We install spray irrigation for lawns and landscapes, and drip irrigation for gardens, trees, and specific plantings for both homes and businesses.
If you’re ready to enjoy lush green lawns and beautiful plants with a reliable irrigation system, we can make it a reality.
With 30 years of experience installing irrigation systems throughout the Twin Cities area, our team handles projects of any size and complexity with care and precision. Contact Landscape Guys today to get started.
Want to learn more about how irrigation can benefit you and your plants, and what is involved with installation? Read on for the ins and outs.
Types of Irrigation Systems
Spray Irrigation is perfect for large grassy lawns and landscapes. It uses sprinklers to quickly cover wide areas in a uniform spray, giving your plants even coverage. This system is fast to install and easy to maintain. It generally uses more water than drip irrigation.
Drip Irrigation is ideal for gardens, flower beds, trees, and plantings. It delivers water directly to the soil through a network of pipes and emitters. The system minimizes waste and can be customized for different plant needs. It reduces weed growth, as the chance of accidentally watering weeds is lower than with spray irrigation.
Because water drips out of the emitters at low pressure, drip irrigation systems are not generally used to cover large sections of lawn, as that would require too much piping and too many emitters to be practical.
Many properties benefit from combining both systems.
Benefits and Cost Savings
The right irrigation system protects your landscape and offers several benefits.
- Efficient modern systems reduce water bills and prevent lawn problems that require costly reseeding (which can range from $300 to $1,350 for a standard lawn). A healthy, attractive landscape also increases your property value.
- Automated watering means no more fighting with a tangled garden hose. You get peace of mind that your plants will get the water they need, without having to interrupt your day.
- For commercial properties, a properly irrigated landscape creates a positive first impression that can increase your profits. Studies show tangible benefits: Properties with impressive landscapes can pull rental rates about 7% higher (Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 2003).
- Retail properties with quality landscaping may see customer spending increase by up to 12%, according to industry estimates (KD Landscape Inc.).
- Businesses report an ROI of 100-200% for maintaining attractive landscapes, driven by increased customer traffic and satisfaction (TruNorth Landscaping, 2023; GreenPal).
Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies
Spray irrigation is the only practical choice for some properties. But we’ve probably all seen examples of sprayers dumping water on lawns during a rainstorm, so it’s natural to wonder if this is a mistake, or if spray irrigation is just inefficient?
Although older systems were not designed with efficiency in mind, modern irrigation systems incorporate several water-saving technologies:
Smart Controllers adjust watering schedules based on local weather data, automatically skipping unnecessary cycles during rainy periods and adjusting run times during dry weather.
Soil Moisture Sensors measure the actual moisture in your soil, preventing watering when the ground already has sufficient moisture. These sensors can reduce water usage by up to 40% compared to timer-only systems.
High-Efficiency Rotary Nozzles distribute larger water droplets that resist wind drift and evaporation, delivering more water where needed.
Pressure-Regulating Devices maintain water pressure throughout your system, preventing misting and overspray that commonly occurs with excessive pressure.
Flow Sensors detect leaks in your irrigation system, automatically shutting down zones or the entire system if abnormal flow is detected, preventing water waste and property damage.
In short, current irrigation systems include rain sensors, smart controllers, and high-efficiency nozzles that reduce water usage. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots with minimal waste. All our systems comply with local water conservation requirements.
Common Questions on Irrigation Systems
What type of irrigation system is best for my property?
Spray irrigation works best for lawns and open landscapes. Drip irrigation is great for gardens, flower beds, trees, and plantings where highly targeted watering is needed.
How much does installation cost?
Costs vary based on property size, system type, soil conditions, and complexity. A typical residential system ranges from $4,000-$8,000, while commercial properties may require more extensive systems.
How often should I water my lawn and garden?
Lawns typically need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Deep, infrequent watering (2-3 times per week) encourages stronger root systems than daily shallow watering. The exact schedule depends on your soil type, plant varieties, sun exposure, and seasonal conditions. Your system will be programmed with an appropriate schedule after installation, and can always be changed as needed.
How long does installation take?
Most residential installations take 2-3 days. Larger residential or commercial properties, or more complex systems, may require 3-5 days+.
Will the irrigation system damage my existing landscape?
Our installation uses equipment that minimizes lawn damage. Pipes are installed underground with small trenches, and any affected grass typically regrows within a few weeks. That said, every project is different.
What’s the cost difference between standard and smart irrigation systems?
A standard “manual” irrigation system typically costs 15-25% less upfront than a smart system. Standard controllers range from $100-300, while smart controllers cost $400-800+, depending on features and zone capacity.
Smart systems generally pay for themselves within 1-3 years through water savings of 20-50% annually. For an average property in the Twin Cities area, this can translate to $150-400 in water savings per year while also providing convenience and improved plant health.
When calculating total value, consider that smart systems often qualify for local water conservation rebates that can offset a portion of the initial investment.
How much maintenance do irrigation systems need?
In Minnesota, seasonal start-up in spring and winterization in fall is needed to prevent freeze damage. Throughout the growing season, sprinkler heads and emitters should be checked occasionally for clogs or damage. Smart systems reduce the need for manual adjustments. We offer maintenance packages to handle these seasonal requirements.
Can an irrigation system be installed in an established landscape?
Yes. Irrigation systems can be added to established landscapes with minimal disruption. While new construction is easiest, most existing properties can accommodate irrigation systems without issues.
How long do irrigation systems last?
With proper maintenance, the main underground pipes of an irrigation system can last 20-30 years. Above-ground components like sprinkler heads typically need replacement every 5-10 years. Controllers and valves generally last 10-15 years. Regular maintenance extends the life of all components and helps avoid costly repairs. Our systems use commercial-grade materials that offer more durability compared to DIY kits.
Obey your thirst
A professionally designed and installed irrigation system pays for itself through water conservation, plant health, and convenience. The right system delivers precisely the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed.
Contact Landscape Guys today to discuss your irrigation options and to get an estimate. We serve the entire Twin Cities area and beyond.