Drip Irrigation System: [Part 2] What are the Benefits?

 A drip irrigation system is an underground arrangement of tubes that delivers water to the plant’s roots. In part one, we discussed how these systems work and the different features that are available. In part two, we will outline how a drip irrigation system offers homeowners different benefits than a traditional irrigation system.

“Think of drip irrigation like a dart board. Traditional irrigation may hit the mark several times, but there are still some darts that miss the bullseye. Drip irrigation hits the bullseye every single time,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “Water is fed directly to the roots continuously and evenly, ensuring your plants are always receiving the right amount of water.”

Our experts have outlined the main benefits a drip irrigation system provides:

1. Accuracy – Drip irrigation systems are extremely accurate. The emitters and openings in the drip tubing can be customized to sit directly next to each plant’s roots. The water is distributed exactly where it is needed.
2. Reduces Diseases – Stagnant, pooled water on the ground and on your plant’s leaves foster an environment for mold and disease. These unwanted growths can damage and even kill your plant. Drip irrigation systems distribute the water directly to the plant’s roots, eliminating stagnant surface water.
3. Time Saver – Don’t spend time attempting to evenly water your plants. The system guarantees even watering every time.
4. Efficiency – 30 to 50% of water can be saved by a drip irrigation system. Top-soil water evaporation is eliminated and over-watering is prevented.
5. Versatility - Your drip irrigation system can be customized with safety valves, lateral tubes and emitters that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. Additionally, there is no need to level your terrain. These systems can be installed almost anywhere to water almost anything.
6. Decreased Fertilizer Costs - Micro-doses of fertilizer can automatically be applied to your plants through the irrigation system. Small doses are applied at an almost constant rate to provide the plant with all of the nutrients it needs to be healthy.
7. Improved Environmental Effects – Under-soil application of water and fertilizer reduces runoff as well as the amount of water needed, whereas traditional methods lose some water through evaporation.
8. Discourages Weeds – Areas between plants are typical problem spots for weed growth. Weeds feed off of the nutrients that could be going to your plant. Since water goes directly to your plant’s roots and nowhere else, your drip irrigation system can help reduce the amount of weed growth.

“Our team will custom design and install a drip irrigation system to best suit your garden and landscape. With nearly 30 years of irrigation installation experience, we can fulfill any customer’s needs,” said Minor.

To take advantage of the benefits a drip irrigation system provides, talk to the experts at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. To contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation, please e-mail John or call 704-747-0235.

Drip Irrigation System: [Part 1] How Does it Work?

A drip irrigation system is a series of underground tubes that supply slow, constant water to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation applies precise amounts of moisture exactly where it is needed.

“Drip irrigation systems are different from traditional irrigation methods,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “With drip irrigation, water is fed underground directly to the roots. With traditional irrigation, water is distributed above ground and soaks into the soil. Many of our customers aren’t aware of this other method and the advantages it can provide.”

Since drip irrigation systems are different than traditional irrigation and lawn sprinklers, we have put together an overview of its design to outline the distinctions.

Features of Drip Irrigation Systems

Valves – The valve is located at the top of the piping. This feature manually controls when water is flowing or turned off.

Backflow Preventer  – A backflow preventer is critical in protecting your health and safety. This feature prevents dirt, salmonella or any other materials from getting sucked back up the tube and into your drinking water.

Pressure Reducing Valve – A pressure reducing valve does exactly what it says; it reduces the water pressure to keep it flowing at a constant level.

Water Filter – The water filter is a highly recommended feature in drip irrigation systems. It prevents large particles and any harmful substances from reaching your plant’s roots. Not only does it help plant health by providing clean water, it prevents build up and blockages in the tubing by filtering out large particulates.

Drip Tubing  – The drip tubing carries your water to the desired watering area. There are openings in the tube to install drip emitters.

