Maintaining the lush green lawn is important, and keeping it during the hot summer days requires sprinkler irrigation.
Sprinklers mimic rainfall, helping the lawn grow evenly. However, mowing can be tricky because of sprinkler heads, which often get damaged by lawnmowers.
This guide will explore effective methods and strategies to protect your sprinkler heads from lawn mower damage, ensuring your irrigation system stays functional and your lawn remains healthy.
Use Pop-Up Sprinkler
Pop-up sprinklers, as the name suggests, pop up to spray water and then retract back into the ground when not in use.
This makes them an ideal choice for protecting from the lawn mower’s blades.
Pop-up sprinklers are also cost effective and a good choice for small and medium-sized lawns.
However, remember that these sprinklers are not suitable for extremely hilly or sloped terrains, plus the maintenance they require from clogging and sediments.
Marking the Sprinkler Head Location
This is the simplest and effective method to protect the sprinkler head.
You can make sprinkler head positions more visible by taking the simple steps like:
- Colored flags: Place small, brightly colored flags near each sprinkler head.
- Paint: Use bright, non-toxic spray paint to create a circle around each head.
- Permanent markers: For pop-up sprinklers, use weatherproof markers to color the top of the head.
These visual cues will help you and anyone mowing your lawn to avoid sprinkler heads.
Installing Protective Devices
There are several products in the market you can use to protect sprinkler heads.
Donuts:
These are simple circular-shaped guards that wrap around your sprinkler heads when they’re inactive as an added layer of protection.
Sprinkler Guard:
A sprinkler Guard is a plastic or metal cover that fits over the sprinkler head, allowing water to pass through while protecting from mower blades.
Sprinkler Shields:
Similar to guards, these often have a lower profile and are less noticeable.
You can also get creative and make your own protective devices using larger pipes like PVC that cover well enough small sprinkles or using rocks to cover printer heads and let lawnmowers go through them easily.
Do remember to consider some facts before choosing these protective devices:
- Compatibility with your sprinkler type
- Durability and weather resistance
- Ease of installation
- Aesthetic impact on your lawn
Creating the Protective Zones
Mark the area around the sprinkler heads so that when mowing the lawn, you know exactly where they are.
You can use tactics like:
Mulch Rings:
Create a small circle of mulch around each sprinkler head. This not only protects the head but can also add visual interest to your lawn.
Concrete Donuts:
For a more permanent solution, install concrete rings around sprinkler heads.
When creating these zones, ensure they’re level with the surrounding grass to prevent tripping hazards and allow for easy mowing around them.
Proper Sprinkler Head Installation
Incorrect installation of sprinkler heads can cause problems, including issues with lawn care.
Consider these tips for proper installation:
Depth:
Ensure pop-up sprinklers are installed at the correct depth. They should retract fully when not in use.
Stability:
Use stabilizer joints or flex pipes to prevent heads from tilting over time.
Level:
All sprinkler heads should be level with the surrounding turf.
It is better to consider having a professional adjust them.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Regularly checking the sprinklers is the best practice to prevent any damage or catch any other issues early. This also helps when mowing the lawn since you’ll already know where the sprinklers are.
Upgrade Your Irrigation System
Upgrading your irrigation system is also the best choice if you’re facing problems dealing with lawnmowers repeatedly.
Upgrades are like:
Smart irrigation systems:
Smart irrigation systems schedule the irrigation based on weather conditions, potentially reducing the frequency of pop-ups and the risk of damage.
In-ground systems:
Some newer systems are designed to be completely underground, virtually eliminating the risk of mower damage.
Drip irrigation:
For certain areas, consider switching to drip irrigation, which eliminates the need for above-ground sprinkler heads.
Lawn Mowing Best Practices
In addition to modifying or protecting your sprinkler heads, adopting some lawn mowing techniques can significantly reduce the risk of damage:
Mow when the grass is dry:
Wet grass can obscure sprinkler heads.
Mow in alternating patterns:
This prevents ruts from forming, which can expose sprinkler heads over time.
Use a trimmer around sprinkler heads:
For added precision, use a string trimmer to cut grass immediately surrounding sprinkler heads.
Educating Others
If you’re not only mowing the lawn, it’s crucial to educate other mowers about sprinkler heads like:
Lawn care services:
If you use a professional service, communicate clearly about your sprinkler system and any protection methods you have implemented.
Family members:
Ensure everyone in your household knows the importance of avoiding sprinkler heads.
Neighbors:
If you have a shared lawn or often lend mowing equipment, inform your neighbors about sprinkler head locations and protection strategies.
Seasonal Consideration
Your sprinkler head protection strategy may need to adapt to different seasons:
Spring:
As you start up your system, check for any winter damage and replace protective measures that may have been removed.
Summer:
During peak growing season, be extra vigilant about mowing practices.
Fall:
Consider adding extra protection as leaves fall and potentially obscure sprinkler heads.
Winter:
In colder climates, use winter covers or completely winterize your system.
Final Thoughts…
Protecting the sprinkler head from the lawn mower is a crucial aspect of both your irrigation system and your lawn.
By implementing a combination of these strategies—from simple marking techniques to investing in protective devices—you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your sprinklers.
Looking ahead, here are some future trends in sprinkler irrigation that will help with lawn mowing:
Retractable systems:
New designs are making sprinkler heads even less obtrusive when not in use.
Sensor technology:
Advanced sensors can detect obstacles (like mower blades) and automatically retract.
Mapping and GPS:
Some high-end systems use mapping to ‘remember’ sprinkler locations and can even guide mowing patterns.
Remember, the key to success is consistency and awareness. Regularly inspect your system, maintain good mowing practices, and stay informed about new protection methods and technologies.
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