Outdoors Design It Right the First Time

Designing a lawn irrigation system isn’t just about watering the grass—it’s about optimizing performance, saving water, and protecting your investment.

At Laurian Outdoors, we bring experience, precision, and care to every irrigation project. Whether it’s for a new build or an upgrade to an outdated setup, we design systems that work smarter and last longer.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you bring out the best in your lawn—one drop at a time.