Drip Emitters – Drip emitters screw or snap into the drip tube and determine how quickly water is released from the tube. Different emitters can be installed based on your needs. The plant type, local rainfall amounts and many other factors determine which emitters are necessary.

End Cap – The end cap is placed at the end of the drip tube. This stops water from flowing out of the line. It can be removed to flush out any blockages or particulates built up within the tube.

“We have outlined the basics of drip irrigation system design, but each part offers different advantages and disadvantages. There are several types of valves, drip tubing and drip emitters,” said Minor. “We want to make sure our customers get exactly what they need out of their drip irrigation. We love to discuss the options these systems offer with our customers to best suit their needs.”

We have been installing irrigation systems for nearly 30 years and have served customers with a variety of needs. Our installation experts will custom design an irrigation system for each customer’s requirements.

Designing and installing a drip irrigation system can be complicated. Let the experts at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist handle it for you. To contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation, please e-mail John or call 704-747-0235.

Charlotte Irrigation Installation: The Advantages of Drip Irrigation

In today's world, everyone is looking for something to make their lives easier. When we need information quickly, we use the internet. When we need to connect with someone, we use a cell phone, and when we need to find a destination, we use a GPS. But, what can we use to help with the maintenance of our lawns? The answer is simple, irrigation systems. 

Between work, children and a social life, the time it takes to properly maintain an attractive lawn is limited. It is hard to find the time to stand in our lawn with a hose everyday to make sure each plant is getting properly hydrated. That is one reason Charlotte irrigation installation has become so popular. It saves time and work, and the end results speak for themselves. 

Charlotte Irrigation Installation Trend

The latest trend in residential Charlotte irrigation installation is drip irrigation. It was mainly used for agriculture at one time, but due to its advantages, homeowners have caught on and started using drip irrigation as a secret weapon to water their plants and vegetation. 

"The highly unique and efficient design of drip irrigation systems have made it a powerful tool for Charlotte homeowners to capitalize on," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "It is a great tool that can be used to grow plants on any scale, and our customers love the convenience factor."

What is Drip Irrigation? 

A drip irrigation system consists of vinyl or polyethylene tubing that is installed between emitters that disburs water to the areas that need it. The emitters direct the water to the root systems without wasting water. By maintaining a water level that will keep your roots moist, your plants, crops and greenery will grow quicker and larger than with normal watering methods. 

Five Advantages of Charlotte Drip Irrigation Installation

In addition to drip irrigation's highly effective watering methods, it also provides the following advantages: 

1. Accuracy - The emitters of your drip irrigation system are used to determine how much water is released and where. You won't have to worry about overspray or flooding. Your drip irrigation system will be designed to deliver the right amount of water to the most effective watering locations.
2. Reduces Diseases - Diseases are more prevalent when water sits on top of leaves or foliage. Since your drip irrigation system will direct water to the roots, you will decrease the incidence of diseases, which means your plants have a greater chance of living longer. 
3. Time Saver - Your drip irrigation system will take care of all your watering needs and reduces the amount of time your plants need to be watered. You will no longer have to spend hours every week trying to evenly water all of your plants. 
4. Efficiency - Because drip irrigation systems use less water than other methods of irrigation, they can be up to 90-percent more efficient. Since you won't be wasting water, you will save on your water bill and help the environment. 
5. Versatility - Your drip irrigation system can be customized with safety valves, lateral tubes and pumps that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. Additionally, you will not be required to level terrain to install your system. A drip irrigation system can practically be designed to go anywhere and water anything.

"We have installed a lot of drip irrigation systems for our customers, and they consider it an investment," said Minor. "Because of the time and money they will save in the long run, the system pretty much pays for itself. Not to mention, your plants will be healthier than ever."

To learn more about drip irrigation or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor with Irrigation Lighting and Specialist at 803-831-0506 or 704-747-0235 or email John. We look forward to showing you how our Charlotte irrigation installation can help save you time, money
and the hassle of a hose!