- Purpose of a Lawn Sprinkler Audit<\/a><\/li>
- When to Audit Your Sprinklers<\/a><\/li>
- Things to Consider Before a Sprinkler System Audit<\/a><\/li>
- Conducting a Lawn Sprinkler Audit<\/a><\/li>
- Water Utilities Offering Free Sprinkler Audits<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs About a Lawn Sprinkler Audit<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Purpose of a Lawn Sprinkler Audit<\/h2>
A lawn sprinkler audit, also known as a sprinkler system audit or irrigation audit, is a process of evaluating and assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of a lawn irrigation system. <\/p>
The main goal of an audit is to ensure water is being applied most efficiently while minimizing waste. An audit also ensures you aren\u2019t underwatering or over-watering your grass. Instead, it\u2019s getting the amount of water it needs for optimal growth.<\/p>
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, \u201cNationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day.\u201d The downside, though, is that according to Water Sense, an EPA partnership program, as much as 50 percent<\/a> of that irrigation may be going to waste due to inefficient or improper watering by homeowners.<\/p>
When to Audit Your Sprinklers<\/h2>
![\"Sprinkler](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24445181093_9f2de37aff_b.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Ideally, you want your sprinkler system to work well every time it runs during the season so you can perform an audit whenever the weather permits. It\u2019s recommended, though, that early spring is optimal if you only plan to do a single audit each year. This time is perfect since it comes just as your lawn is starting to grow for the season. <\/p>
What part of the day is best to water? Early morning is best. The sun isn\u2019t yet at its peak, so you won\u2019t lose much water to evaporation, and water pressures are high.<\/p>
Things to Consider Before a Sprinkler System Audit<\/h2>
There is more to a lawn irrigation audit than checking hoses and sprinkler heads for leaks. First, experts advise you to take a step back and determine your watering needs and what factors impact those needs. Understanding these things will help you figure out precisely how long<\/a> and how often<\/a> you should water.<\/p>
![\"Rain](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Rain-Bird-mobile.png\")
<\/a><\/figure> What is Your Soil Type?<\/h3>
There are three main classifications of soil particles \u2014 sand, silt, and clay \u2014 based on size. These particles blend together to make 12 different soil types<\/a> or textures: sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, loam, silt loam, silt, silty clay loam, clay loam, silty clay, sandy clay, and clay.<\/p>
The different soil textures have different watering requirements related to their predominant soil particle type:<\/p>
- Sandy soils<\/a> need frequent watering because they don\u2019t retain water well. The water seeps in rapidly but also passes through the soil quickly. So, water more frequently, but for shorter periods.<\/li>
- Silt and loamy soils<\/a> lie between sandy and clay soils in their absorption rate and moisture retention. Therefore, take a course of action in the middle \u2014 water at a moderate rate for a moderate length of time.<\/li>
- Clay soils require less watering because they hold the most water. Since water seeps slowly into clay soils, water at low rates over a more extended period and less often.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip: <\/em><\/strong>For soils with a mix of particle sizes (e.g., sandy clay loam), you may have to water them and gauge how they absorb and retain water. Then adjust your watering rate and frequency accordingly.<\/em><\/p>
What is Your Grass Type? <\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> How much water your lawn needs ultimately depends on the grass you\u2019re growing. Grasses vary significantly in their water requirements and also their drought tolerance. On average, warm-season grasses<\/a> require less water and have better drought tolerance than cool-season grasses<\/a>.<\/p>
Therefore, it\u2019s essential to know what turfgrass you\u2019re growing to give it the right amount of water. If you don\u2019t know what kind of grass you have, a general rule of thumb with lawn watering is to give it 1 inch of water weekly.<\/p>
Watering Requirements for Warm-Season Grasses<\/h4>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> - Bahiagrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Bermudagrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Centipedegrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- St. Augustine<\/a>: 1.25 inches per week<\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a>: 0.75 inches per week<\/li> <\/ul>
Watering Requirements for Cool-Season Grasses<\/h4>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> - Fine fescue<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Tall fescue<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li> <\/ul>
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- Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Bermudagrass<\/a>: 1 inch per week<\/li>
- Silt and loamy soils<\/a> lie between sandy and clay soils in their absorption rate and moisture retention. Therefore, take a course of action in the middle \u2014 water at a moderate rate for a moderate length of time.<\/li>
- When to Audit Your Sprinklers<\/a><\/li>
![\"water](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sprinkler-system-1.jpg\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lawn-pink-chairs-water-sprinkler.jpg\")