Hand Watering vs. Irrigation: Is an Irrigation System Worth it?

It’s an age-old question that draws passionate opinions from both sides of the debate–is hand watering better than sprinklers, or is an irrigation system worth it?

As a Tampa Bay landscaping company with 25 years of experience providing the area with every service under the Florida sun–including irrigation system installation and maintenance–we have faced this particular challenge (and its many related questions) many times.

Thanks to Florida’s unique climate, year-round watering is almost always necessary to keep your property stunning at all times. Despite the Sunshine State’s famous afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane seasons, watering is an essential part of a comprehensive landscaping plan.

So, how do you determine if a sprinkler system is right for you and your property? We’re glad you asked. Read on for the top pros and cons of irrigation systems.

 

 

While there are some advantages to hand watering, one of the biggest disadvantages is the time it takes to properly water every part of your property. From your lawn and flower beds to your shrubs and potted plants, the sheer investment of time required to water everything by hand is daunting.

This is one area where irrigation shines. Because modern sprinkler systems–particularly smart irrigation systems–are automated, you save a tremendous amount of time by opting for them. Not only does this allow you to allocate that time elsewhere, but it also creates an undeniable convenience by removing such an in-depth responsibility from your schedule.

Whether you’re a residential homeowner meticulously caring for your lawn or a property manager charged with keeping an entire community pristine, keeping your utility bill down by conserving resources is a serious consideration when it comes to watering.

With efficiency in mind, both hand watering and irrigation systems have pros and cons. With hand watering, you get up close and personal with your plants. You can physically see how much water you are using and adapt on the fly to limit use. With smart irrigation systems, you may not physically alter the amount of water being used, but the system will automatically adjust for external factors such as the weather, time of day, season, and so on.

Micro-irrigation is also a consideration, as it is used to deliver precise amounts of water where it is needed most–a task that is typically reserved for hand watering. This allows your sprinkler system to be incredibly efficient, even without your direct involvement.

While many people flock to Tampa Bay for its comfortable year-round weather, the truth is that the climate can be unpredictable and challenging for plants. From unending storms to periods of drought to the occasional freeze, properties in Tampa Bay have to adapt to and overcome a variety of difficulties when it comes to climate.

These factors should be considered when weighing the pros and cons of irrigation systems. Hand watering gives you absolute control over when and where you water, but it comes with the downside of spending a tremendous amount of time outside in Florida’s heat and humidity. 

Sprinkler systems, on the other hand, account for changes and trends in the weather, automatically adapting based on environmental factors to conserve water when determining when and where to allocate resources. Not only does this save you from the headache of scheduling hand watering based on fluctuations in the weather, but it also can adapt to larger trends more efficiently, helping your landscape thrive year-round.

Hand watering can be effective and promote plant health, but there is significant room for error. It is harder to know exactly how much water is being delivered to the roots where it is needed, and the time and effort required to ensure hand watering is done correctly is significant.

Plant health and long-term outcomes are among the top considerations when asking, “Is an irrigation system worth it?” Because smart irrigation systems can be customized to your specific property, you can rest assured that every plant will receive precisely the right amount of water exactly where it is needed, including adjustments based on external factors like weather.

Over time, this leads to superior outcomes for plants and overall landscapes, promoting health and helping your property flourish.

The appearance and health of your Tampa Bay landscape are surely at the top of your list when considering the pros and cons of irrigation systems. However, there is another important factor to think about–the potential environmental impacts of irrigation vs. hand watering.

There are two primary concerns when it comes to protecting the environment as you water your plants. The first is using water efficiently to conserve resources, and the second is limiting the potential for runoff and erosion.

This is another area where properly designed and installed irrigation systems shine. By working with a professional irrigation service that has experience preserving Tampa Bay’s unique environment, you can ensure that your plants receive the water they need while limiting the possibility of negative environmental impacts.

If there is a downside to sprinkler systems, it is the initial cost of design and installation. Working with an expert to strategically design a system that suits your property, investing in quality system components, and properly installing your irrigation system can be costly.

There is also a cost associated with maintenance, though this expense is typically lower than one might think. Because smart irrigation systems monitor themselves, potential issues are identified before they become full-blown problems. This makes diagnosing concerns easy and preemptive maintenance and repairs simple.

When considered in context with the efficiency, convenience, water savings, and long-term landscape health benefits associated with irrigation systems, the upfront cost is almost always worth it. A sprinkler system is an investment in your Tampa Bay property, and the return becomes apparent quicker than you might assume.

The keys to an efficient and effective irrigation system are strategic design, quality components, professional installation, and consistent maintenance. Partnering with a local irrigation system specialist in Tampa Bay is the best way to ensure top-tier care and a positive long-term return on investment.

With 25 years of experience helping commercial and residential properties in Tampa Bay thrive, Landcrafters knows a thing or two about watering. Whether you’re looking for micro-irrigation that accounts for even the most sensitive plants or you need a complete system overhaul, we have you covered!

Looking for a new (and reliable) way to ensure your landscape can thrive? We can help!